How it Works
We've simplified the escrow process to make private transactions as safe as buying from a store. Here's exactly what happens from start to finish.
Here's how it works
No more meeting strangers with cash. No more "just Venmo me." Here's what happens instead.
Tell us about the deal
Found something on Marketplace? Agreed on a price with someone on Craigslist? Enter the details and invite the other person. Takes about 60 seconds.
We hold the money
The buyer pays into a secure escrow account. The seller can see the money is real and locked in. Nobody can touch it until the deal is done.
Everybody walks away happy
The buyer gets the item and says it looks good. We release the money to the seller. If something is wrong, the buyer gets a refund. Simple as that.
The full process, step by step
Every transaction follows this secure flow. No shortcuts, no exceptions.
Create the Deal
Either the buyer or seller starts a transaction on Handshake.exchange. Enter the item details, sale price, and the other party's email address. Both parties receive an email to review and agree to the terms.
Buyer Funds Escrow
Once both parties agree, the buyer sends payment to the secure Escrow.com holding account. Payment methods include Credit Card, PayPal (up to $5,000), or Wire Transfer/ACH (no limit). The seller is notified that funds are secured.
Seller Delivers the Item
The seller ships or delivers the item to the buyer, then marks it as shipped in the system. Tracking information can be added for physical goods. For domain names, transfer is initiated through the registrar.
Buyer Inspects
The buyer has the agreed inspection period (1-30 days) to examine the item. Does it match the description? Is it in the promised condition? If everything checks out, the buyer accepts.
Funds Released
Once the buyer accepts, Escrow.com releases the funds to the seller via their chosen disbursement method (ACH, domestic wire, or international wire). The transaction is complete.
Built-in safety at every step
These protections are included in every transaction, at no extra cost.
Secure Verification
Both the buyer and seller are required to verify their identity with a government-issued ID before any money changes hands. This prevents fraud, impersonation, and chargebacks.
Inspection Period
The buyer has a set number of days (1-30) to inspect the item after delivery. If the item isn't as described, the buyer can reject it and get a full refund. Funds are only released once the buyer accepts.
Expert Mediation
If there's a disagreement, our dedicated dispute resolution team reviews the evidence from both parties and makes a fair, impartial decision. No lawyers needed.
What if something goes wrong?
Item not as described? The buyer rejects the item during the inspection period. The seller must accept the return or the dispute team steps in.
Seller never ships? The buyer can cancel the transaction and receive a full refund of the purchase amount.
Buyer never pays? The transaction stays in "awaiting payment" status. No money moves, no risk to the seller.
Disagreement between parties? Escrow.com's professional mediation team reviews all evidence and makes a binding decision. It's like having a judge on standby.
Included with every transaction
Secured by Escrow.com
Every transaction is held and protected by Escrow.com — the world’s largest online escrow service, trusted since 1999.
SSL Secured
Your data is encrypted with bank-level security protocols.
ID Verified
We verify both buyer and seller to ensure legitimate transactions.
Fraud Protection
Our system detects and prevents common scams before they happen.
100% Trust or Money-Back Guarantee
— Your funds are held securely and fully refundable if the deal falls through.Ready to make your deal?
Start a transaction today and experience the peace of mind of a secure handshake. It takes less than 2 minutes.