the marketplace FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions 2026

How do I register on the marketplace?

Registration requires PGP keypair and Tor Browser. Generate 4096-bit RSA key using GnuPG. Download Tor from torproject.org. Access Nexus via verified mirrors from official links page. Click Register button. Enter unique username, strong password (minimum 16 characters), paste public PGP key. Set up 2FA using authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.). Save 10 backup codes securely offline. Registration completes immediately.

First-time registration takes about 3-5 minutes total. PGP key generation is one-time setup. Keep private key secure offline. Never share with anyone including Nexus staff.

Do I need special software to access Nexus?

Yes. Tor Browser required for accessing the marketplace onion links. Download from official torproject.org website only. Current version 13.0.8 (January 2026). Verify PGP signature after download. Windows, Mac, Linux, Android supported. iOS not supported due to Apple restrictions.

Regular browsers cannot access .onion addresses. Only Tor Browser works. VPN optional but not required. Tor provides anonymity by default.

Where do I find official Nexus links?

Visit Nexus official mirrors page for current verified onion URLs. All links PGP-signed and updated hourly. Check multiple sources: this clearnet site, Dread forum posts from Nexus admin, established darknet directories. Cross-reference to ensure URLs match exactly. Bookmark verified mirrors immediately after confirmation.

Never click links from random forum posts or social media. Phishing sites common. Always verify PGP signatures. One wrong character in URL means phishing attempt.

What cryptocurrencies does Nexus accept?

Three cryptocurrencies supported:

• Bitcoin (BTC): 1.5% platform fee, 2 confirmations required (20-60 minutes average)
• Monero (XMR): 0.5% platform fee, 10 confirmations required (20-25 minutes average)
• Litecoin (LTC): 1.0% platform fee, 6 confirmations required (15-30 minutes average)

Monero recommended for best privacy and lowest fees. All three work reliably on the platform. Choose based on your preferences and existing cryptocurrency holdings.

How long do Nexus deposits take?

Deposit times depend on cryptocurrency and network congestion:

• Bitcoin: 2 confirmations typically 20-60 minutes. Slow during high network usage.
• Monero: 10 confirmations typically 20-25 minutes. Fastest option usually.
• Litecoin: 6 confirmations typically 15-30 minutes. Middle option.

Funds available in Nexus balance after required confirmations complete. Check deposit address on dashboard for status updates. Don't panic if taking 30-45 minutes during congestion.

How do Nexus withdrawals work?

Withdrawals processed manually for security. Average processing time 2-6 hours during normal operations. Large withdrawals above $10,000 USD equivalent may require additional verification and take longer.

First-time withdrawals include mandatory 24-hour security hold. Protects users if account compromised. Subsequent withdrawals faster. Withdrawal fees vary by network congestion, displayed before confirmation. Withdraw regularly - don't leave large balances on the platform.

Can I use credit cards or PayPal on the platform?

No. Nexus accepts only cryptocurrency payments: Bitcoin, Monero, Litecoin. No credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, or other traditional payment methods. Cryptocurrency provides anonymity and irreversibility required for darknet marketplace operations.

New to cryptocurrency? Buy Bitcoin or Monero from exchange (Kraken, Coinbase, Binance). Send to personal wallet first. Then send to Nexus deposit address. Never send directly from KYC exchange to Nexus.

How do I place an order on the marketplace?

Ordering process simple:

1. Browse categories or search for products on the platform
2. Select item, click to view details
3. Choose quantity, shipping options
4. Add to cart, proceed to checkout
5. Review order total including Nexus fees
6. Confirm order - funds move to escrow automatically
7. Vendor receives notification, ships product
8. Track order status in Nexus dashboard
9. Release funds from escrow after delivery

Entire process takes 2-3 minutes. Funds protected in multisig escrow until you release or dispute. Simple and secure.

What if vendor doesn't ship my Nexus order?

Open dispute within 14-day window. Click "Open Dispute" button on the platform order page. Provide evidence: message history with vendor, screenshots, tracking information if provided. Vendor has 48 hours to respond with their evidence.

Nexus moderator reviews both sides. Decision based on marketplace policies and submitted proof. Typical resolution time 48-72 hours. Possible outcomes: full refund, partial refund, payment to vendor, or split decision. Appeals available if either party disagrees with initial decision.

How does Nexus escrow protect me?

Multisig escrow requires two signatures from three parties: buyer, vendor, Nexus platform. When you place order, funds move to 2-of-3 multisig address. Vendor can't access without your approval. Nexus can't access without buyer or vendor signature.

Normal flow: you release funds after receiving product (your signature + vendor signature). Dispute flow: moderator provides third signature after making decision. Auto-finalize after 14 days prevents indefinite holds. System eliminates exit scam risk and protects both buyers and vendors.

Can I cancel Nexus order after placing?

Depends on vendor and order status. If vendor hasn't shipped yet, message them requesting cancellation. Many vendors accommodate if caught early. If vendor already shipped, too late to cancel.

Vendor doesn't respond to cancellation request? Wait for delivery or non-delivery, then dispute if needed. Don't abuse cancellations - impacts vendor ratings and your buyer account standing on the platform.

How do I become a vendor on the marketplace?

Vendor registration requires bond deposit and application:

1. Register normal Nexus user account first
2. Submit vendor application form explaining products/services
3. Deposit vendor bond in cryptocurrency (Basic: $200, Silver: $500, Gold: $1000)
4. Verify PGP key and wait for staff approval
5. Approval typically within 24-48 hours after bond confirmation
6. Create product listings, set policies, start selling on the platform

Vendor bonds held in multisig escrow. Returned upon account closure with zero outstanding disputes. Scamming results in bond forfeiture and permanent Nexus ban.

What are Nexus vendor fees?

Three-tier system based on performance:

• Basic Tier: $200 bond, 10% transaction fee, all new Nexus vendors start here
• Silver Tier: $500 bond, 8% transaction fee, requires 50+ orders and 4.5+ rating
• Gold Tier: $1000 bond, 5% transaction fee, requires 200+ orders and 4.8+ rating

Promotion automatic when requirements met. Gold tier vendors get featured placement and lowest fees on the platform marketplace.

How do vendors get paid on the platform?

Funds held in escrow until buyer releases or auto-finalize occurs (14 days). After release, payment appears in vendor Nexus balance immediately. Withdraw to external wallet anytime (2-6 hour processing).

Nexus takes commission when order finalizes. Remaining amount goes to vendor. Example: $100 order, Basic tier 10% fee = $90 to vendor. Track earnings in Nexus vendor dashboard.

What if I lose my Nexus 2FA device?

Use backup codes provided during 2FA setup. Each backup code works once. Ten codes provided initially. Enter backup code instead of 2FA token when logging into Nexus.

No backup codes saved? Account permanently locked. No recovery possible. Nexus cannot bypass 2FA - security by design. Store backup codes in multiple secure offline locations.

Can I change my Nexus password?

Yes. Visit account settings after logging in. Enter current password, new password (minimum 16 characters), confirm new password. Change takes effect immediately. All other sessions logged out for security.

Change Nexus password regularly (every 3-6 months recommended). Use unique password not used on other sites. Generate with password manager like KeePassXC.

How do I verify Nexus mirror links are real?

PGP signature verification critical. Every official Nexus announcement includes PGP-signed message with current mirror URLs. Download signed message, verify using GnuPG with official Nexus public key.

Cross-reference URLs across multiple sources: this clearnet site, Dread forum posts from verified Nexus admin account, established darknet directories. All sources should show identical URLs. Bookmark verified mirrors immediately. One character difference = phishing site.

Is the marketplace safe to use?

Nexus implements industry-standard security: mandatory PGP encryption, required 2FA, multisig escrow, regular security audits. 99.2% uptime maintained since November 2023 launch. No exit scam. Zero downtime incidents.

Safety also depends on your OPSEC practices. Use Tor Browser properly. Follow security guidelines on Nexus security page. Don't reuse passwords. Withdraw funds regularly. Never share credentials. Platform provides tools, you must use them correctly.

Nexus mirror won't load - what do I do?

Try these steps:

1. Wait 30-60 seconds - Tor connections sometimes slow
2. Try different Nexus mirror from mirrors page
3. Click "New Tor Circuit" in Tor Browser (right-click → New Tor Circuit)
4. Check if Tor Browser working: visit check.torproject.org
5. Clear Tor Browser cache: Settings → Privacy → Clear History
6. Restart Tor Browser completely
7. Check Nexus status on Dread forum for DDoS reports

Temporary slowness normal during peak hours or DDoS attacks. Be patient or try again later.

My Nexus deposit didn't arrive - help?

Check deposit status:

1. Verify sent to correct Nexus deposit address (check dashboard)
2. Check transaction on blockchain explorer (blockchain.com for Bitcoin, xmrchain.net for Monero)
3. Wait for required confirmations (2 for BTC, 10 for XMR, 6 for LTC)
4. Network congestion can delay confirmations up to several hours
5. If transaction shows confirmed but not in Nexus balance after 2 hours, contact support

Most "missing" deposits just waiting for confirmations. Check blockchain explorer first before panicking.

Vendor not responding to my Nexus messages?

Vendors have 48 hours to respond per Nexus policies. Check when you sent message. Still in 48-hour window? Wait patiently. Beyond 48 hours without response? Vendor may be on vacation, dealing with backlog, or ignoring.

No response after reasonable time? Order not shipped? Open dispute. Provide message history showing you tried contacting vendor. Moderator will see vendor unresponsive and rule accordingly. Don't finalize orders if vendor not communicating on the platform.

Can I use VPN with Tor Browser for extra security?

Yes, VPN before Tor provides additional protection layer. Connect to VPN first, then launch Tor Browser. Your ISP sees VPN connection (not Tor traffic). Tor network sees VPN exit IP (not your real IP address).

Choose privacy-focused VPN provider: no-logging policy verified by independent audit, accepts cryptocurrency payments anonymously, located in privacy-friendly jurisdiction. Recommended options: Mullvad, IVPN, ProtonVPN.

Never use VPN after Tor (Tor over VPN). This configuration deanonymizes traffic by routing through VPN exit servers. VPN before Tor only.

What happens if customs seizes my package?

Package seizure risk exists for international orders. If customs intercepts shipment:

1. You'll receive seizure notice letter (love letter) in mail explaining package confiscated
2. DO NOT contact customs or attempt redelivery. Ignore the letter completely
3. DO NOT sign for redelivery or acknowledge package was yours
4. Take photo of seizure letter as evidence
5. Open dispute on marketplace with vendor, attach seizure letter photo
6. Most vendors offer 50% reship or full refund policy for seizures
7. Consider domestic vendors for future orders to avoid customs risk

Single package seizure rarely leads to prosecution. Customs destroys contraband, sends letter, forgets about it. Multiple seizures increase risk. Use domestic shipping when possible.

How do I verify marketplace PGP signatures?

PGP signature verification ensures messages authentically from marketplace administrators, not phishing attempts:

1. Obtain official PGP public key from multiple verified sources (clearnet site, Dread forum, trusted directory)
2. Import key into GPG: gpg --import nexus-pubkey.asc
3. When marketplace posts signed message, save signature block to file: message.asc
4. Verify signature: gpg --verify message.asc
5. Output shows "Good signature" if authentic, "BAD signature" if forged or tampered
6. Check key fingerprint matches official fingerprint from multiple sources

Verify signatures on mirror announcements, policy changes, important updates. Protects against phishing sites impersonating legitimate marketplace.

Can I get refund if product quality poor?

Disputes exist for quality issues. If product received but quality unsatisfactory:

1. Document issue with photos (blurry product, wrong item, damaged goods, etc.)
2. Message vendor first explaining problem professionally
3. Reasonable vendors offer partial refund or reship for legitimate complaints
4. If vendor refuses to resolve, open dispute within 14-day window
5. Provide photo evidence, message history, detailed explanation to moderator
6. Moderator reviews evidence from both parties and makes decision

Minor quality differences rarely warrant full refund (product slightly smaller than expected, color variation). Major discrepancies (completely wrong product, fake/counterfeit item, product unusable) more likely result in refund. Be reasonable with expectations.

Why do some vendors require finalize early (FE)?

Finalize early means buyer releases escrow funds before receiving product. Only legitimate for specific scenarios:

• Digital goods: Instant delivery products (accounts, digital files) may require FE since delivery immediate
• Established vendors: Gold tier vendors with 500+ successful orders and 4.9+ rating may have FE option available
• Large bulk orders: Wholesale quantities ($1000+) sometimes require FE to reduce vendor cash flow risk
• Special shipping: Unusual destinations or high-risk countries may require FE for vendor protection

NEVER finalize early for new vendors, vendors with poor ratings, or vendors pressuring you. FE removes buyer protection. Scammers specifically target FE orders knowing refund impossible once finalized. Only FE when justified by vendor reputation and circumstance.

Login says "Invalid 2FA code" but code is correct?

Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) require accurate system clock. If 2FA codes consistently rejected:

• Check device clock accuracy. Automatic time sync should be enabled
• Verify time zone set correctly on device running authenticator app
• Try waiting for next code generation (30-second cycle). Enter code immediately after generation
• If smartphone clock drifted, sync time: Settings → Date & Time → Set Automatically
• Last resort: use backup codes from registration. Each code single-use only

After using backup code, immediately regenerate new 2FA setup to get fresh codes. Lost all backup codes with broken 2FA? Account permanently locked. Prevention: store backup codes in multiple secure locations.

Getting CAPTCHA loop on login page?

Repeated CAPTCHA prompts indicate potential bot detection or connection issues:

• Clear Tor Browser cookies and cache: Settings → Privacy → Clear Data
• Request new Tor circuit: right-click address bar → New Circuit for this Site
• Check Tor Browser security level: keep on Standard (not Safest which breaks some features)
• Verify no browser extensions installed. Extensions interfere with Tor functionality
• Try different marketplace mirror. Some mirrors may have stricter bot protection
• Wait 10-15 minutes and retry. Temporary rate limiting may be active

Persistent CAPTCHA problems across all mirrors suggest DDoS mitigation active. Check marketplace status on Dread forum or wait for attack to subside.

Withdrawal stuck on "Processing" for hours?

Cryptocurrency withdrawals processed manually for security. Expected processing time 2-6 hours, sometimes longer during high volume:

• First-time withdrawals include automatic 24-hour security hold. No exceptions. This prevents stolen account funds from being withdrawn quickly
• Large withdrawals ($10,000+ equivalent) trigger additional verification, may take 12-24 hours
• Weekend withdrawals process slower. Skeleton staff on Saturdays/Sundays
• Network congestion unrelated to processing. Marketplace processes withdrawal, then transaction enters blockchain mempool
• Check account notifications for security alerts or additional verification requirements

Withdrawal not processed after 48 hours? Contact support with transaction ID. Likely stuck in queue requiring manual intervention. Never create duplicate withdrawal requests (results in both processing).

Error: "PGP key invalid or malformed"

Registration or profile update rejecting PGP public key indicates formatting problem:

• Ensure copying ENTIRE key block including BEGIN and END markers: -----BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK----- to -----END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----
• Verify no extra spaces, line breaks, or characters before/after key block
• Confirm key exported in ASCII armor format (--armor flag): gpg --armor --export email@example.com
• Test key validity locally: gpg --import test-key.asc should import without errors
• Verify key strength meets minimum requirement (4096-bit RSA). Older 2048-bit keys may be rejected
• Check expiration date. Expired keys rejected by marketplace systems

Still rejecting after verification? Re-export key using different GPG tool. Kleopatra (Windows), GPG Keychain (Mac), command-line GPG (Linux) sometimes format slightly differently. One may succeed where others fail.

Browser shows "Onion site not found" error?

Cannot reach onion address indicates several possible issues:

• Onion address typed incorrectly. Check every character carefully. One wrong letter = completely different site
• Marketplace temporarily offline for maintenance. Check clearnet status page or Dread forum
• Specific mirror down. Try alternative mirrors from official mirror list
• Tor connection disrupted. Test with check.torproject.org to verify Tor working
• Your ISP or country blocking Tor. Use bridge relays: Tor Browser Settings → Tor → Bridges
• DDoS attack in progress. Wait 30-60 minutes and retry

Bookmarked mirror suddenly stopped working but other mirrors functional? Mirror retired or compromised. Update bookmark to working mirror. Never use outdated mirrors discovered through search engines (phishing risk).