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General Usage

Learn how to use PointsBazaar's platform features, including smart wallets, contract management, and transaction processes.

What happens when the Buyer Protection period passes, but the buyer still has not released funds▼

Once the Buyer Protection period ends, the seller will have the option to release/withdraw the funds from the contract's escrow.

Can I cancel the contract after I've transferred funds into escrow▼

Yes, but once you transfer funds into escrow, it signals that you're ready to proceed with the transaction. If you choose to cancel after this point, you'll need to pay the pre-agreed penalty (10% of the total contract amount) to the seller.

Are there penalties for cancelling a transaction before completion▼

For buyers, transferring funds into escrow constitutes a commitment to the transaction. If a buyer cancels after this point, a 10% cancellation fee will be charged and paid to the seller.

For sellers, once the buyer deposits funds into escrow, they have 24 hours to cancel the transaction without penalty. After this window, cancelling the transaction requires paying a 10% penalty.

Where do contracts get deployed to▼

Contracts are deployed directly on the Base blockchain, along with an on-chain escrow account to securely hold the funds. You can access all your deployed contracts in the Ongoing tab.

Can deployed contracts expire▼

Deployed contracts remain active until the payment period expires. If the buyer doesn't lock funds into escrow before the deadline, the contract will automatically change to Expired.

Do I have to attach proof when I confirm delivery▼

Yes, it's strongly recommended. Providing delivery proof helps the buyer locate the item and also protects you in case a dispute is raised later. The more evidence you provide, the better.

Do I need to pay to deploy contracts▼

No.

How long does it take for funds to arrive into my wallet after the buyer releases the funds▼

Transfers are usually immediate. However, during periods of high congestion on the Base blockchain, it may take 5–10 minutes for funds to appear. If you don't see the funds in your wallet after 10 minutes, please contact us.

How do I know the funds I've transferred and locked into PointsBazaar's escrow account are safe▼

Funds are securely locked on the Base blockchain, where all actions are transparent and auditable. Escrowed funds won't move unless both the buyer and seller meet the exact conditions of the contract. PointsBazaar cannot access or manage your funds unless explicitly instructed by either party. Only the buyer and seller control the contract and its funds.

How do PointsBazaar's smart wallets work▼

A PointsBazaar smart wallet is a unique and personalized account that lives within the Ethereum network. It is automatically created at account login and securely linked to the user's email, allowing easy access and recovery through email authentication. To further protect funds within user wallets, PointsBazaar uses Turnkey, which stores private keys in enterprise-grade Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)—the same technology trusted by major banks and financial institutions. The result is a free, enterprise-level secure smart wallet that is simple to use and available to every user upon signup.

Is there a mobile app version of PointsBazaar▼

Not at the moment, but we should be rolling out a mobile version Q1, 2026. Stay tuned!

Is there a limit to how many times I can negotiate a contract▼

No, you can propose changes as many times as you want. However, both parties must agree to the entire contract before it can be deployed.

Is there a time limit within which I need to respond to an incoming negotiation request▼

No, there's no time limit to respond. However, once the contract is filled by someone else, it becomes inactive and you can no longer respond to the request.

I don't have any crypto, how can I make purchases on PointsBazaar▼

Since PointsBazaar's infrastructure is built on the blockchain, transactions require stablecoins—a digital version of the U.S. dollar recognized as a legitimate medium of exchange on the blockchain. PointsBazaar supports multiple easy ways to acquire stablecoins, including direct purchases through Venmo or PayPal. The entire process typically takes just a few minutes.

Can I prolong/shorten the buyer protection period▼

No, the Buyer Protection period cannot be extended or shortened. It remains fixed throughout the transaction. Buyers should inspect the items promptly and raise any disputes with PointsBazaar before this period ends. Please refer to our Dispute Management section for more details around how to raise disputes and key things to keep in mind before raising a dispute with PointsBazaar.

Where can I see all the attachments, proofs, etc. from the seller▼

All delivery proof and related messages are stored in the Communications tab, located in the Communications tool at the bottom right of your Contract Management screen.

How do I view/edit my buy or sell posts▼

All your buy and sell posts are stored in the My Posts tab once you're signed in. From there, you can view all your listings and use the three-dot menu on each post to edit or cancel it.

What is alchemy.com? Why am I seeing this website when logging in▼

Alchemy is a leading blockchain infrastructure provider. PointsBazaar uses Alchemy's tools to seamlessly connect user email logins with crypto wallets, making it fast and easy to set up the wallet needed to create and manage smart contracts on PointsBazaar.