Disputes on Mars Market
A dispute is what you open when an order does not arrive, arrives short, or is not what was described. The escrow freezes the moment you do, so you are not out of pocket while it is looked at. Most never reach a human. The ones that do are decided on the written record, which means the outcome usually follows whoever kept better notes.
Opening one
Go to the order page and open a dispute. State what happened, attach the listing, the messages, and anything the vendor sent. Be specific and keep it in writing. A dispute that is a paragraph of facts beats one that is a paragraph of anger, because the person deciding is reading a log, not a mood.
The recommended split
As soon as a dispute is opened, the system calculates a recommended split from the order value, the time since shipment, and the vendor recent dispute history. Both parties can accept it in one action and the escrow releases immediately. This is where most disputes end, because it is faster and cheaper than waiting on a panel.
The panel
If neither side accepts, a three person panel reviews the message log, the timestamps, and the vendor shipping pattern before signing the platform key in one direction or the other. The panel is anonymous to both sides by design, because a name on the decision invites pressure that neither benefits from. Expect three to seven days, and expect the decision to follow the evidence you submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my money while a dispute is open?
No. The escrow freezes, so the funds are held until the dispute resolves.
What wins a dispute?
The written record. Messages, timestamps, and shipping details. Keep them and the outcome usually follows.
Can I cancel a dispute?
Yes, before it is decided. Once the panel signs, the decision is final and appended to the order.