Ordering like a Pro, the first time, and every time.
Vendor
- Chose domestic or international.
- Read the full vendor profile. If you still have questions, message the vendor.
- Have you looked at off site reviews for the vendor you have chosen? Are they positive?
- Do you have their current PGP key to use?
- Are there any reports of scamming or selective scamming from this vendor?
- Does the vendor require FE?
- Have they logged in within the past 2 business days? If they have not, using them is not advised. (thanks to /u/joustingthesky)
- Check the "Vendor Blacklist" on /r/darknetmarkets for any recent additions.
Transaction
- With this vendor, is multisig an option? If yes, using it would be in your best interest.
- If centralized escrow is the only option, understand a markets funds can be gone at any time.
- Decide ahead of the order if you will FE upon request, or refuse. Stick with this decision.
Bitcoins
- Make sure you have enough to order and pay for shipping. A little extra left over is ok.
- Are the coins you are using traceable back to your clearnet accounts? They should not be.
- Tumble if needed. There are a few different way to tumble.
- Never spend/buy Bitcoins you can't afford to lose. Shit happens.
OpSec
- Is your end client (computer) effectively secure? If not, Whonix, TAILS, and QubesOS are recommended.
- Heed these warnings: https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html.en#warning
- Is the address you are ordering to safe enough? (yes this is very open ended, but should be considered. do not order to an address you don't own, unless you have specifically set up a drop)
- Do you trust the vendors stealth, either from experience, or offsite reviews?
- Make sure never to tell anyone about your activities. This can not be emphasized enough.
- Use your real name with your address (drops are different). End of story.
- Use THIS TOOL to double and triple check you are giving the right address. Include the Zip4 code too!
Things to remember while ordering:
- Don't order while high and/or drunk.
- Make sure to use PGP.
- Ordering at off times can help with congested markets.
- Be respectful to the vendor, and include any pertinent order info, as requested by the listing or vendor profile.
- Don't Panic. Grab a towel if needed.
Meta
I have gotten a few requests for something like this on the noob sub. I am open to any additions or corrections in the comments below.
Another VERY important note that I sometimes forget myself: ALWAYS ALWAYS check to see the vendor's last log-in time. I've nearly ordered from vendors only to see they haven't logged in in days, weeks, even months.