WeTheNorth Market Vendor Guide 2025
Everything you need to know about becoming a vendor on WeTheNorth Market. Requirements, vendor bond, application process, product listings, shipping security, reputation building, and operational security practices.
Why Vendors Choose WeTheNorth Market
WeTheNorth has become a preferred marketplace for Canadian vendors since 2021. The regional focus means a concentrated customer base, faster domestic shipping, and reduced customs risk. But it's not for everyone.
The market follows a "tortoise strategy." Slow, steady growth. Quality over quantity. This means vendor applications are scrutinized carefully. WeTheNorth prefers 10 reliable vendors over 100 unreliable ones.
Vendor spots are competitive. The market maintains standards that protect both buyers and sellers. If you can meet those standards, the opportunity is real. Lower fees than global competitors. Loyal customer base. Strong admin support.
WeTheNorth Vendor Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet these requirements. Missing any of them means automatic rejection.
💰 Vendor Bond Payment
The vendor bond is estimated at $100-500 in BTC or XMR. Exact amount is confirmed during application. This bond serves multiple purposes:
- Deters scammers who can't afford upfront investment
- Provides funds for buyer compensation if vendor exit-scams
- Demonstrates commitment to the platform
Refund policy: Bond is refundable if you leave in good standing with no open disputes. Exit scam or significant issues = bond forfeit.
🔐 Mandatory Two-Factor Authentication
All vendors must enable 2FA before listing products. No exceptions. Choose between:
- PGP 2FA (Recommended): Market sends encrypted login code. You decrypt it. Most secure.
- TOTP 2FA: Authenticator app generates 6-digit codes. Convenient but less secure than PGP.
Backup codes must be saved securely. Losing 2FA access means losing your vendor account and all reputation.
🔑 PGP Encryption Proficiency
You must demonstrate PGP competence. This means:
- Generate 4096-bit RSA key pair
- Upload public key to your vendor profile
- Encrypt ALL customer communications containing sensitive data
- Sign important announcements so customers can verify authenticity
Vendors who send addresses in plaintext get banned. Period. Customer security is your responsibility.
📋 Vendor Application
Submit a detailed application covering:
- Previous vending experience (market names, vendor handles - helps verify reputation)
- Product categories you plan to sell
- Source reliability and consistency
- Shipping capabilities and coverage areas
- Expected order volume and turnaround time
- OPSEC practices you follow
Applications are reviewed by admin team. Response time varies from days to weeks depending on volume.
📍 Shipping Infrastructure
You need reliable shipping setup before applying:
- Multiple drop locations for mailing packages
- Vacuum sealer, mylar bags, and stealth packaging materials
- Access to Canada Post or alternate carriers
- Ability to print labels without trace (public printer, removed metadata)
WeTheNorth Vendor Application Process
Here's what to expect when applying for a vendor account.
Step 1: Create Buyer Account First
Most markets require an established buyer account before vendor applications. This shows you understand the platform. Make a few small purchases. Learn how the escrow system works. Observe how successful vendors operate.
Step 2: Access Vendor Application
Navigate to Account Settings → Become a Vendor (or similar). The option may not be visible if the market isn't accepting new vendors. Check Dread forum for announcements about application windows.
Step 3: Complete Application Form
Fill out all required fields. Be honest about experience. If you're new, say so. Experienced vendors transferring from other markets should provide verifiable proof (cross-market PGP signatures, established Dread reputation).
Step 4: Pay Vendor Bond
After preliminary approval, you'll receive payment instructions. Send exact amount to provided address. Confirmations required before proceeding. Don't send from exchange wallets - use personal wallet with proper OPSEC.
Step 5: Account Activation
Once bond is confirmed, your vendor account activates. You can now:
- Create product listings
- Set shipping options and prices
- Customize vendor profile
- Start accepting orders
Creating Effective Product Listings
Your listings are your storefront. Quality listings convert browsers into buyers. Here's how to maximize sales.
Listing Titles
Titles should be clear, informative, and searchable. Include:
- Product Name: What exactly is it?
- Quantity: How much is included?
- Origin: Where is it from? (Canadian products preferred on WTN)
- Quality Indicator: Grade, purity, or tier if applicable
Good example: "Premium BC Cannabis - 7g - Pink Kush - AAA Grade"
Bad example: "Good stuff, fast shipping!!!"
Product Descriptions
Detailed descriptions build trust and reduce questions. Cover:
- Product Details: Strain, composition, effects, appearance
- Quality Information: Testing results if available, purity estimates
- Usage Guidance: Dosage recommendations, safety information
- Shipping Information: Stealth level, typical delivery time
- Refund/Reship Policy: What happens if package doesn't arrive?
Product Photography
Photos make or break listings. Professional-looking photos = more sales.
- Good Lighting: Natural light or proper photo lighting setup
- Multiple Angles: Show the product from different perspectives
- Neutral Background: Plain white or black background, no identifying items
- Metadata Removal: Strip EXIF data before uploading (use tools like ExifTool)
- No Fingers: Fingerprints are unique identifiers
- Scale Reference: Include something for size reference if helpful
Pricing Strategy
Research before setting prices. Check competitor listings for similar products. Consider:
- Product cost + shipping materials + marketplace fees + profit margin
- Volume discounts to encourage larger orders
- Introductory pricing for first few weeks to build reviews
- Currency fluctuations (XMR/BTC volatility can affect margins)
Shipping & Operational Security
Shipping is where most vendors get caught. OPSEC failures during packaging and mailing are responsible for the majority of arrests. Take this section seriously.
Packaging Best Practices
🧤 Wear Gloves - Always
Nitrile gloves for all handling. Never touch product, packaging, or labels with bare hands. Fingerprints are forensic gold. Even partial prints can be matched. Change gloves frequently during packaging session.
🔒 Vacuum Seal Everything
Multi-layer vacuum sealing prevents odor leakage. Recommended approach:
- Layer 1: Product in plastic bag
- Layer 2: First vacuum seal
- Layer 3: Alcohol wipe exterior
- Layer 4: Second vacuum seal
- Layer 5: Mylar bag (X-ray protection)
- Layer 6: Final vacuum seal or heat seal
📦 Stealth Packaging
Package should look completely legitimate. Use decoy items:
- Electronics boxes (power adapters, phone cases)
- Book mailers with actual books
- Product packaging from Amazon or major retailers
- Business-looking documents for flat items
The goal: If opened, it should look like a normal package.
🏠 Return Address Strategy
Never use real return address. Options:
- Fake but realistic-looking address (verify it doesn't belong to real person)
- Business name with random commercial address
- Different return address on each package
Some vendors use real businesses' addresses. This can backfire if investigated.
Drop Point Protocol
Never mail from home or work. Use drop points:
- Rotate Locations: Different mailbox/post office each day
- Avoid Cameras: Many mailboxes have surveillance nearby
- Vary Times: Don't establish patterns
- Distance from Home: At least 15-20 minutes drive
- No Routine: Never use the same location twice in a week
Building and Maintaining Vendor Reputation
Reputation is currency on darknet markets. A 4.9 rating vendor outsells a 4.5 rating vendor every time. Here's how to build and protect your reputation.
Foundation Principles
- Product Matches Description: Never oversell. If it's "good," don't list it as "premium." Disappointed customers leave bad reviews.
- Consistent Quality: Every package should be the same. Don't send top-quality samples then switch to inferior product.
- Fast Turnaround: Ship within 24 hours of receiving order. Same-day shipping builds loyalty.
- Slight Overweight: The "extra gram" strategy. If order is 7g, send 7.2g. Costs little. Builds massive goodwill.
- Professional Communication: Respond within 24 hours. Be polite even with difficult customers. Always use PGP.
- Proactive Problem Solving: Package didn't arrive? Reship before customer complains. The cost of a reship is less than a bad review.
Handling Negative Feedback
Negative reviews happen. How you handle them matters more than the review itself.
- Respond Publicly: Show other buyers you take issues seriously
- Offer Resolution: Reship, refund, or credit for next order
- Don't Argue: Even if customer is wrong, fighting looks bad
- Learn from Feedback: If multiple people have same complaint, fix the issue
Building Initial Reputation
Starting with zero reviews is hard. Strategies to jumpstart:
- Lower prices initially to attract first customers
- Excellent stealth and bonus weight to encourage positive reviews
- Import reputation from other markets (cross-verify with PGP)
- Active presence on Dread forum builds name recognition
Customer Communication Guidelines
How you communicate affects sales, reputation, and security. Get it right.
Always Encrypt
Any message containing addresses, order details, or sensitive information must be PGP encrypted. No exceptions. Even "thanks for your order" with address = unencrypted evidence.
Response Time Standards
- Pre-sale questions: Respond within 12 hours
- Order confirmations: Within 6 hours
- Shipping updates: Send tracking (if applicable) same day
- Problems/complaints: Within 24 hours
Professional Tone
You're running a business. Communicate like it:
- Clear and concise messages
- No aggressive language or threats
- Thank customers for their business
- Apologize sincerely for issues
WeTheNorth Vendor Fees Structure
WeTheNorth offers competitive fees compared to global marketplaces. Here's the breakdown:
| Fee Type | Amount | When Charged | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vendor Bond | $100-500 | One-time upon registration | Refundable if leaving in good standing |
| Commission | ~4-5% | Per finalized sale | Deducted from sale amount |
| Listing Fee | Free | N/A | Unlimited listings allowed |
| Featured Listing | Varies | Optional promotion | Increases visibility, contact admin |
Fee Comparison with Other Markets
WeTheNorth's fees are lower than most competitors:
- WeTheNorth: 4-5% commission
- Abacus: 5-8% commission
- TorZon: 6-10% commission
- Global Markets: Often 5-10%+ with additional fees
Lower fees mean higher margins on each sale. Over time, this adds up significantly.
Advanced Vendor OPSEC
Beyond basics, serious vendors implement additional security layers.
💻 Dedicated Hardware
Use a separate computer exclusively for vending. Never mix with personal use. Consider:
- Tails OS on USB (leaves no trace)
- Dedicated laptop purchased with cash
- Never connected to home WiFi
🌐 Network Security
Internet connection matters:
- Use public WiFi (cafes, libraries) - different location each time
- VPN before Tor for additional layer
- Never access vendor account from home network
📱 Communication Isolation
Vendor communications stay completely separate from real identity:
- Unique PGP key only used for this vendor identity
- No cross-referencing with other accounts
- Different writing style from normal communication
💰 Financial Security
Money handling requires care:
- Convert crypto regularly - don't hold large balances
- Use multiple wallets for mixing
- Monero for maximum privacy
- Never deposit directly to exchange from market wallet
Common Vendor Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' failures. These mistakes have ended vendor careers:
❌ Photos with Metadata
Uploading photos straight from phone with GPS coordinates embedded. Always strip EXIF data.
❌ Consistent Mailing Patterns
Same post office, same time, same day. Surveillance picks up patterns. Vary everything.
❌ Unencrypted Communications
Sending addresses or sensitive data without PGP. Everything can be read if market is compromised.
❌ Mixing Identities
Using same username, writing style, or PGP key across platforms. Creates linkable identity.
❌ Poor Customer Service
Ignoring messages, refusing reshipping, arguing with customers. Reputation damage is irreversible.
❌ Exit Scamming
Taking orders and disappearing. Besides being unethical, you lose bond and reputation forever.
Additional Vendor Resources
Continue learning with these related guides:
- Security Fundamentals: OPSEC basics every vendor must know
- PGP Encryption Guide: Master encrypted communications
- Monero Payment Guide: Understanding XMR for maximum privacy
- Escrow System Guide: How WeTheNorth escrow protects transactions
Ready to Vend Safely?
Before starting, ensure your security foundation is solid. Review these guides first.