An escrow system has to be fully automatic.
Why, exactly?
I'm pretty sure that the users won't appreciate having delays while buying/selling.
Even if you are buying/selling physical goods?
I created several marketplaces with the following steps in the trading process:
- The seller or provider put goods or services up for sale on the marketplace.
- The buyer finds the product and begins the buying process.
- The buyer pays the price amount to the escrow account (marketplace owner).
- The seller is notified that the product has been paid for.
- The seller sends the product to the buyer's address.
- Delivery time ...
- The buyer confirms that he has received the shipment.
- The agent pays the seller the amount from the escrow account (minus the market commission).
Everyone goes home happy!
I doubt that the marketplace turnover will be so large that payments cannot be made manually.