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This article explains how SmartShell escrow handles disputes, what each phase means, and where Peacemakers step in.
Understanding the timeline is essential to voting correctly and asking the right questions.

SmartShell controls all timers automatically.
No one — not Fisheez PBC, not the Foundation, not Peacemakers — can pause, modify, or override the timer once a phase begins.

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⭐ SmartShell Dispute Timeline (7 Days Total)

1. Private Response Window — 48 hours

• Buyer and Seller upload photos, videos, statements

• Evidence is private (only the parties + Peacemakers can see it)

• Either side can fully explain the situation

This is the time to show everything.

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2. Public Rebuttal / Q&A — 48 hours

Now the case becomes visible to Peacemakers.

During this period:

• Peacemakers may ask questions

• Buyer/Seller may answer

• Only one in-dispute extension is allowed here (1–28 days, must be mutually approved)

No extensions are allowed after Q&A ends.

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3. Voting Window — 48 hours

Once Q&A ends:

• Peacemakers vote Buyer Wins or Seller Wins

• Votes can be changed until the window closes

• SmartShell automatically executes the majority result

• Outcome is always binary:

  • Buyer Wins → full refund

  • Seller Wins → full release

There are no partial refunds inside SmartShell.

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4. Appeal Filing Window — 24 hours

After voting closes:

• Losing party has 24 hours to request an appeal

• No one else can file it

• If no appeal is filed → SmartShell releases funds automatically

If an appeal IS filed → the entire 7-day sequence repeats one more time.

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⭐ Automatic Appeal Triggers (Even if no one files)

SmartShell will automatically start an appeal cycle if:

• Fewer than 3 votes were submitted

• The vote ends in a tie

Appeal = a second full 7-day cycle.

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⭐ Final Outcomes After Appeal

If the appeal still cannot produce a clear result:

• 1 vote total → that single vote decides

• 2 conflicting votes → SmartShell uses Chainlink VRF to decide

• 0 votes → Seller wins by system default at expiry

No human at Fisheez can override this.

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⭐ What Peacemakers Should Focus On

You only need to decide one thing:

Did the Seller deliver what was listed, in the condition described?

If yes, Seller wins.
If no, Buyer wins.
If unclear, look at:

• photos

• listing accuracy

• messages

• delivery proof

• missing accessories

• wrong model/version

• undisclosed damage

When doubt exists and the evidence leans toward misrepresentation or non-delivery, the Buyer wins.

When the Buyer provides zero evidence, the Seller may win by default.

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⭐ No Partial Refunds Inside SmartShell

If both parties want a partial settlement:

• They can send funds outside the contract,

• And optionally upload proof as evidence.

• SmartShell will still enforce full refund or full release.

Peacemakers NEVER decide percentages.

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⭐ In-Dispute Extensions (Only 1 Allowed)

Extensions:

• Can only happen during Q&A

• Must be approved by the other party

• Extend by 1–28 days

• Pause the dispute

• Automatically reopen after the extension period

No new dispute can be filed during an extension.

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⭐ Bottom Line

SmartShell handles the timers.
Peacemakers handle the decision.

Your job is simple:

• Review evidence

• Stay neutral

• Ask questions if needed

• Vote based on what is proven

That’s it.