> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/p2pdotme/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart Guide

> Get started with P2P Protocol in minutes

## Getting Started with P2P Protocol

This guide will walk you through everything you need to start buying, selling, or paying with stablecoins on P2P Protocol.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Understand the Protocol">
    Before diving in, familiarize yourself with how P2P Protocol works:

    * **Zero-knowledge proofs** enable privacy-preserving KYC
    * **Proof-of-Credibility** algorithm matches you with vetted merchants
    * **Non-custodial** - you maintain control of your assets at all times
    * Trades settle **on-chain** without platform custody

    <Info>
      Read the [Introduction](/introduction) for a deeper understanding of the protocol's core concepts.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Prepare Your Requirements">
    Gather what you need before starting:

    **Essential requirements:**

    * An account on a P2P Protocol client app (wallet is provided in-app via thirdweb integration)
    * Access to supported payment rails in your region
    * Stablecoin balance if you plan to SELL or PAY

    **Basic safety checks:**

    * Confirm you are on the official app domain before signing in
    * Verify order details (amount, currency, recipient) before submission
    * Do not share your login credentials or account recovery information

    <Warning>
      Always verify you're on the official P2P Protocol domain to avoid phishing attacks.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Your Role">
    Determine how you want to interact with the protocol:

    <CardGroup cols={2}>
      <Card title="User" icon="user" href="/users/start-here">
        **Buy, Sell, or Pay with crypto**

        * Buy stablecoins with fiat currency
        * Sell stablecoins for fiat
        * Make payments using crypto
        * No collateral required
      </Card>

      <Card title="Merchant" icon="store" href="/merchants/start-here">
        **Provide liquidity and earn**

        * Become a vetted merchant
        * Build Proof-of-Credibility reputation
        * Earn from facilitating trades
        * Serve your local payment rails
      </Card>
    </CardGroup>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Your First Order">
    Ready to transact? Here's the basic flow:

    **For Users (BUY orders):**

    ```typescript theme={null}
    // Example flow (implementation varies by client)
    1. Select "BUY" order type
    2. Enter amount and choose currency
    3. Review matched merchant's credibility score
    4. Submit order and confirm on-chain
    5. Transfer fiat to merchant via payment rail
    6. Receive stablecoins upon confirmation
    ```

    **For Users (SELL orders):**

    ```typescript theme={null}
    // Example flow (implementation varies by client)
    1. Select "SELL" order type
    2. Enter amount and provide payment details
    3. Lock stablecoins in the order
    4. Wait for merchant match
    5. Receive fiat via your payment method
    6. Confirm receipt to release crypto
    ```

    <Note>
      Each order type has specific requirements and flows. See the detailed guides:

      * [Order Types](/users/order-types)
      * [How to Place an Order](/users/how-to-place-order)
      * [What to Do by Order Type](/users/what-to-do-by-order-type)
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Monitor Order States">
    Track your order through its lifecycle:

    **Typical order states:**

    * **Pending** - Order submitted, awaiting match
    * **Matched** - Counterparty found, ready for payment
    * **Payment Sent** - Awaiting confirmation
    * **Completed** - Trade settled successfully
    * **Disputed** - Issue raised, resolution in progress

    <Info>
      Learn more about order states and transitions in [Understanding Order States](/users/understanding-order-states).
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Know Your Support Options">
    If issues arise, you have several resources:

    **Self-service resources:**

    * [Troubleshooting Guide](/users/troubleshooting) - Common issues and solutions
    * [FAQ](/users/faq) - Frequently asked questions
    * [Disputes and Evidence](/users/disputes-evidence) - How to handle disputes

    **Dispute resolution:**

    * On-chain admin settlement for unresolved issues
    * Evidence submission through the protocol
    * Transparent resolution process

    <Warning>
      Always gather evidence (screenshots, transaction IDs, timestamps) for any disputed transactions.
    </Warning>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="User Documentation" icon="book-open" href="/users/start-here">
    Complete guide for buying, selling, and paying with P2P Protocol
  </Card>

  <Card title="Merchant Documentation" icon="graduation-cap" href="/merchants/start-here">
    Learn how to become a merchant and understand counterparty actions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Whitepaper" icon="file-contract" href="/whitepaper/abstract">
    Protocol context, design goals, security models, and governance
  </Card>

  <Card title="Order Types" icon="list-check" href="/users/order-types">
    Detailed breakdown of BUY, SELL, and PAY order flows
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Need Help?

If you encounter any issues:

1. Check the [Troubleshooting Guide](/users/troubleshooting)
2. Review the [FAQ](/users/faq)
3. Consult [Disputes and Evidence](/users/disputes-evidence) if needed

<Note>
  For protocol-level questions, refer to the [Whitepaper](/whitepaper/abstract) for comprehensive technical documentation.
</Note>