How Algoosh Works

Algoosh is a non-custodial, escrow-based commerce protocol built on the Algorand blockchain. It facilitates secure, private transactions for physical goods and real-world delivery. By leveraging smart contracts for escrow, Algoosh ensures funds are only released when specific conditions are met—without ever taking custody of user assets.

Non-Custodial Escrow

At its core, Algoosh is a rules engine for commerce. When a buyer initiates an order, funds move directly into an escrow smart contract. These funds remain securely in escrow until they are released to the seller or returned to the buyer based on explicit signals and predefined timeouts.

Non-Custodial Principles

Algoosh never “holds” or “controls” your money. The protocol simply enforces the flow of funds according to the agreement between buyer and seller.

QR-Code Driven Commerce

Algoosh is optimized for both online and offline commerce:

• Sellers create product catalogs and publish them via unique QR codes.
• Buyers scan these codes with a mobile device to browse products, manage a local shopping cart, and initiate a checkout.

This decentralized approach makes Algoosh ideal for physical storefronts, pop-up shops, and traditional e-commerce alike.

Privacy and Encryption

Privacy is a fundamental pillar of the Algoosh protocol. Sensitive information—such as delivery addresses and buyer contact details—is end-to-end encrypted client-side before being submitted to the blockchain.

• On-Chain Privacy: Encrypted order data is stored in Algorand “application boxes,” readable only by the buyer and seller involved.
• No Plaintext Access: Algoosh never has access to your plaintext data. All delivery information remains private between the transacting parties.

Protocol Architecture

Every order on Algoosh is stored in a dedicated Algorand application box containing:

• Order metadata
• A list of purchased products
• A variable-length encrypted delivery payload (including address and contact info)

Sellers host their product catalogs independently (via CDN or self-hosting) and submit references along with encryption data on-chain. This ensures commerce can happen without a central authority controlling the marketplace.

Next Steps

Explore the protocol further:

• Order Lifecycle: Understand the timing and steps of a transaction.
• Buyer Help: Start buying physical goods securely.
• Seller Help: Set up your catalog and start selling.