So, I live in the UK and have been partaking in recreational drug use for a number of years. Nearly a year ago I found out about DNMs. I was completely speechless and couldn't wait to get stuck in and make an order. My first encounter was just before SR1 was busted. I was actually minutes away from depositing my coins for the first time when I refreshed the page to see the "This hidden service has been seized" message.
That didn't really spook me, I just went to BMR instead and then Sheep gained popularity before pulling the biggest ever scam, so I moved to Tormarket, then Bluesky, then Agora and now Evolution. To say that the dark net markets scene is dramatic would be an understatement. But with all the drama that goes with DNMs, there has always been a major issue for us UK buyers. The lack of good quality, low-priced, UK-based vendors.
I live a quiet life in the suburbs and purchase small quantities of various stimulants and cannabis. I'm a self-confessed lurker, I never post here or on any other forums. But today I have had enough! After getting scammed by Cornettos on Agora and firstclass post on Evo, I think it's time something is done about the state of the UK market.
Our market is awash with mediocre vendors with mediocre product. Don't get me wrong, there are some very good domestic vendors, but they are few and far between, and if you want good quality product you either have to pay through the roof or go international. I have made a few international orders, but the whole thing makes me feel uneasy.
What we really need here in the UK is more domestic vendors offering the quality that we deserve at reasonable prices. I feel quite insulted that we have to either pay £30-£40 for an 1/8 of "budget" bud or £40+ for something a bit better. I have had some lovely stuff from DNMs, but I can't afford to keep paying extortionate prices. Also what's the deal with speed paste? I always got powder on the street, but now I'm forced to either pay £20+ for a gram of powder or suck it up and dry the stuff myself losing 30% of its weight.
I just think something needs to be done. I look at the US and other countries and I drool at the selection and prices.
What can we do to improve products and services being offered by UK vendors? If only we could carry out a nationwide campaign:
DEALERS YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!
Rant over!
Don't envy the US market. They have very low service expectations. If something takes a week to arrive, domestic, they think that's really great.
When a market grows legs and walks away with their bitcoin, they criticize British vendors for trying to do anything.If a website never works, they say "what do you expect? This is drugs"
We are in the British Tor Vendors' Association. It doesn't matter what you're selling, everyone has been to a shop and knows what to expect. Its been quite slow getting off the ground, because we can't afford even one slightly dodgy vendor to become a member.
Initially, its just two of every vendor category - a long established "SR1" one, and an up-and-coming one who they mentor. So, for instance, in meth its us and vendor "Hank". We were voting on coke vendors the other day, The ToYouTeam agreed in February when we were all leaving SR2, but its been a bit hectic.