Hi Mithril9000, Please read the following on the SR Wiki: http://dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/wiki/index.php?title=Seller%27s_Guide#Bond http://dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/wiki/index.php?title=Frequently_Asked_Questions#How_do_I_become_a_vendor.3F The $500 is paid in as a bond, and it is not hedged to a USD amount. It is paid in in Bitcoin, held in Bitcoin and paid out in Bitcoin. You will get the exact same amount of Bitcoin back as you paid in, regardless of which way Bitcoin's value goes - whether that is to $10 or $1000. Libertas