> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hipersnipe.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hipersnipe.com/getting-started/first-trade.md).

# Your first trade

Step-by-step walkthrough for a first buy and sell.

## Before you start

* [ ] Wallet funded with SOL ([wallet setup](/getting-started/wallet-setup.md))
* [ ] You understand trades can lose money ([staying safe](/getting-started/staying-safe.md))

## Step 1 — Open a token

Paste a contract address or Pump.fun / DexScreener link into the bot chat.

The **Trading UI** loads with:

* Token name, symbol, price, market cap, liquidity
* Security row (mint/LP/freeze, RugCheck, bundle check)
* Your position (if you already hold)

## Step 2 — Check the token

Before buying, review:

| Signal         | Good sign                       | Warning   |
| -------------- | ------------------------------- | --------- |
| RugCheck       | SAFE                            | DANGER    |
| Mint authority | Revoked                         | Active    |
| Liquidity      | Reasonable for size             | Very thin |
| Alpha Shield   | ON in Settings blocks bad mints | —         |

For your first trade, pick a **liquid** token and a **small** size (e.g. 0.05–0.1 SOL).

## Step 3 — Buy

1. Tap **💵 Buy 0.1 SOL** (or another preset / Custom Buy).
2. Wait for confirmation — success message shows signature link.
3. Position line updates: quantity, invested SOL, avg entry, PnL.

## Step 4 — Optional — Set Trading Shield

Still on the Trading UI:

* Open **Trading Shield** → set take-profit % and stop-loss %.
* Shield runs automatically while you hold (see [Trading Shield](/features/trading-shield.md)).

## Step 5 — Sell

When you want to exit:

* **Sell 25% / 50% / 100%** for quick partial or full exit
* **Sell Initials** — recover your original SOL cost, keep profit in the bag
* **Custom Sell** — exact SOL or % amount

## Step 6 — Review in Trade Journal

**📊 Trade Journal** shows closed trades with win/loss, ROI %, and hold time.

## Common issues

| Problem          | Fix                                                 |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
| Insufficient SOL | Fund wallet; leave fee buffer                       |
| Slippage error   | **Settings** → increase slippage for bonding tokens |
| Transaction slow | **Settings** → Fast or Turbo Priority Mode          |
| Token blocked    | Alpha Shield or Safe Mode — check Settings          |

## Related

* [Buy and sell execution](/features/buy-sell.md)
* [Trading UI](/features/trading-ui.md)
* [Limit orders](/features/limit-orders.md)


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