Frequently Asked Questions

SpaceDuck works in 4 simple steps:

1. List Your Package or Journey: Package senders create listings with details about their package, while travelers register their upcoming journeys.
2. Find a Match: Our system matches packages with suitable travelers based on routes, dates, and capacity.
3. Coordinate Delivery: Once matched, senders and carriers communicate to arrange pickup and delivery details.
4. Complete Delivery: The carrier delivers the package to its destination, and the sender confirms receipt to release payment.

Throughout this process, SpaceDuck provides a secure platform, including payment processing, messaging, and dispute resolution.

On average, SpaceDuck users save 40-70% compared to traditional international shipping services. The actual savings depend on various factors including package size, weight, and destination.

Here's a general comparison:

• Small packages (1-2 kg): $20-50 with SpaceDuck vs. $50-150 with traditional carriers
• Medium packages (3-5 kg): $50-100 with SpaceDuck vs. $100-300 with traditional carriers
• Large packages (6-10 kg): $100-200 with SpaceDuck vs. $200-500 with traditional carriers

Additionally, SpaceDuck often provides faster delivery times, especially for remote locations that traditional carriers may not service efficiently.

SpaceDuck operates globally, connecting travelers and senders across more than 80 countries. Our platform is particularly active in major travel hubs and popular international routes.

While we can facilitate connections between any two locations worldwide, availability depends on travelers registered on our platform. Popular routes include:

• North America ↔ Europe
• Europe ↔ Asia
• North America ↔ South America
• Europe ↔ Africa
• Asia ↔ Australia

You can check availability for your specific route by searching on our platform.

Listing a package on SpaceDuck is simple:

1. Create an account and complete your profile verification
2. Click on "List a Package" from your dashboard
3. Provide package details, including:
   • Title and description
   • Dimensions and weight
   • Origin and destination locations
   • Earliest pickup and latest delivery dates
   • Offered price for delivery
   • Photos of the package (optional but recommended)
4. Review and submit your listing

Once listed, your package will be visible to potential carriers traveling your route. You'll receive notifications when travelers express interest in delivering your package.

Setting the right price is important to attract carriers while ensuring good value. Consider these factors:

• Size and weight: Larger/heavier packages should offer higher compensation
• Distance: Longer routes typically command higher prices
• Urgency: If you need delivery quickly, consider offering more
• Complexity of delivery: Remote locations may require higher compensation

As a general guideline:

• Small packages (1-2 kg): $20-50
• Medium packages (3-5 kg): $50-100
• Large packages (6-10 kg): $100-200

During the listing process, we'll suggest price ranges based on similar recent deliveries on your route.

All packages sent through SpaceDuck include basic insurance coverage up to $500 at no additional cost. This covers loss, damage, or theft during transit.

For higher-value items, you can purchase additional insurance during the listing process:

• Up to $1,000: Additional $10
• Up to $2,500: Additional $25
• Up to $5,000: Additional $50

To file a claim, you'll need to provide:

• Photos of the package before shipping
• Proof of the item's value (receipt, invoice, etc.)
• Description of damage/loss

Claims are typically processed within 7-10 business days.

Your earnings as a carrier depend on several factors:

• Number of packages: The more packages you carry, the more you earn
• Size and weight: Larger/heavier packages typically offer higher compensation
• Route popularity: High-demand routes may command higher prices
• Your reputation: Carriers with excellent ratings can often charge premium rates

On average, carriers earn:

• Short international routes: $50-150 per journey
• Medium-distance routes: $100-300 per journey
• Long-distance routes: $200-500+ per journey

These figures assume carrying multiple packages within your capacity. Many frequent travelers earn $500-1000 per month by delivering packages during their regular travel.

SpaceDuck retains a 15% service fee from the amount paid by senders.

As a carrier on SpaceDuck, your responsibilities include:

• Safe handling: Ensuring packages are handled carefully and kept secure
• Customs compliance: Being aware of customs regulations and ensuring you can legally carry the package
• Accurate information: Providing accurate details about your journey and capacity
• Communication: Maintaining clear communication with senders regarding pickup and delivery
• Timely delivery: Delivering packages within the agreed timeframe
• Documentation: Keeping any necessary documentation related to the package
• Verification: Verifying recipient identity upon delivery

You are not responsible for:

• The contents of sealed packages (though you should decline if you suspect prohibited items)
• Customs duties or taxes (these are the responsibility of the sender/recipient)
• Delays due to factors beyond your control (e.g., flight cancellations)

If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from delivering a package:

1. Notify immediately: Contact both the sender and SpaceDuck support as soon as possible
2. Explain the situation: Provide details about why delivery cannot be completed
3. Follow instructions: SpaceDuck support will provide guidance on next steps

Depending on the circumstances:

• Trip cancellation before pickup: No penalty if you notify at least 24 hours in advance
• After pickup but before departure: You may need to return the package to the sender
• During transit: We'll work with you to find an alternative delivery solution

Repeated cancellations or failures to deliver may affect your rating and standing on the platform. Always communicate promptly to minimize inconvenience to all parties.

You can request or carry legal consumer items including:

• Electronics: Phones, tablets, accessories, gadgets
• Cosmetics: Makeup, skincare products, beauty tools
• Supplements: Vitamins, health products (subject to customs regulations)
• Fashion: Clothing, shoes, accessories, designer items
• Small gifts: Souvenirs, local specialties, collectibles
• Books and media: Publications, magazines, educational materials

We do not allow:

• Banned, restricted, or hazardous goods
• Illegal substances or prohibited items
• Perishable food items (unless specially approved)
• Items that violate customs or import regulations
• Counterfeit or fake products

Buyers pay for the product and reward (carrying fee) in advance through our secure escrow system. Here's how it works:

1. Request accepted: When a traveler accepts your shopping request, you pay the estimated product cost plus carrying fee
2. Funds held in escrow: Your payment is securely held by SpaceDuck
3. Purchase made: The traveler uses the funds to purchase your requested item
4. Delivery completed: After successful delivery, the traveler receives their carrying fee
5. Refund if needed: Any unused funds are automatically refunded to you

Travelers are reimbursed after delivery confirmation, ensuring they're not out of pocket during the process.

Yes, but frequent cancellations may affect your profile rating. Please only commit when you're sure you can follow through.

For Buyers:

• Before traveler accepts: Free cancellation
• After acceptance but before purchase: 90% refund
• After purchase: Cancellation depends on return policy of items

For Travelers:

• Before purchase: Notify buyer immediately, no penalty if 24+ hours notice
• After purchase: Must complete delivery or arrange return with buyer

Repeated cancellations will result in account warnings and may affect your ability to use the service.

We will investigate the issue and refund the buyer if appropriate. Our resolution process includes:

1. Report the issue: Contact our support team with details and photos
2. Investigation: We review the case and communicate with both parties
3. Resolution: Depending on the situation, we may offer:
   • Full refund to the buyer
   • Partial refund for damaged items
   • Replacement item arrangement
   • Insurance claim processing

Travelers will not be paid for incomplete or damaged deliveries that are determined to be their fault. However, we understand that some damage may occur during transit despite careful handling, and each case is evaluated individually.

We recommend travelers purchase insurance for high-value items and take photos of items before and after transit.

SpaceDuck charges the following fees:

For Senders:

• Service fee: 15% of the offered price (minimum $5)
• Additional insurance: Optional fee based on coverage amount
• Transaction fee: 2.5% for credit card payments (waived for bank transfers)

For Carriers:

• Commission: 15% of the payment received
• Withdrawal fee: Varies based on withdrawal method ($0-5)

There are no membership fees or monthly charges - you only pay when you use the service.

Our cancellation and refund policy varies depending on the stage of the delivery:

For Senders:

• Before carrier acceptance: Full refund of offered price (service fee non-refundable)
• After carrier acceptance but before pickup: 80% refund of offered price
• After pickup: No refund except in cases of carrier failure to deliver

For Carriers:

• Before pickup: No penalty if cancelled at least 24 hours in advance
• Within 24 hours of pickup: May impact rating and incur a $5 cancellation fee
• After pickup: Required to return package or complete delivery; failure may result in account restrictions

In cases of force majeure (natural disasters, flight cancellations, etc.), our support team will work with all parties to find a fair resolution.

Carriers receive payment after successful package delivery:

1. Delivery completion: After delivering the package, mark it as "Delivered" in the app
2. Recipient confirmation: The recipient confirms the delivery (automatic confirmation after 48 hours if not manually confirmed)
3. Payment release: Funds are released to your SpaceDuck balance
4. Withdrawal: You can withdraw funds to your preferred payment method

Available withdrawal methods include:

• Bank transfer: 2-3 business days (no fee for transfers over $50, $3 fee for smaller amounts)
• PayPal: Instant (1.5% fee)
• Venmo: Instant (no fee)
• Store credit: Instant (no fee, 5% bonus when applied to your future shipments)

You can set up automatic withdrawals or keep a balance in your SpaceDuck account for future use.