Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Barande?

The Barande is a matching platform that connects travelers with extra luggage space and people who want to send items or documents (senders). Travelers can earn some extra money by taking shipments with them, while senders get a fast and personal alternative to traditional shipping.

How does it work?

• For Travelers: You create a "Trip" in the app, specifying your start and destination, travel date, and available luggage allowance (in kg). Afterward, you can accept requests from senders.
• For Senders: You search for travelers flying/driving to your desired destination and submit a booking request (providing the weight, content, and a photo of the item). If the traveler accepts, you pay via the app, and you meet for the handover.

Do I need to register to use the app?

Yes. To ensure the safety of all users and to be able to make bookings, you need a user account. You can easily register with your email address, via Google, or Apple login ("Sign in with Apple").

What can I send and what is prohibited?

Everyday items like clothes, electronics, non-perishable food, or documents are allowed. Strictly prohibited are: Illegal drugs, prescription medication without a prescription, weapons, explosives, live animals, and any goods that violate the import and export regulations of the respective countries.

How is the price calculated?

The price consists of two factors:

• Documents: There is usually a fixed price set by the app.
• Packages/Items: The traveler sets a price per kilogram. This is multiplied by the weight of your package. In addition, there is a 15% service fee for using the platform, as well as minor payment processing fees (e.g., for PayPal). The exact final price is always displayed transparently before completing the booking.

How do I pay for the transport?

Payment is secure and cashless via PayPal directly in the app. You pay the amount when booking. We keep the money in escrow and only pay it out to the traveler once the shipment has been successfully handed over at the destination.

What happens if a trip is canceled?

If the traveler unexpectedly has to cancel the trip, you will generally receive a full refund of the amount paid in advance.

How much can I earn?

That depends on your route and the amount of luggage you offer. You determine your "price per kilogram" yourself. When you receive booking requests, you immediately see how high your final payout will be after deducting our service fees.

Am I required to look inside the package?

Yes! For your own safety, as a traveler, you are required to check the contents of the shipment when it is handed over by the sender. Only then can you be sure that you are not transporting any prohibited or dangerous items.

When and how do I receive my money?

As soon as you have handed the shipment over to the recipient at the destination, the money will be credited to your linked account. To protect against fraud, we use an escrow system: The sender pays in advance, but the money is only released after a confirmed handover.

Are users on the platform verified?

We offer a verification process where users can confirm their identity. You can recognize verified users by a special badge on their profile. We generally recommend working with verified users whenever possible.

Are there value limits for unverified travelers?

Yes. For your protection, you may only hand over items with an estimated total value of up to 99 Euros to an unverified traveler. If you want to send something more valuable, please choose a verified traveler.

How does the secure handover at the destination work?

To ensure that the package is handed over to the correct person, we work with confirmation codes. The sender or recipient receives a code, which must be given to the traveler at handover and entered into the app. Only then is the booking considered successfully completed.

What happens in case of problems, loss, or damage?

Since the transport contract is concluded directly between the sender and the traveler, any problems must primarily be solved between yourselves (e.g., via in-app chat). We act only as an intermediary and cannot accept liability for lost or damaged items. Therefore, please always ensure that you only hand over valuable items clearly packaged and to verified persons.