Do you want to save money on parcels? With HitchHiker, you can send and receive packages without spending too much money as travelers head to the same destination. It is an alternative to international shipping agencies that are generally slow and expensive.
But how does HitchHiker work? At Insiderbits, we explain everything you need about this travel app to earn money as an international delivery driver. We will also tell you how to use it if you want to buy or sell products and save on shipping and logistics costs.
What is a HitchHiker?
HitchHiker is a shopping app and a social network of travelers and shoppers making international purchases. Buyers look for a traveler who can transport a package during their trip. Thus, you will no longer have to resort to agencies to receive your order cheaply.
If you are a traveler and have space in your luggage, you can agree to deliver a package to the indicated destination. The idea is that the delivery is in the same place you plan to pass through to avoid detours. Once the task is completed, you will receive the agreed payment.
The advantage for buyers is that it will help them obtain products only available in their area without problems. On the other hand, travelers will have the possibility of reducing their travel expenses and even extending their stay.
How to install and use HitchHiker?
Download the application from the App Store to install HitchHiker on your cell phone. You can be a verified buyer or traveler and improve your shopping or travel experience abroad. For that, you must follow these steps:
- Download the app.
- Create an account with your Facebook, Google, or email.
- If you are a buyer, explore the travelers available to transport your package to the destination.
- If you are a traveler, explore buyer requests and choose the one that matches your journey.
- Use the search filters to indicate your departure and arrival point in both cases. You can also break down by dates and package weight.
As you can see, it is pretty simple to use. However, you must pay attention to the customs process and what products are or are not allowed to be transported. It may vary depending on the region, so we recommend you inquire about it to avoid problems.
The main features of the application
Like any social network, HitchHiker works based on active communities. It depends on the user to offer their services and connect people worldwide. To get to know it in depth, we will explain some of the useful functions available in the app.
Seeker
This function is the most used in the application since it allows you to know which travelers and active buyers are. You can scroll through the list or drill down your search using the filters:
- Place of departure and destination.
- Deadline for delivery or travel.
- Weight of the package to be moved or sent.
Each user has a public profile, where you can see their rating and basic information. This way, you will know other people’s experience when making contact and how reliable they are with orders.
Buyers section
If you cannot find the right traveler to send or receive a package to the desired destination, you can make a request. To do this, click the “Buyers” tab and press the “Add Shipment” button.
You must fill out the indicated form and press the “Add new item” button to describe your product. In this case, you will have to detail the essential characteristics of the package, select the category, and upload a photo.
Traveler section
This section allows you to clarify your track record and tell buyers that you will be available for specific destinations. To do this, you must upload a photo of your passport and follow the instructions indicated by the application.
Remember to provide a clear and legible document photo to verify your traveler profile. It will also help you improve user trust since they will opt for verified profiles.
Messaging mailbox
All conversations are held privately to ensure the confidentiality of deliveries. This section is divided into chat, agreement, rating, and news. If you have pending messages, respond as soon as possible to ensure the package’s journey is in good hands.
Tips for using HitchHiker with confidence
While HitchHiker provides you with insurance of up to $1,000 for your products, it always helps to take precautions. However, it does not apply in some cases, such as theft or detentions at customs. For this reason, it is necessary to take these tips into account to avoid any inconvenience:
- Detail everything you need about your product and avoid omitting data that could hinder customs procedures.
- Say everything you want to send or receive without forgetting anything.
- Although the application offers the option of withdrawal by mail, the ideal is to opt for delivery with a signature. This way, you will ensure that the package reaches your hands and is not diverted by third-party services.
- Customs procedures may vary by region, so you should pay attention to the packages you have on hand. They may ask you for customs documents or receipts to authorize your transfer at the border.
- Avoid offering offline; the application can block your account and even withhold money.
- It seeks travelers and buyers to meet in a public place. You can hire a delivery service if the buyer is far from your location.
We hope this article has helped you learn about Hitchhiker and that you can use it to earn money or make orders. If you liked it, we invite you to read other articles available on إنسايدربيتس to learn about more valuable apps like this.
