Frequently Asked Questions

Senders post an eligible item, its destination, the recipient's details, and (optionally) a latest departure date. Doveway matches the request with an identity-verified traveler already heading that way. Once a traveler accepts and payment is confirmed, both sides coordinate the handoff on the platform. The traveler is paid out after the recipient confirms delivery with a secure split code.

Doveway supports deliveries from the United States to eligible international destinations where a verified traveler is available. Availability depends on traveler routes, airline policies, customs requirements, applicable laws, and Doveway's prohibited-items rules.

A request can include up to two packages, in any combination of Small and Medium. Small fits inside a standard adult shoebox; Medium fits inside a standard backpack. Each package can weigh up to 4 lb (up to 8 lb combined). At launch, an item's declared value can't exceed $1,000 without prior Doveway approval. Prohibited, illegal, hazardous, counterfeit, or otherwise restricted items aren't allowed.

Pricing is based on each package's size, plus a flat platform service fee, the full cost is shown before you post a request. Your card is authorized when you're matched with a traveler and charged once the traveler accepts. The traveler isn't paid until delivery is confirmed. Customs duties, the cost of shipping the item to your traveler, and any approved return-shipping costs are separate.

Once your payment is confirmed, you get the item to the traveler yourself, either with a reliable tracked courier or an in-person handoff. The package must reach the traveler at least 48 hours before departure so they have time to inspect and accept it. This local leg isn't arranged or tracked by Doveway.

Every request gets a 5-digit code. You see all 5 digits and share them with your recipient; your traveler sees only the first 2. After receiving the package, the recipient gives the traveler the full code, the traveler enters it into Doveway, and once it validates, the delivery is complete and the traveler's payout begins.

Travelers must complete identity verification and Stripe Connect onboarding before they can accept their first delivery. Verification is handled securely through Stripe, and verified travelers show an “Identity Verified” status on their profile.

Travelers list their upcoming international trips and browse or receive delivery requests that match their routes. They choose which requests they're comfortable carrying and see the payout before committing. They're paid 24 hours after a confirmed, dispute-free delivery.

The sender provides an accurate item description, declared value, and any supporting details (such as a purchase receipt). The traveler reviews the package and follows applicable customs-declaration requirements. The sender is responsible for approved customs duties and taxes; if a traveler pays an approved customs charge, they submit the receipt through Doveway for reimbursement. Customs clearance can't be guaranteed.

If no traveler accepts, no delivery payment is collected. You can keep searching, send the request to another traveler, adjust eligible details, or cancel. Senders can cancel free of charge before a traveler accepts; after that the delivery fee is refunded and the platform service fee is retained. If a traveler cancels after accepting, the sender is refunded in full. Once the traveler has inspected and accepted the item, cancellation is closed. Return shipping costs depend on who cancelled.

If the package is delayed, lost, or damaged before it reaches the traveler, work with the courier or retailer you used to send it. After the traveler has the package, Doveway can review handoff photos, receipts, platform messages, and delivery records to investigate. If airline baggage is lost, the traveler files a claim with the airline (airlines typically insure checked luggage). Doveway doesn't compensate for items lost by an airline.

Either side can raise a dispute within 24 hours of delivery. The traveler's payout is held until our team reviews the evidence such as handoff photos, receipts, messages, and delivery records for resolution.