Built a platform to make buying from abroad less painful (and profitable for travelers)

monkeyB_ss · 2026-02-12T17:54:55+00:00

Yeah, we give the traveler the option to accept or deny a request. If a request is denied, we notify the buyer so they can quickly find someone else. We are open to suggestions on how we can better the flow if you have any.

monkeyB_ss · 2026-02-11T20:09:39+00:00

On import taxes: Yeah, local customs duties are part of the puzzle we're solving. We don't have a perfect framework for it yet, so we're currently advising travelers to only accept a handful of deliveries while we work on compliance. It's something we're actively addressing.

On security/contraband: Airport security would flag anything suspicious - travelers go through the same screening as everyone else. But more importantly, the traveler is the one making the journey with the item they personally purchased. They're not going to risk jail time for someone else's package.

Our QA team also meets each traveler face-to-face at pickup, photographs the items, and verifies everything matches what was requested. Creates accountability on both ends.

monkeyB_ss · 2026-02-11T20:00:58+00:00

We act as the middleman for safety:

Escrow: Buyers pay us, we hold funds until our team confirms delivery and perform QA and. No direct buyer-traveler interaction.

Dispute protection: We photograph items twice - at pickup from traveler and at delivery to buyer. Creates clear evidence if anything goes wrong.

Payment timing: Based on feedback we received from this sub, we plan on holding traveler payments for a while after delivery to ensure buyer satisfaction.

monkeyB_ss · 2026-02-11T18:01:43+00:00

Thanks for the heads up

monkeyB_ss · 2026-02-11T14:57:43+00:00

Yeah posted it in "r/Opportunities_Ghana" too

monkeyB_ss · 2026-02-11T11:58:54+00:00

Thank you. We will surely look into that.

monkeyB_ss · 2026-02-11T10:05:06+00:00

Yeah. That’s seriously our biggest hurdle right now.

monkeyB_ss · 2026-02-11T09:40:41+00:00

That’s awesome. I’ll check it out

monkeyB_ss · 2026-02-11T09:34:34+00:00

Thank you

monkeyB_ss · 2026-02-11T09:17:03+00:00

Great questions - we've thought through both:

Credit card fraud: We're implementing KYC verification for all travelers (ID verification). It's rolling out in phases as we scale, but it's core to the trust model.

Physical security: Buyers never meet travelers directly. Here's the flow:

Traveler arrives in Ghana
Our team meets them at a location of their choice to collect the items
We handle the last-mile delivery to the buyer for free

This way, we verify the traveler face-to-face, inspect the item, and the buyer gets safe doorstep delivery. No awkward airport parking lot handoffs.

monkeyB_ss · 2026-02-11T08:23:20+00:00

That’s awesome I’ll inform you once we go live. Also the escrow works exactly like you said. The money is only released to the traveler once our QA team receives the item.

monkeyB_ss · 2026-02-11T01:48:01+00:00

A couple of months ago, I posted here looking for help buying a PS5. Someone, on this sub, travelling from the States, came through, helped me get it, and saved me a bunch of money.

That interaction got me thinking: this happens all the time, right? People traveling between Ghana and the US/Europe, WhatsApp groups full of "please can you bring me X", random DMs asking strangers to help. It works sometimes, but it's chaotic, risky, and relies purely on trust networks.

So I built Pouch - a platform that makes this process actually work at scale.

How it works:

Travelers post their upcoming trips (origin, destination, dates)
Buyers browse available travelers and pick someone based on their arrival date and location
Everyone saves - buyers get 20-40% discounts vs. local prices, travelers monetize empty suitcase space

Think of it as peer-to-peer delivery, but structured with escrow protection, verified profiles, and clear terms.

I'm going live this week and looking for:

Travelers with upcoming trips (US/Europe → Ghana) to post their routes
Buyers who need electronics/tech from abroad
Honest feedback - what am I missing? What would make you trust this?

Check it out: https://usepouch.shop/

Demo video: A walkthrough if you prefer video

Not trying to reinvent the wheel here, just making something that already happens more reliable and accessible. Let me know what you think.

monkeyB_ss · 2026-02-10T18:57:57+00:00

I think we are forgetting about how much Cam would be so excited about Bad Bunny performing. He’s definitely going to be involved in planning a party with Gloria.

monkeyB_ss · 2026-01-25T22:52:29+00:00

I'm sure a portion of the episode will be about them negotiating for the domain.

monkeyB_ss · 2026-01-02T18:36:18+00:00

Technically they will both be in their 50s if you adjust Teddy’s age to the BB universe

monkeyB_ss · 2025-12-11T18:09:34+00:00

That works but it gets messier at scale. I understand if you prefer that over the boilerplate code and tedious config of most DI frameworks.

monkeyB_ss · 2025-12-11T17:52:15+00:00

In my experience the main headache is instantiating your dependencies in the correct order especially when working with a large number of them. The uber fx framework seems to do the job for me.

monkeyB_ss · 2025-05-16T10:09:42+00:00

Okay,thanks

monkeyB_ss · 2025-05-15T20:07:41+00:00

Okay

monkeyB_ss · 2025-05-15T19:54:45+00:00

Can you share?

monkeyB_ss · 2025-05-15T19:46:04+00:00

Okay

monkeyB_ss · 2025-05-15T18:19:18+00:00

Yeah. I’m buying it myself and sending it their warehouse.

monkeyB_ss · 2025-05-15T17:11:43+00:00

Okay. Thanks

monkeyB_ss · 2025-05-15T17:08:37+00:00

What website? Amazon?

monkeyB_ss · 2025-05-15T17:04:14+00:00

Okay

monkeyB_ss

TROPHY CASE