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June 9, 2014

Muber – Delivered Goods From Exotic Locales

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No matter how many items Amazon.com stocks on its virtual shelves, there will always be products that just aren’t available online or through local marketplace channels. Muber is a web-based platform that’s working to close the loop and help consumers get access to unique items that they can’t find anywhere else.

At the heart of Muber is the platform’s personal delivery service. As a shopper, you can list any item you want to buy and where you want that item delivered. Search for a traveler who’s planning to visit a destination where your product is sold, and make a request through Muber. For example, if you’re coveting a designer purse that’s only sold in Paris, then you can search Muber for a Parisian traveler who’s planning a visit to your hometown in the coming months. Offer the traveler compensation for making your purchase—like $20 to bring the purse to the U.S., plus the cost of the purse itself—and wait to see if the traveler accepts your request. If he does, then you can make the deposit directly to Muber as a way to confirm the transaction.

Not only can Muber help shoppers get access to exclusive items not available where they live, but the platform also provides a more meaningful travel experience for people who enjoy meeting locals in the destinations they’re visiting. By handling payments and acting as an escrow, Muber helps to ensure the security and the authenticity of transactions that occur through its marketplace.

Practical Uses:

  • Purchase an item that’s only sold locally in a remote destination
  • Make extra money on your next overseas trip
  • Save money on shipping costs when purchasing products internationally
  • Meet travelers from across the world

Insider Tips:

  • Include specific delivery information in your offer
  • Reimbursements can be made to a bank account or Paypal account
  • Users can’t request any dangerous or illegal items
  • See whether you share any Facebook friends with the traveler you’re connecting with

What we liked:

  • People can earn extra money through Muber to supplement their travel costs
  • Muber acts as an escrow to ensure the security of financial transactions
  • Travelers have the option to negotiate or decline any offers they receive
  • Muber provides a great way for people to get access to products that would otherwise be undeliverable in their areas

What we didn’t like:

  • Travelers aren’t reimbursed for their purchases until they deliver the items

Alternatives:

Company Info:

  • Launched: 2013
  • Privately Held
  • Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
  • Founded by: Francis Plaza and Leo Lofranco
  • Web site: https://muber.com

Costs:

  • Variable

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