Grabr is a peer-to-peer marketplace that connects travelers with shoppers in other countries who want items that are hard to find or expensive to ship. Travelers buy the item, usually from Amazon or eBay, carry it in their luggage, hand it over at the destination and earn a reward, which Grabr says is typically 15 to 20% of the item’s price. It’s a way to offset travel costs, with real risks to weigh.
At a glance
| Type of work | Buying items online and delivering them in person on your trips |
| How you earn | A reward per delivery, typically 15 to 20% of the item price |
| Cost to join | Free |
| How you’re repaid | You buy the item upfront; Grabr releases the item cost and reward after delivery is confirmed |
| Requirements | Upcoming trips, luggage space, willingness to front the item cost |
| Where it works | International routes, especially from the US to Latin America and Europe |
How Grabr works for travelers
You add your upcoming trip in the app and browse orders from shoppers in your destination city. Each order shows the item, its price and the reward offered. You make an offer to deliver, and if the shopper accepts, they pay through Grabr, where the money is held. You then buy the item, often having it shipped to your home before you leave, pack it, and meet the shopper at your destination to hand it over. Once the shopper confirms delivery, Grabr releases the item cost plus your reward.
Typical items are electronics, clothing, cosmetics, collectibles and household goods that cost more or can’t be found in the shopper’s country.
The risks to weigh
There are three big ones. First, you pay for the item upfront and wait to be repaid, so you’re lending money until delivery is confirmed. Second, customs rules apply: bringing new goods for someone else can count as importing, may need declaring and may carry duties, and some items are restricted. Third, several travelers and shoppers have publicly complained of delayed payouts and slow support. Some reviews describe waiting weeks or months for reimbursement.
How to protect yourself
Start small, with one or two low-value items, and check that you’re repaid before taking more. Keep receipts, chat records and delivery confirmation in the app. Avoid expensive electronics, and check your destination’s customs allowances before you accept any order. Meet shoppers in public places and only hand over the item once delivery is confirmed in the app.
Choosing orders wisely
Look for orders that fit easily in your luggage, have a clear price on a major retailer, and come from shoppers with a good history in the app. Avoid items that are fragile, bulky, battery-heavy or likely to be restricted, such as medicines, certain electronics or food. Check the reward against the hassle: a $15 reward on a $75 item may not be worth a detour across town to meet the shopper. Clear, quick messages with the shopper before you buy prevent most problems.
Owen’s take
The idea behind Grabr is brilliant: your spare suitcase space pays for part of your flight. But the model asks you to front money and trust the platform to pay you back, and the public complaints about late payouts are too frequent to ignore. I’d only use it with small amounts I could afford to wait for, and I’d test it with one cheap item first. If the payout lands quickly, scale up carefully. If it doesn’t, you’ve learned cheaply.
Who it suits
It suits frequent international travelers with spare luggage space who can afford to front small purchases and are comfortable with customs rules. It suits less well anyone who can’t afford to wait for repayment or travels with carry-on only.
Similar options
- Roadie pays you to deliver items along routes you already drive in the US.
- Fiverr and Upwork offer remote work you can do while traveling.
More options are in Gig Work.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Turns spare luggage space into extra money
- Rewards typically 15 to 20% of the item price
- Payments held by the platform until delivery
Cons
- You front the item cost and wait for repayment
- Public complaints about delayed payouts and slow support
- Customs rules and duties can apply
FAQ
How much can you earn with Grabr?
Grabr says travelers typically earn 15 to 20% of the item’s price as a reward per delivery.
Do I have to pay for the item myself?
Yes. You buy the item upfront, and Grabr repays the item cost plus your reward after the shopper confirms delivery.
Is Grabr safe for travelers?
It works for many users, but there are public complaints about slow payouts. Start with small, low-value items and confirm you’re paid before taking more.
Do I need to declare Grabr items at customs?
Often, yes. Goods brought for someone else may count as imports. Check your destination’s customs rules before accepting an order.
