Turtle Traveller app – Connecting buyers and travellers around the world

The Turtle Traveller app is an innovative global app launched last year and designed by a team of Sri Lankans who aim to connect buyers with travellers from around the world in a secure, efficient and affordable way.

Turtle founder Geoffrey Evarts got the idea while living overseas. He wanted to buy items from Sri Lanka and get them delivered overseas, but the main problem he faced was waiting for a traveller to arrive from Sri Lanka, or having to pay ridiculous courier charges.

“This is a truly unique idea which we hope will change the way international person-to-person trade is done,” said Evarts.

Turtle Traveller is designed to facilitate the purchase of any item from any country, and have it delivered in person by the traveller.

Co-founder Dominic Kellar said: “Usually when you go on holiday, you have a lot of empty space in your luggage, so why not become a traveller on Turtle and carry something for someone, thereby earning extra cash for your holiday?”

When a traveller finds a buyer within the Turtle app, they connect with each other and can communicate via a chat function within the app. The traveller then proposes the amount they would like to receive for the service they offer. The buyer can then agree or negotiate the amount. Once the buyer and traveller have confirmed on the amount the transaction is confirmed.  

The app’s interface is easy to use and secure, with Turtle using a payment gateway that supports an escrow function, so when a buyer pays for an item, the funds are held by the app until the traveller delivers the product. If the traveller does not deliver the product, the money is promptly returned to the buyer.

While Turtle aims to challenge traditional methods of courier, its designers hope the app will motivate travellers to subsidise their travel expenses, and encourage them to travel more.

Turtle Travellers aims to grow into a global community that is proudly Sri Lankan, and earn foreign income for the country.

What is Turtle Traveller? 

Turtle is a global app that connects buyers with travellers. Buyers can purchase something from overseas, something not available via traditional ecommerce platforms, while Travellers earn something by bringing an item/s for a buyer.

How does Turtle work? 

The user can log in and become a buyer or become a traveller (or becomes both, simultaneously). The app will then connect buyers with travellers, and allow them to chat and agree upon item, price and meeting place. The interface is easy to use and secure.

How secure is Turtle Traveller? 

In order to secure payments, the interface uses a payment gateway that supports an escrow function – what this means is that when the buyer pays money for the item, the funds are held by Turtle until the traveller delivers the product. If the traveller does not deliver, then the money is returned to the buyer.

What if somebody brings something illegal? 

Think of you bringing something illegal while travelling (without using Turtle). The same rules apply. Customs and authorities will detect it. And since Turtle’s main job is to connect the buyers and travellers, Turtle will not support this activity. The app has tools and algorithms to detect and prevent obvious illegal activity. The app also has tools (such as custom links) to educate users on what they can buy or bring.

How do I know if I would get the item or get my money? 

Turtle holds the money paid until the actual exchange is made. If the exchange does not happen, the buyer gets the money back. This also incentivises the traveller to bring the goods across.

How does Turtle earn a profit? 

Turtle takes a 10% commission from every completed transaction.

What are Turtle’s goals? 

To facilitate international trade (person to person); to disrupt traditional methods of courier; to empower travellers to subsidise their travels, and thereby travel more; to earn foreign income for Sri Lanka; to deliver a global product that is proudly Sri Lankan made.

Who is team Turtle? 

Geoffrey Evarts, Dinesh Fernando, Dominic Kellar, Shanaka Jayawardena, Ahmed Irfan and Kirsten Riezebeek.

Turtle Traveller is available to download free on the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

More information on Turtle can be obtained from www.turtletrippin.com.