Can I see what's inside my package?
Yes, if you order it. We photograph only the outside of each package for free. To see the contents, order Content photos (3 photos) or Check contents (an inspection with your instructions) from the package's Special request tab.
Yes, if you order it. When a package arrives, we photograph only its outside, for free. To see what is inside, order Content photos (we open the package and take 3 photos of the contents) or Check contents (we inspect the items as you instruct) from the package's Special request tab.
What you get without ordering anything
- Every package is photographed from the outside when it arrives: an overview and the label. These photos are free on every plan and appear under Photos on the Package detail tab.
- We don't open a package to photograph its contents unless you order it. This applies to every plan, including Premium and Business Premium.
- We may open a package for a security check. That is a separate matter. See Does Tiptrans open or inspect my packages?
Content photos
- We open the package and take 3 photos of the contents. They are added to the package's photos in your account.
- You can't add instructions. The request is placed as soon as you click it. If you need something specific checked or photographed, order Check contents instead.
- For the steps, see How to request content photos. For how long it takes, see Processing times explained.
Check contents
- When you order, you write what you want us to check or test. We open the package and do exactly that, nothing more.
- On a device, we can test basic functions, such as whether it switches on. More complex checks are charged at an hourly rate.
- Use it to confirm that a specific item is in the package, or that it works, before you ship it. If you think an item is missing from a consolidated package, order Check contents before dispatch.
- The warehouse replies in the request. Click open next to it in the History table on the Special request tab.
What it costs
| Service | Standard | Premium | Business Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content photos | $3 | $2 | $1 |
| Check contents | $5 | $5 | $5 |
On the price list they appear as Package content photos (internal) and Package content inspection. The fee is deducted from your balance when you order, so your balance must cover it.
Letters
A letter that arrives for you is added to your account like a package. You can order Content photos for it to read it without having it forwarded. The same rules apply: you order it, you pay the fee, and sensitive contents are not photographed.
What we will not photograph
For security reasons, we don't photograph, copy or read out:
- credit and debit cards, including the card number and CVV,
- verification codes, PINs and similar access codes,
- other items with security-sensitive information.
If a letter or package contains such an item, we cancel the Content photos request and the fee goes back to your balance. You can still have the item forwarded to you with a normal dispatch request. For how we handle sensitive items in general, see Does Tiptrans open or inspect my packages?
Content photos as proof
Under our Terms and Conditions, we are responsible for the contents of a package only if you ordered Content photos and they show what was inside. Even then, our liability is limited to the processing fees you paid for that package. If you are unsure what a package contains, order Content photos before you ship it. For cover during transport, see Shipping insurance explained.
Common questions
Does Premium include free content photos?
No. Content photos are ordered and paid for each package on every plan. Premium and Business Premium members pay a lower fee.
What if I don't want the item after seeing the photos?
You can keep it in storage, where storage fees apply after the free period, return it to the seller, or have it destroyed. See What can I do with a package I don't want? and How to return a package to the seller.