FAQs – DMap factory
General Information
1. What are scratch-off maps?
Scratch-off maps are interactive maps covered with a thin layer of foil. You can remove this foil with a small object to reveal colorful regions or countries beneath. These maps are a fun and visual way to track and display the places you've visited. By scratching off the countries and regions you've been to and adding stickers or other features, you create a personalized map of your travels, making it a unique and decorative piece to remember your exciting adventures.
2. What materials are the maps made from?
Our maps are made from thick laminated paper coated with soft silver or gold scratch foil. They come rolled up within sturdy cardboard tubes.
3. Where are the maps produced?
The DMap factory maps are produced in Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine.
4. Where is your business located?
Our business is registered in Tallinn (Estonia), but our warehouse is located in Apfelstädt (Germany).
Product Availability and Customization
5. What sizes are available?
Our World Scratch Map Silver and Gold are 88 x 62 cm (34.5 x 24.5 inches), and our Europe Scratch Map and our World Scratch Map Flags Edition are 68 x 48 cm (27 x 19 inches).
6. Are all products always in stock?
Yes, usually they are. As long as a product is not marked as "sold out" in our shop, you can be sure that it is available.
7. Do you offer customized maps?
No, we do not offer customized maps at the moment. However, our maps are highly customizable as they are! Apart from only scratching off the countries that you personally have visited, you can use the included stickers to add and visualize your individual travel adventures. Further options include pinning your photos or writing on the map.
Ordering Process
8. How do I place an order?
You place an order by adding the desired products to the shopping cart and initiating the checkout process. This is done by clicking on the "Add to cart" button and then "View cart" or "Check out". Alternatively, you can click on the "Buy with PayPal" button to purchase a product immediately and pay via PayPal. Other payment options include VISA, Mastercard, American Express and Apple Pay (if applicable).
9. Can I send my order to a different address or as a gift?
Yes, you can enter a different shipping address than the billing address. If you want to send your order as a gift, please note that we do not offer gift wrapping.
10. Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Maybe... If you contact us fast enough – i.e. before your order has been shipped – we might be able to manually modify or cancel your order. After your order has been dispatched, your only option is to send it back after delivery. Please also refer to our return and Refund Policy, Shipping Policy, and our Terms and Conditions.
Payments
11. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept various payment methods, including VISA, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, and Apple Pay (if applicable).
12. How is my payment information protected?
Payments are processed securely and comply with the Payment Services Directive (PSD2) for online payments. We cooperate with internationally recognized payment providers such as Stripe and PayPal.
Shipping and Delivery
13. How is my order packaged?
All maps are securely packaged in sturdy tubes and shipped in cardboard boxes to prevent damage during transit.
14. What are the shipping costs?
Shipping costs are calculated based on the delivery destination and the weight of your order. They are indicated at checkout before you confirm the order.
15. Where do you ship from?
We ship from our warehouse in Apfelstädt, Thuringia, Germany.
16. Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship internationally to all countries except the United Kingdom (coming soon). Please be aware that if you live outside the European single market, additional customs duties and/or import taxes may apply. When ordering a product from our website, you acknowledge and accept this.
17. Are there any additional charges for international orders?
If you live outside the European single market (meaning outside the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland), customs duties and/or import taxes may apply when your order arrives in your country. By placing an order on our website, you acknowledge and agree to pay such customs duties and/or import taxes.
18. What are the delivery times for my order?
Delivery times vary based on the destination and shipping method chosen. Orders to destinations in Germany are typically delivered within 2 work days. Delivery to other destinations in Europe typically takes 2 to 4 work days. Delivery to countries outside of Europe might take up to several weeks.
19. How can I track my order?
A tracking number is typically provided once the order is shipped.
20. What happens if I'm not home at the time of delivery?
This depends on the shipping company in your destination country. While we cannot directly influence their operations, many carriers offer options for receiving your order. You may be able to choose to have your package delivered to a neighbor or pick it up from a local post office at a later time. The carrier will provide you with specific instructions and options for receiving your order.
21. What if my package is damaged during shipping?
The risk of loss or damage passes to you upon delivery. Therefore, please inspect your order upon arrival. If the packaging and/or the product is damaged, please immediately file a complaint with the courier. Accepting a damaged delivery without objection might mean that you cannot receive a refund. Take pictures of the damages and send them to us together with a detailed description. We will then communicate with you and the carrier to find an appropriate solution for the issue.
Returns and Refunds
22. What is your return policy?
Products can be returned within 14 days of receipt, provided they are unused and in original condition. Please refer to our Refund Policy and Terms and Conditions for more details.
23. Do you offer refunds?
Yes, please refer to our Refund Policy and Terms and Conditions for detailed information.
24. How will I be refunded if I return a product?
Refunds will be processed using the same payment method used for the original transaction within 14 days of receiving the returned goods. Please refer to our Refund Policy and Terms and Conditions for additional information.
Usage and Care
25. How do I use a scratch-off map?
To reveal a country you have visited, first put the map on a hard surface before you start scratching. This will support and protect the paper from tears. Use the included tool, the edge of a coin or a similar item to scratch off the foil layer. Finally, remove the scratched-off material with a piece of felt or a soft cloth.
Add the included stickers to mark your travel adventures, or stick photos on your map to customize it even further!
For more detailed information, please read our comprehensive how-to page.
26. Can I frame my scratch-off map?
Of course! If your frame is a bit too large, you can place the map on another sheet of paper to make it fit into the frame.
27. Are there any care instructions for the maps?
To ensure the longevity of your scratch map, hang it on a wall where direct sunlight does not reach. When scratching, use a flat, hard surface to avoid damaging the paper. Gently remove the scratch residue with a piece of felt or a soft cloth to prevent any damage to the scratch area.
Do not apply brute force to the surface when scratching off the foil! Since the map is made from laminated paper, too much force might produce tears or holes. Also, do not spill liquids on the map and do not place it close to hot surfaces or open flames. If you need to clean your map, you can use a slightly humid cloth, being careful not to soak the material.
Additional information can be found here.
Customer Support
28. How can I contact customer support?
Please contact our customer support via our contact form.
Special Services
29. Do you offer gift wrapping?
No, we do not offer gift wrapping, but all our maps are shipped in a very nice tube! This tube is packaged into a cardboard box, which you can easily wrap in gift paper.
30. Do you offer any discounts or promotions?
Yes, we will occasionally offer discounts on our maps. If you would like to be notified about upcoming promotions, please sign up for our newsletter or check out our social media channels.
31. Do you have an affiliate program?
Yes we do! Detailed information is available on our affiliate program page.
Privacy and Data Protection
32. What personal data do you collect about me?
When you make a purchase on our site, we collect your identity data, contact data, financial data, and transaction data needed to process your order and ship it to the desired destination. When using this website, we might collect technical, profile, usage, marketing, and communications data. For further details, please read our Privacy Policy.
33. How do you use my personal data?
We use your personal data to process orders, manage customer relationships, improve services, and for marketing purposes. For detailed information, please read our Privacy Policy.
Cookie Management
34. Can I use the website without accepting cookies?
Yes, you can use the website without accepting cookies. However, some functionality may be limited, and certain features might not work as intended. Please refer to our Cookie Policy for more details.
35. What types of cookies do you use?
We use essential cookies, performance and analytics cookies, as well as advertising and marketing cookies. Our Cookie Policy provides additional information.
36. How can I manage or opt out of cookies?
When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie consent pop-up where you can choose your cookie preferences and opt out of cookies. You can also modify your browser settings to block or alert you about cookies.