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States

Every drop in RoomDrop follows a defined lifecycle: 
waiting_for_runner
       │
       ▼
  runner_accepted
       │
       ▼
   picked_up
       │
       ▼
   delivered
       │
       ▼
tip_window_open  (5-minute window)
       │
       ▼
   completed

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Cancelled states

At any point before pickup, a drop may enter a cancelled state:
  • cancelled_no_runner — no runner accepted within the window
  • cancelled_by_runner — runner cancelled after accepting
  • cancelled_by_customer — customer cancelled before runner acceptance

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Tip window

After a drop is marked delivered, a 5-minute tip window opens. During this window:
  • The customer can select a tip (1,1, 2, or $3)
  • The RoomDrop backend holds the payment open
When the window closes (or the customer selects a tip), the payment is captured for the exact amount owed. If no tip is selected, only the $3.99 drop fee is captured.

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Payment flow

  1. Authorization — When the customer starts an order session, RoomDrop creates a Stripe PaymentIntent with manual capture for up to $6.99
  2. Capture — After the tip window closes, the PaymentIntent is captured for the actual amount
  3. Runner payout — Payouts to runners are queued and processed through Stripe Connect Express

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Real-time chat

Once a runner accepts, a live chat channel opens between the customer and runner. Messages are stored in Firebase Realtime Database and delivered in real time through the iOS app. Chat history is purged after a set period.