Second Hand Furniture Delivery
November 23, 2018
Everyone loves a good bargain, especially when it comes to online shopping. It’s no wonder why websites like eBay, Gumtree, Preloved or Freegle are so popular. All of which offer a huge variety of cheap, quality pieces looking for a new home. Whether you are after living room sofas, tables, decor, office chairs, or even white goods like ovens and fridges, finding the right piece from the right seller could save you a huge amount of money. Be it that you have a limited budget, or you just fancy yourself a bargain hunter, there are deals to be made on second hand furniture and second hand furniture delivery!
It goes without saying that quality is key here. Many sell on goods that are no longer fit for purpose, so don’t fall blindly for a deal that looks too good to be true. Instead, observe the standard of the photos. Can you tell the scale if measurements haven’t been provided? Or the label if a brand has been specified. And most importantly, don’t trust a seller who has only used pictures from a catalogue or website.
Always check the reviews that previous customers have left to check that the seller is reputable. And on social media marketplaces, check their account to see if it looks to be a real person and not a scam account.
Most importantly, delivery will need to be considered when you’re looking at purchasing a new (to you) piece of furniture. Whilst the stars may align and you achieve the best deal for a dream item, the costs could quickly rack up if transport has not been considered. Something that can be particularly costly when the seller is based far away, or if you need the item quickly.
You will want to consider your options carefully, so that you can find a reliable second-hand furniture delivery service that won’t break the bank.
Here are some of our favourite ideas on how to get the best deal...
Buy face to face
Not only does buying face to face offer you an opportunity to avoid paying unnecessary delivery fees, but you are also able to inspect the item you wish to buy. Allowing you to note any flaws and even cancel the purchase if needs be.
However, it’s not a perfect plan. First, if you have to travel a long way it could be more economical to find a postage or courier service. Petrol isn’t cheap these days and no one wants to fill up their tank and waste a day when you could have someone do the job for you cheaper and safer.
Secondly, only ever take as much cash as you need. Remember, this is a stranger you are meeting, you do not want to risk making yourself a target! The same goes for having someone with you, to both carry the furniture and ensure your safety.
Ask about the parts
Nowadays, most furniture can be taken apart into smaller, more manageable pieces. With the rise of IKEA’s flat-pack designs, it’s always best to check if the more modern pieces on sale are easy to disassemble.
Be wary that whilst this can make items more convenient to ship, problems can occur. We’ve all misplaced bolts and instructions when assembling flat-pack furniture, and the same goes for disassembling it.
It’s always best to check that all pieces are sent in a safe manner, in a small bag or container within the larger parcel or package.
Asking the seller ahead of time will ensure that you not only have written confirmation if anything goes awry, but that they have a plan to avoid any mishaps if they hadn’t already thought of it themselves.
Booking a furniture courier service for second hand furniture delivery
As convenient as it may sound to simply have your items shipped via post, this can sadly be both dangerous and extortionate. With most people shopping second hand trying to save money, it must be remembered that the Post Office or FedEx may not always be able to offer the best price possible!
Luckily, there are a number of reliable removal companies which offer furniture courier services. Most are familiar with online shops like eBay, Preloved and even Facebook Marketplace. This makes arranging delivery via courier a less stressful process than many believe it to be. Simply arrange times and dates with the seller following your purchase and have the item picked up and delivered to your door.
However, it is worth pointing out that convenience is not the only advantage on offer here. For one, couriers like AnyVan will also offer basic insurance for your items for the journey itself. Even providing secure packaging materials to help keep your furniture safe if they are needed. And for speciality items, such as delicate antiques or heavy pianos, additional and appropriate care and consideration will be given to your new piece of furniture.
Couriers like AnyVan can even provide instant quotes for large item delivery, such as second hand furniture delivery. When booking a courier service, it is important to let them know the exact size and weight of your new furniture. This will allow the courier to provide an adequately sized vehicle to get the item to you, along with enough manpower to carry it without any trouble.
If you know you’re going to be shopping online for second-hand furniture, it’s a good idea to already have a respected courier in mind.
Know your budget
Regardless of where you are looking for bargains, budget must always be at the forefront of your mind. With many sites offering a clear and easy way for you to filter by price, you can get something within your budget without falling prey to your wandering eyes.
That being said, always keep an open mind. Because when shopping for one item, you may come across another on your list. That dream dresser that costs over what you wanted to pay, but that has been pride of place on your Pinterest board for several years now. There will always be items that sway you. But if you go into the experience with a set budget, purpose, size and style for every item you’re hunting for, then you’re bound to leave with a few bargains that will elevate your living space.
When transporting these new pieces of furniture, you should never compromise. By knowing what to expect before you actually buy your furniture, you can avoid your final bill being much higher than you had planned it to be. With that little money you’ve saved hopefully going towards the next addition to your home.
Check out our furniture couriers today, with prices from as little as £26.