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How To Find A Collection-Only Service
There is nothing more exciting than finding a bargain online, especially when it is something large, delicate, or antique, that would normally cost you well over what you paid to buy brand-new. Think of sofas, wardrobes, and old furniture which still look great (and often times better) and are available at much-discounted rates online.
There often is a catch, however, in that many times, due to either a lack of knowledge about the services out there or an unwillingness to be responsible for sending something so large or delicate, the items are listed as collection only. If you don’t have a car, this can often make it seem like those listings are simply unavailable to you.
This is where Shiply can help. On our platform, you simply need to enter some simple information about the item you are looking at and you can collect quotes to move it right away, often at discounted rates of up to 75% less, so why not get started today?
How Much Does A Collection-Only Service Cost?
Given you are likely hunting bargains, the cost of a collection-only service is important to keep your cheap item cheap - moving furniture on Shiply can be as cheap as £19 for shorter journeys. Here are some of the factors that can contribute to the cost:
Item Size - The size of what needs collecting will play quite a big part in the costs as it will determine the size of the vehicle needed to move it, with the general rule being that the larger an item is, the more it is likely to cost to move it.
Distance - As with size, the longer the distance that an item needs to travel, the more expensive the collection-only service will be. However, the cost per mile does tend to go down for longer trips, so the cost will never rise too high.
Timings - When you need your item collected can also play a factor in costs on our platform. This is because drivers on Shiply are typically making similar journeys already and want to ensure that they are not travelling empty. They are able to offer lower prices if you can be flexible enough to fit into their schedules. If you need your item picked up by a certain time or date, then this may be something you pay more for.
Locations - This is uncommon, but an especially remote collection or drop-off location may incur extra charges as they are so far away from defined delivery routes.
How Can Shiply Help Find Collection-Only Services?
There are actually quite a few collection-only services available out there, but finding the right one for you can be tricky. Typically it would involve searching through web pages and phone books and calling up individual companies to get quotes. This is where our platform is strongest.
On Shiply, we simply need some basic details about the item that needs collecting such as its size, the locations, and the desired timings. Once submitted, you should start to receive quotes from rated collection-only services within minutes. Shiply gives you one easy space to compare all your quotes, making life easier as you search for the company to carry out your delivery. Our platform has reviews, feedback, and a messaging system in place to help you make the best decision.
Making your life easier isn’t Shiply’s only benefit, it’s also cheap! As drivers are ‘going there anyway’, they are often able to offer big discounts, often up to 75% off, as they have already sunk the costs for their journey and are just looking to fill extra space. Another knock-on effect of this is that it is also great for the environment as it ensures you are not putting a whole new vehicle on the road just for your collection.
Preparing For Your Collection-Only Item To Be Moved
Once you have received a few quotes, selected one, and booked it, then you will need to prepare for your item to be picked up - this may involve some contact with the seller. We suggest the following:
Disassembly - Disassembling items makes them much easier to move, and also reduces the risk of damage during transit. If you can, ask your seller to disassemble the item before it is picked up.
Packing - You always want to ensure that your item arrives in the exact condition it is expected in, and packing can go a long way to ensure this happens. Whether it’s packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or straps to tie the item down, you should communicate with both the collection service and the seller the best way for this to be packed.
Photographs - As a precaution, we do recommend that high-quality, time-stamped photos are taken of the item prior to collection to serve as proof of its condition. The listing photos may do, or you may ask the seller to do this for you before the item is collected.
What To Do After Delivery
Once your item has been collected and delivered, the first thing you want to do is to check its condition and make sure that everything is exactly as you expected it to be. If there is an issue, this is something you should try and raise as soon as possible.
Finally, we ask that you leave feedback on our platform so that future Shiply users can know what to expect from the collection-only service you chose.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shiply Cover My Area?
Yes! There are couriers using Shiply all over the country and abroad, so whether you need to move a sofa across town or send a car across Europe, we have got you covered.
Does Shiply Have Different Sized Vehicles?
There are thousands of couriers on Shiply, with a wide range of vehicle sizes capable of handling any delivery. Providing the rough dimensions (and pictures if possible) on your listing will allow the delivery company to get the right vehicle sent out to you.
How Can I Contact Shiply Support?
Shiply Support is available from 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday. You can send an email to .
Who Will Carry Out My Delivery?
Whoever you choose! There are thousands of rated transport providers on our platform ready to make a bid to carry out your delivery. It is up to you to decide which quote to accept.
When Will I Receive A Quote?
You will typically start to receive quotes within 30 minutes. If you are worried about the lack of quotes, try adding some more detail to your listing as transport providers may be unsure of dimensions or weight and feel unable to provide an accurate quote. If your delivery is urgent, you can try our 'featured delivery' feature which moves your listing to the top of the search page for couriers.
How Many Quotes Will I Receive?
Whilst there is no guarantee of quotes, 98% of our listings receive at least 3 quotes, so you are likely to find someone who can undertake the delivery of your items.
Does Shiply Provide Packing Materials?
If your item requires packing materials or extra care then you should make sure this is highlighted in your listing and discussed with any transport provider whose quote you are considering. Couriers on Shiply are able to provide all levels of service and can help pack your items, just ensure you inform them of your needs.
Will My Goods Be Tied Up Securely?
Transport providers will almost always tie up an item in the transport vehicle, as the risk of damage from moving around during transit is high. You should always confirm safety precautions and packing needs with transport providers before accepting a quote.
Can Items Be Taken Upstairs?
Yes, items can be taken upstairs if needed, and can also be assembled. Transport providers on Shiply are happy to provide these services, but you should ensure that you are mentioning these requirements in your listings as it may mean a second person is required for the move.
Can I Travel With My Goods?
The majority of transport providers on Shiply are only insured for the transportation of goods, however, some are also able to take people. If you need to travel with your goods, make sure to mention this in your listing and highlight this to any courier who quotes on your listing.
What If I Need To Cancel My Booking?
If you have accepted a quote and paid the deposit but wish to cancel the delivery, then you should first inform your chosen transport provider that you no longer require the delivery. You should then contact us at to have your deposit refunded.
Can I Change The Address Of The Delivery?
If you have not yet accepted a quote then you are able to change the address of your listing. Note that editing details of your listing after publishing will result in active quotes being voided, so you will have to wait for new quotes to come in. If you have already accepted a quote and need to change the address, please let your transport provider know and contact us at .
How Shiply Works
How Shiply Works
- 1
Request quotes from our 459,474 rated transport providers.
- 2
Compare prices and read previous customer feedback to pick the right delivery quote for you.
- 3
Sit back and relax while your item is safely delivered by your chosen transport provider.
Recent Deliveries
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How Shiply Helps The Environment
By utilising spare capacity of vehicles running on the road, Shiply helps reduce the number of otherwise wasteful journeys needed to transport the item.
Recent Testimonials
Mark W.
"Simple and effective, will be using regularly. Good value and makes the process of moving big things around so much easier!"
Sandy B.
"In a matter of hours, I received an offer that matched my budget from a company with very good feedback. I love being able to rely on Shiply for getting the precious finds from eBay across the country for a reasonable price."
John G.
"Shiply fills the gaps between getting bulky items collected and delivered and you having to go get them yourself. Used them many times, saves me lots of time and money."
Charlotte H.
"All went very smoothly and easily and the courier whose bid I accepted were lovely, good communication, and helpful. Couldn't fault at all and would certainly use again."