- Home
- Courier Auction
What is a courier auction?
All delivery services are the same and they charge a flat rate, right? Well maybe not, it depends on what you’re moving – take antiques, for example, valuable and fragile items can need an expert pair of hands to transport; that expertise and the extra insurance needed can rack up the cost of shipping.
Standard couriers tend to charge a flat rate of around £1.20 per mile, meaning that the further your package is going, the more it’s going to cost.
eBay pickup and delivery has become much more prevalent recently, meaning that there is a great demand for couriers and van delivery services.
There is a way to avoid this kind of outlay and make savings on courier costs – A Courier Auction
What is a Courier Auction?
You’re not going to be quoting on drivers to take you out to dinner, rather they will be quoting to try and win your delivery. Unlike a conventional salesroom, a delivery auction works backwards – meaning the lower quotes win.
Why Would Drivers do a Job for Less?
The obvious question is: If couriers can charge £1.20 per mile, why would they settle for less? The answer: Because they can’t always drum up enough business to fill their vehicles.
When couriers run an empty or partially full vehicle it’s an opportunity cost, they’ll never get back the opportunity to move something at that point in time. So it’s always in a driver’s best interest to keep their vehicle as full as possible. Winning business on routes that they are already travelling is one way that these couriers can increase their profit margins and efficiency.
Creating a Shiply courier auction
We operate as a transport marketplace running reverse auctions on your delivery jobs, it’s dead simple to use and you could save a bundle.
Step One: Upload Your Requirements
First things first, you need to create your listing (or lot, if we’re talking auctions). It’s easy to list the details of your delivery, we need to know what you’re moving to, where it’s going and when you’d like it delivered. Importing delivery details from eBay is really easy too: with the item ID number you can instantly give couriers all the details they need.
Step Two: The Auction
This is the fun part: couriers who are able to complete your delivery quote against one another to try and offer you the best quote – meaning the more popular your consignment, the better deal you’re likely to get. When you have a few quotes you’ll be able to compare prices from local transporters to see which suits you best. You might want to check quoter's feedback scores to see how other Shiply users rate them.
Step Three: Accepting a Quote
You don’t have to slam your proverbial gavel as soon as the cheapest quote comes in; take some time to evaluate your options because different couriers might be available on different days.
When you have decided which courier you want to complete your consignment it’s simply a matter of accepting your preferred quote and arranging a delivery date.
Getting the best quotes
It can be easy to just “set and forget” your auction and pray that you get lucky with a fantastic quote, but being proactive and taking some simple steps can help your delivery attract more offers.
Give Details
Listing “a sofa” isn’t likely to attract many quotes. Whereas listing a “3 Seat Leather Sofa” with details of weight and dimensions is much more likely to attract accurate quotes from delivery services.
Being specific with your delivery locations is useful as well because drivers will want to know that a consignment is on their pre-planned route before quoting.
Use Pictures
A picture is worth a thousand words. One of the most important steps to getting the lowest courier rates for an auction is to include images. Dimensions and weight are useful, but peculiarly shaped items especially can benefit from having pictures as this will help drivers decide if it will fit in their vehicle.
Pictures also attract attention when seen alongside other items that do not have images, imagine a real-life auction where you didn’t see what you were quoting on, you would be hesitant too!
Communication
Communication is the foundation of a strong relationship and is also important when trying to win quote from couriers. Transport providers on Shiply will often have questions about deliveries such as when you are around for the pick-up. Maintaining communication with quoting transporters will definitely improve your chances of finding a cheaper quote.
With these tips you’ll be much more likely to attract quotes on your transport auction.
We wish you the best of luck with your listing and hope you get a great quote. Happy auctioneering!
Millions of people use Shiply
Fast and Easy
Complete one simple form and quotes come to you via email. Hassle-free, no phone calls required.
Trustworthy
All delivery companies on Shiply are feedback rated for your peace of mind.
Great Prices
As Shiply's delivery companies are already making similar trips, quotes are up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.
Helpful
Need assistance? Email or call us. We are here to help.
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 451,917 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
Bristol,
BS15
North Hykeham, Lincolnshire,
LN6
£60
London, Greater London,
E5
75006 Paris,
France
£105
London, Greater London,
N2
London, Greater London,
N16
£40
Odiham, Hampshire,
RG29
Plymouth, Devon,
PL5
£60
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."