Curbside / threshold
The item is left at the curb or just inside the entry, still boxed. You handle the carry, unpacking, assembly and disposal.
Guide
What is white-glove delivery?
White-glove delivery is a full-service delivery: the piece is brought inside, unpacked, inspected, placed in the room you chose, assembled or installed, and every carton is taken away. A standard freight delivery ends at the curb with a signature and a box.
The three levels of delivery
Room of choice
The box is carried to the room you name. Unpacking, assembly and packaging removal are still yours.
White glove
Unpacked, inspected, placed, assembled, styled, and all packaging removed — usually with a condition report and photographs.
Common questions
What is white-glove delivery?
White-glove delivery is a full-service delivery in which the item is brought inside, unpacked, placed in the room you choose, assembled or installed as needed, and all packaging is removed. Standard freight delivery usually stops at the curb or the front door.
How is it different from threshold or room-of-choice delivery?
Threshold delivery leaves the item just inside the door, still boxed. Room-of-choice carries the box to the right room but leaves the unpacking, assembly and debris to you. White-glove covers all of it, and typically includes inspection and a condition report.
Does white-glove delivery include removing old furniture?
Not automatically. Removal or haul-away of existing furniture is usually a separate line item, so ask for it to be quoted with the delivery if you need the room cleared first.
How much does white-glove delivery cost?
Pricing depends on the number and size of pieces, access at the property (stairs, elevators, long carries), distance, whether storage is involved and how much assembly is required. It is quoted per project rather than as a flat fee.
Do you tip white-glove furniture delivery?
Tipping is never required and is always at your discretion. Many clients offer a tip per crew member for a long, careful or difficult install; it is a courtesy, not part of the price.
What is included in a standard white-glove delivery service?
Inside delivery to the room of choice, careful unpacking, inspection with a condition report, assembly or installation of the piece, placement to the plan, and same-day removal of all cartons and packing material. Receiving and storage ahead of the delivery date can be added when pieces arrive from multiple vendors.
How do I choose a reliable white-glove delivery service?
Look for a provider with its own receiving warehouse, photo-documented inspections, trained in-house crews rather than day labour, and proper insurance with certificates available for buildings that require them. Ask whether they handle damage claims with carriers on your behalf — that is where most cut-rate services fall short.
When is white-glove delivery worth paying for?
It is worth it for high-value, fragile, heavy or custom pieces, for full-room and whole-home installs on a fixed date, and any time damage discovered on install day in front of a client would be more costly than the service itself.
Need white-glove delivery & installation nationwide?
We receive, store, deliver, install and style for designers, builders and private clients from Knoxville to anywhere in the U.S.