deliverateDELIVERATE / GOOD THINGS. GOING PLACES.
Compare courier quotes for large, bulky and independent deliveries
Need to compare courier quotes? The cheapest number on screen is not always the cheapest complete delivery. For furniture, appliances, bulky goods and private-seller purchases, compare the full service before you book.
How to compare courier quotes properly
1. Check the total
Look for VAT, marketplace or booking fees, tracking charges, waiting-time charges and any balance due directly to the courier.
2. Check the vehicle and crew
Confirm the vehicle is large enough and whether the quote includes one person, two people, a tail lift or other handling equipment.
3. Check dates and flexibility
A flexible collection window can price differently from a fixed same-day or timed booking. Make sure the quote matches the date you actually need.
Courier quote comparison checklist
| Compare | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Total price | Is VAT included? Are there marketplace, booking or card fees? Is any balance payable later? |
| Collection | Exact date or flexible window? Ground floor or stairs? Parking or loading restrictions? |
| Delivery | Doorstep, room of choice or installation? Does the recipient need to help unload? |
| Vehicle | Small van, LWB, XLWB, Luton or specialist vehicle? Is a tail lift needed? |
| People | One driver or two-person team? Is heavy lifting included? |
| Cover | What insurance or compensation terms apply to the item and job? |
| Tracking | Will you receive live progress or ETA updates? |
| Proof | Will the delivery record include photos, signature or proof of delivery? |
| Changes | What happens if the seller, buyer or collection date changes? |
Where can I get multiple courier quotes?
Online courier marketplaces let you enter the job once and hear from transport providers who are interested in carrying it. Deliverate is one such marketplace: you describe what is moving, where it needs to go and when, then review courier responses before choosing.
Other well-known services use different models. Shiply, Delivery Quote Compare and uShip also use marketplace-style quote competition, while AnyVan advertises an up-front price and matches the booking to a transport team.
What details produce more accurate courier quotes?
Give dimensions and approximate weight wherever possible. Add the number of items, photographs where useful, the collection and delivery areas, preferred dates, flexibility, stairs, lifts, parking, loading access and whether anyone can help lift. Unclear jobs create unclear prices.
Courier quotes for eBay, Facebook Marketplace and private sellers
When buying from a private seller, ask them to confirm the item dimensions, condition, collection availability and access before you request quotes. Do not assume the courier will dismantle furniture, package the item or carry it down several flights of stairs unless that is in the quote.