Free, White Glove and In-House Appliance Delivery (Reviews/Ratings)

So you bought an appliance and now you need it shipped.

You are about to enter the second biggest problem in the appliance shopping experience. Appliance service is number one by the way…and not by much.

So I want to tell you about the different kinds of delivery options so you know now rather than at delivery time. You might want to read this post carefully.

Before I do, one of the most difficult decisions in my almost 30 years was to charge for delivery. It was based on multiple problems. I needed better people who could deliver as well as install. I also needed better equipment, because appliances had become heavier and the wood in most floors has become softer. In order to deliver effectively, especially up stairs in Boston, we had to add pretty much everything.

Yale Delivery

Our delivery is now $79.99 and includes basic installation of refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers up to two floors and removal of the existing units as well as the packaging. You will receive a call the day before and with a 2 hour window. We can also call the day of at any time interval.

We perform free delivery site checks upon your request to insure the product can fit through the doors, hallways and into the final space. We also do not charge restocking fees on in stock items if the product does not fit. For heavier items, we leave it on a sheet of melamine, so it will not dent your floors. All deliveries are also recorded for damage before the delivery team leave your house.

Types of Appliance Delivery

I used online vendors for the delivery policy like US Appliance and AJ Madison. Both offer similar delivery policies.

Free Delivery: This is tailgate only, so you are responsible for bringing it in your home. This is ideal for smaller items or if you have a construction crew willing to bring it in the house and remove the existing. I actually like this option.

White Glove: This includes delivery into your home, but does not include steps (seriously). It does not include unpacking, installation or packaging removal.

In Home: This differs from White Glove, because it includes steps.

What To Ask Before Delivery

Make sure to ask these questions whenever you're considering appliance delivery. This will save you headaches down the line.

1. Call aheads: When and how often. You do not want to wait all day for anything.
2. Return Policy: What are the applicable restocking charges? Can you even return a product that doesn't fit?
3. Total Charges: This is a big one especially if you are ordering many products and have stairs. You want to know upfront rather than negotiate at time of delivery.
4. Check Reviews: It's not what they (or we ) say, but what we do. Yelp and Google are the best indicators. Also look at the amount of complaints on the Better Business Bureau. The ratings are not a good indicator (everyone has an A), but the complaints are definitely valid.

I didn’t write this post to say our way was better, just different. There is something to be said for free instead of paying $79. Just be prepared to ask the right questions so you are not surprised at delivery time.

Additional Resources

Get our free Delivery Checklist for tips on the best service. Over 180,000 people have already found answers in a Yale guide.