Courier/Shipping Advice - Collecting From & Returning To Customers

[Diggerboy]

Hi folks,

I run a cleaning business and would like customers to be able to ship their high-ish value (£100-£2000) items to me, and then we'll ship them back after cleaning. Items are typically bulky but not particularly heavy, and there could be 1-4 pieces in a single shipment. Weights from 3kg to 10kg. Example sizes 50cm x 40cm x 40cm to 100cm x 50cm x 50cm.

Are any of the "big" companies - DPD, TNT, UPS, Parcel Force, etc - geared up for this? Items would need to be insured.

I spoke to TNT a while ago and, at the time, they would only ship FROM us to customers, ie. they wouldn't collect from customers' houses and ship TO us, it would be up to customers to arrange their own courier. That's not ideal.

Any help greatly appreciated

 

[gingerdad]

Most will do third party pickups with delivery either back to you or somewhere else

TNT, ups, DHL, Ukmail and Dpd all do.

Other option is to use a 3rd party supplier like parcel2gp

 

[Mr D]

Have not come across couriers who will not collect from people on your instructions.
Have done dozens of buyer returns where we have arranged collection.

What you cannot do is make sure buyer packs item properly. Arrives damaged at your place having been transported by your courier....?

 

[Revell Cornell]

Okay. What you do, you want paying for. Simple. So, if you do all the organising of getting the item collected and returned - you want paying for your labour. Nearly every courier company I've used WILL COLLECT. I've never known one not to. Customer needs to pack and they accept responsibility unless they want to pay a fortune for someone else to pack and insure. Finally, believe me, the items you describe are neither bulky or heavy. Good luck.