Futons by Mail Order??

We are often getting asked about sending futons mail order; how well they travel and if they are easy to assemble. Thinking about the following points may help you out.......

1. Quoted Assembly times - does the website you are looking at quote assemble times for their products? We reckon that an average hardwood framed product will take around 1 to 2 hours depending on its complexity, and an average pine framed futon can be assembled in 15 to 60 mins depending on it's state of 'flat-pack'.
2. How does the supplier package its products? - check if the site you are buying from packs its futon mattresses in TWO strong polythene bags, if it's just one then there is a higher risk of damage. Also check for 'double-wall' card being used on the frame boxes.
3. Check how the supplier delivers to you - most web sites send out products using parcel carriers such as NightFreight or City Link. Parcel carriers will not give a delivery time so please ensure that you arrange a date with your supplier when someone is present at home. It's also worth checking to see if your futon is being dispatched by the company you are buying it from (the website) or if they are dispatching via a factory. If it's travelling direct from the company you are buying it from they may have better tracking information regarding your delivery.
4. Check your goods on arrival - It's difficult to open every box and bag and check in detail as the delivery company will not want to wait whilst you do this, but just give the boxes a quick look over and mark clearly on the delivery drivers paperwork if there is any obvious damage, then inform your supplier as soon as possible. It's also a good idea to check out your suppliers terms and conditions to ensure that they handle customer services in a responsible way.