If you‘re considering purchasing furniture from Amazon, you‘re not alone. In recent years, the e-commerce giant has become a go-to destination for home furnishings of all kinds. According to a 2021 report by One Click Retail, Amazon‘s U.S. furniture sales grew by 51% year-over-year to reach $9.5 billion, solidifying its position as one of the nation‘s largest furniture retailers.
But with such large and bulky items, you likely have questions about how Amazon‘s furniture delivery process works. Can they really ship a sofa or dining set to your door? How much does it cost, and how long will it take to arrive? And what happens if you don‘t like it once it‘s in your space?
As an expert in retail and consumer trends with over a decade of experience analyzing the furniture industry, I‘m here to give you the full scoop on Amazon‘s furniture delivery service. I‘ve thoroughly researched every aspect of the process, from shipping carriers to in-home setup to returns. Whether you‘re a Prime member or a first-time furniture buyer, this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know to confidently shop Amazon‘s vast furniture selection. Let‘s dive in!
Amazon‘s Furniture Delivery 101
First, the basics: Yes, Amazon does deliver furniture. The e-tailer offers a huge array of furniture for every room, style, and budget, from sofas and sectionals to dining sets, office desks, and patio seating. Most of these items qualify for free shipping, with some available for Prime 2-day delivery.
However, Amazon furniture delivery works a bit differently than the typical Amazon box on your doorstep. Here‘s a quick overview of the process:
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When you purchase a furniture item, the product page and checkout will specify the shipping method and carrier. Most large furniture is shipped via freight carriers.
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After your order is placed, the furniture seller (either the brand itself or a third-party seller) will prepare your item for shipment. This typically takes 1-2 business days.
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Once the item ships, the carrier will contact you to schedule a delivery date and 4-hour arrival window. You must be present to receive the delivery.
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On delivery day, the carrier will bring the furniture into your home, unbox it, and place it in your room of choice. Some sellers include assembly, but most do not.
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You‘ll have a chance to inspect the piece for damage or defects. If there are any issues, you can refuse delivery or contact Amazon for a refund or replacement.
Now, let‘s explore each step of this process in more detail.
How Amazon Ships Furniture Orders
Unlike smaller items that Amazon fulfills from its own warehouses, most furniture pieces are shipped directly from the furniture brand or seller. Amazon partners with a network of specialized freight carriers to transport these large, heavy, and high-value shipments.
Some of Amazon‘s key furniture carriers include:
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CEVA Logistics: A global leader in furniture-specific logistics, CEVA operates 31 North American distribution centers totaling over 6 million square feet. They utilize air-ride trucks and blanket-wrap service to ensure safe transport.
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MGM Transport: MGM is one of Amazon‘s primary furniture carriers for the eastern U.S. They operate 28 strategically located cross-dock facilities and utilize specialized equipment like liftgates and pallet jacks.
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J.B. Hunt: This national carrier handles Amazon furniture deliveries across the lower 48 states. They offer both threshold delivery and deluxe in-home setup services.
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Watkins & Shepard: W&S is known for its "white glove" furniture delivery, with uniformed drivers and advanced shipment tracking. They handle many of Amazon‘s high-end furniture orders.
By utilizing multiple regional and national carriers, Amazon can efficiently ship furniture orders from coast to coast. However, this does mean that delivery times and service levels can vary widely depending on the item and seller.
Furniture Delivery Costs and Shipping Speeds
One of the biggest perks of buying furniture on Amazon is that shipping is free on most items. Because furniture is so expensive to transport, Amazon requires its furniture sellers to offer free standard shipping on all orders over $25. So in the vast majority of cases, the product price you see is the total delivered price.
However, it‘s important to note that "free shipping" doesn‘t necessarily mean "fast shipping" when it comes to Amazon furniture. Large items can take anywhere from 3 to 30 business days to arrive after your order is placed. According to a 2020 report by Supply Chain Dive, the average time from click to delivery for Amazon furniture is 11.5 days.
So what affects Amazon furniture shipping speeds? Several key factors:
| Factor | Impact on Delivery Time |
|---|---|
| Item size/weight | Larger and heavier pieces take longer to ship |
| Seller location | Shipping from the East Coast to the West Coast (or vice versa) adds transit time |
| Freight carrier | Some carriers have faster cross-country networks than others |
| Customization | Made-to-order pieces take longer than ready-to-ship items |
| Inventory | Items that are back-ordered or low in stock will have longer lead times |
In my experience, shoppers can generally expect the following Amazon furniture shipping timelines:
| Furniture Type | Average Shipping Time |
|---|---|
| Small décor/accents | 5-7 business days |
| Ready-to-ship small furniture | 7-10 business days |
| Ready-to-ship large furniture | 2-3 weeks |
| Customized/made-to-order furniture | 4-8 weeks |
Of course, these are just estimates. To get the most accurate shipping information, carefully check the "arrives by" date during Amazon checkout as well as the fine-print details from the seller.
Taking Advantage of Prime Furniture Delivery
If you‘re an Amazon Prime member, you know the thrill of getting everything from phone chargers to dog food delivered to your door in 48 hours or less. But does that same perk apply to furniture? Well, yes and no.
Many of Amazon‘s furniture items are Prime-eligible, with some even available for free same-day or next-day delivery. However, these tend to be smaller accent pieces like end tables, ottomans, or lamps. For larger items like sofas and patio sets, Prime shipping typically doesn‘t apply.
That said, Prime members do get some exclusive furniture delivery perks, such as:
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Early access to deals: Prime members often get first dibs on limited-time furniture discounts and flash sales.
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Wider free shipping selection: Non-Prime customers may have to pay shipping fees on some furniture orders under $25.
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Free return shipping: If you need to return a furniture item, Prime members typically get free return shipping (though some oversize items may have a return fee).
So while you probably won‘t get your new sectional delivered in two days, a Prime membership can still save you money and hassle when buying furniture on Amazon. Just be sure to look for the Prime logo when browsing.
In-Home Furniture Delivery and Setup
Many shoppers are pleasantly surprised to learn that Amazon offers an in-home delivery service for most large furniture items at no additional cost. Rather than just leaving your new dresser or dining table on the front porch, the delivery crew will actually bring it into your home, unbox it, and place it in your room of choice.
Here‘s how Amazon‘s in-home furniture delivery works:
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During checkout, select an available delivery date and 4-hour arrival window that‘s convenient for you.
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The day before delivery, the carrier will contact you to confirm your appointment. Make sure to clear a path in your home and remove any old furniture.
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During your delivery window, the carrier will arrive with your furniture and bring it inside. They‘ll unbox each piece and place it in your preferred location.
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The delivery crew will perform a basic inspection of the furniture to make sure it‘s free of damage and defects. You‘ll also have a chance to examine the piece.
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If everything looks good, sign off on the delivery. If there are any issues, point them out to the crew and contact Amazon for next steps.
It‘s worth noting that in-home furniture delivery does not include assembly. The carriers will unpack your items and haul away the boxes, but they won‘t put together your bed frame or connect your sectional pieces. However, some brands offer assembly as an add-on service for a fee.
Amazon also gives customers the option to hire a local professional to assemble their furniture through Amazon Home Services. You can add this service to your order at checkout and choose an installation date and time. The assemblers are screened and insured by Amazon and can put together anything from bookcases to treadmills.
How Amazon Furniture Delivery Compares to Competitors
Of course, Amazon isn‘t the only game in town when it comes to buying furniture online. E-tailers like Wayfair, Overstock, and Ikea also offer a wide selection of home furnishings with convenient delivery options. So how does Amazon stack up to the competition? Let‘s take a look:
| Retailer | Shipping Fees | Shipping Speed | In-Home Delivery | Assembly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Free on most items | 3-30 business days | Included free on select items | Available through Amazon Home Services |
| Wayfair | Free over $35 | 1-3 weeks | Included free on most items | Available for a fee |
| Overstock | Free over $45 | 1-4 weeks | Included free on most items | N/A |
| Ikea | Starts at $5 | 1 day-2 weeks | Starts at $39 | Starts at $39 |
As you can see, Amazon offers competitive shipping fees and speeds for furniture delivery. Their free in-home setup is also a standout perk. However, Wayfair and Overstock also provide similar services for free on most orders. And while Ikea charges for delivery and assembly, their flat rates can be cost-effective for bulk orders.
In terms of selection, Amazon and Wayfair are the clear leaders with millions of furniture items from thousands of brands. Overstock and Ikea have a smaller assortment but tend to focus on budget-friendly, ready-to-ship pieces that are popular with younger shoppers.
Where Amazon really shines is its vast logistics network and industry partnerships. By working with a wide array of furniture-specific carriers, Amazon can more efficiently deliver bulky items to more locations. They also offer enhanced tracking and scheduling capabilities through their Amazon Logistics platform.
Tips for Easier Amazon Furniture Delivery
Now that you understand how Amazon furniture delivery works, here are some expert tips to make your experience even smoother:
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Read the product details carefully. Before clicking "Add to Cart," make sure you know exactly what is and isn‘t included with the item. Does it require assembly? What are the dimensions? What‘s the shipping method? The answers to these questions will help you avoid surprises on delivery day.
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Choose items that will fit through your front door. This may seem obvious, but it‘s a common mistake. Measure your doorways, hallways, and stairwells to ensure the furniture can actually make it into your space. When in doubt, opt for pieces that ship in multiple boxes.
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Compare prices and shipping options. While Amazon offers great deals on furniture, don‘t forget to shop around. Check the total delivered price (including taxes and fees) on other sites like Wayfair and Allmodern. You may find a better deal or faster shipping elsewhere.
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Consider an Amazon Prime membership. If you plan on making multiple furniture purchases, a Prime subscription could quickly pay for itself in free expedited shipping and exclusive discounts. Plus, you‘ll get access to Prime Video, Music, and other perks.
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Be available for delivery. Amazon furniture delivery typically requires a signature and in-home setup, so you‘ll need to be present. If you can‘t take off work, consider having a friend or neighbor meet the delivery crew. Just be sure to give them specific instructions.
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Prep your space ahead of time. Before delivery day, clear out any old furniture, measure your doorways, and make sure there‘s a clear path to the room where the item will go. This will make the delivery crew‘s job much easier and prevent damage to your home.
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Inspect the furniture carefully. Once your item is delivered, take a close look at it for any damage or defects. Make sure all the parts are included and that the piece matches the online description. If anything seems off, don‘t hesitate to contact Amazon for a replacement or refund.
Sustainable Furniture Delivery
As e-commerce continues to grow, so does the environmental impact of all those deliveries. Furniture, in particular, has a large carbon footprint due to its size and weight. According to the Sustainable Furnishings Council, the average piece of furniture generates 18 kg of CO2 emissions during production and distribution.
Fortunately, Amazon is taking steps to make furniture delivery more eco-friendly. In 2019, they launched the "Less Packaging, More Smiles" program, which aims to reduce packaging waste by shipping products in their original packaging rather than an additional Amazon box. They‘re also working with brands to develop more sustainable packaging materials.
In addition, Amazon has pledged to make 50% of its shipments net-zero carbon by 2030. To reach this goal, they‘re investing in electric delivery vehicles, renewable energy, and reforestation projects. They‘re also partnering with carriers that use biofuels and optimization technology to reduce emissions.
As a shopper, you can do your part by choosing furniture made from sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled metal, or FSC-certified wood. Look for third-party certifications like Greenguard, which indicates a product has low chemical emissions. And when your furniture reaches the end of its life, consider donating or recycling it rather than sending it to a landfill.
While there‘s still a long way to go, Amazon‘s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of furniture delivery are a step in the right direction. By supporting these initiatives and making conscious purchasing decisions, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.
Conclusion
Amazon has revolutionized the way we shop for furniture, offering an unbeatable selection and the convenience of delivery right to our door. While the process may seem daunting at first, this guide has armed you with everything you need to know to navigate Amazon‘s furniture delivery with ease.
Whether you opt for threshold delivery or in-home setup, you can trust that Amazon‘s network of specialized carriers will get your items to you safely and efficiently. And with free shipping, 30-day returns, and exclusive Prime perks, you can shop with confidence.
As Amazon continues to innovate in the furniture space with new partnerships and eco-friendly initiatives, I expect the delivery process to become even smoother and more sustainable in the years ahead.
In the meantime, I hope this ultimate guide has empowered you to find the perfect furniture pieces for your home on Amazon. Happy shopping!
