Check the listing before you buy
Before you commit, check the item's size, weight and condition. Ask the seller for measurements if they aren't listed, and for photos of any damage. Confirm the item is available and that the seller is happy for a driver to collect on your behalf.
Agree collection details with the seller
Arrange a collection window that suits the seller, and ask about access. Sellers often know whether there are stairs, a lift or parking outside.
- The collection address and a contact phone number
- A time window the seller will be in
- Floor level, lifts and parking
- Whether the seller can help carry the item
Pay safely
Use the platform's own payment and buyer protection options where available. Be cautious of sellers who ask for unusual payment methods or pressure you to pay before you've confirmed the item exists. If you're paying on collection, agree with the seller how this will work before the driver arrives.
Measure where it's going
Measure doorways, hallways and stairs at your home as well as the item. A sofa that fits the room but not the front door can cause problems on delivery day. If it needs to be taken apart, agree with the seller who will do it before collection.
Describe the item clearly
When you book, add the item's size, rough weight and a photo or link to the listing. Mention anything fragile, such as glass, mirrors or electrical items. Clear details help drivers bring the right vehicle and protection.
Book the collection
If you need it collected quickly, ASAP Transport sends your job to nearby drivers who are online. If the seller has given you a later date, schedule the job for then. You can also post it as a Bid Job and compare quotes, or set your own price with a Fixed Price Job.
On collection day
Share the driver's details with the seller if needed, and keep your phone handy in case the driver or seller has questions. You can follow the driver live on the map. When the item arrives, check it over before the driver leaves and you'll get photo proof of delivery.
Items that need extra care
Some second-hand items need a little more thought. Fridges and freezers should ideally travel upright and be left to settle before switching on. Washing machines may need transit bolts fitted. Glass tables, mirrors and large televisions need protecting. Ask the seller whether they have original packaging or fittings.
If the seller can't be there
If the seller has arranged for someone else to hand over the item, add that person's name and number to the job. Agree a backup plan in case the collection window changes, and keep messages with the seller in one place so details are easy to check.
Collecting several items at once
If you've bought more than one item, you can add each pickup as a stop on one job, as long as everything fits in the vehicle. List the items and sizes for each stop so the driver can plan the load.
Booking a collection from further away
Sometimes the best deal is in another town or city. Longer collections are still simple to book, but think about timing. A flexible date gives drivers more chance to fit your job in, and a Bid Job lets you compare quotes for longer journeys. Check the seller is happy to hold the item until the collection date.
Common mistakes to avoid
Buyers sometimes book before confirming the item's size, only to find it won't fit the vehicle or their front door. Others forget to tell the seller a driver is coming, or give a collection window the seller can't make. Paying outside the platform's protection can also leave you at risk. Confirm details with the seller first, measure carefully and keep payment safe.
In summary
Agree collection details with the seller, measure the item and your home, describe the job clearly and choose ASAP Transport, a Bid Job or a Fixed Price Job. You can follow the driver live and get photo proof when it arrives.