White Glove Delivery Explained: What Is Included, What It Costs, and When to Require It

If you have ever had a freight driver leave a 200-pound sofa at your curb, you understand why white glove delivery exists. But the term is not standardized, and what one retailer calls white glove is not identical to what another offers. Here is how to know what you are buying.

Large furniture and appliance orders ship via freight carriers, not standard parcel carriers. Freight shipments come with different tiers of service, from the most basic (curbside drop) to the most comprehensive (white glove). Understanding the tiers before you order determines whether the item ends up in your living room or on your front porch.

What are the delivery service tiers?

Curbside delivery is the baseline. The freight carrier brings the shipment to the edge of the property — the curb, driveway, or building entrance — and that is where the carrier’s obligation ends. Moving the item inside is your responsibility. For heavy items (sofas, large appliances, exercise equipment), curbside delivery typically requires help from another adult to bring the item inside.

Threshold delivery is one step up. The carrier brings the item to the first dry area inside the delivery address — typically just inside the front door or into a garage. The crew does not carry the item to a specific room, up stairs, or through hallways. This is sometimes offered as a slight upgrade over curbside for minimal additional cost.

Room of choice delivery means the crew carries the item to the specific room you designate — living room, bedroom, home office — and places it where you direct. It does not necessarily include unpacking or assembly.

White glove delivery is the full-service tier. Standard inclusions are: delivery to the room of choice, removal of all packaging materials, basic assembly if the item ships in components, and placement in the final location. Some white glove services also offer old item removal (haul-away) as an add-on or included feature.

Frequently asked questions about white glove delivery

What exactly is included in white glove delivery?
There is no industry-wide standard. Always read the specific retailer’s white glove description before ordering. A typical white glove service includes delivery to room, unpacking, and debris removal. Assembly is included for many furniture items (attaching legs, connecting modular sections) but may not be included for complex assembly or appliance installation. Appliance hookup (gas, water, electrical) is typically a separate service from delivery.

How much does white glove delivery cost?
Costs range from $75 to $250 for furniture orders, depending on item size, distance, and the specific retailer or carrier. Some retailers include white glove at no additional charge on orders over a certain amount. Others offer it as a flat fee or percentage of the order total. Compare the cost against what you would pay to hire two people locally to help you bring a heavy item inside and assemble it.

Does white glove delivery include haul-away of my old item?
Sometimes. Haul-away of an existing sofa, mattress, or appliance is a separate service offered by some retailers and delivery companies. It is worth asking when scheduling, as it varies by region and carrier. Haul-away fees, when charged, typically run $25 to $75 per item.

Do I need to be home for white glove delivery?
Yes. White glove delivery requires an adult to be present to direct placement, inspect the item, and sign the delivery receipt. You will typically receive a call or email to schedule a four-hour delivery window. If you miss the window, rescheduling fees may apply.

What should I do to prepare for white glove delivery?
Clear the path from the entrance to the placement room of any obstacles. Remove any furniture or rugs that would block movement. Measure the path to confirm the item will fit through every doorway and around every corner before the crew arrives. Having the intended placement location clear before delivery eliminates confusion and potential damage during setup.

What if the crew damages something during white glove delivery?
Damage during delivery is the carrier’s liability. Note any damage to walls, floors, or the delivered item on the delivery receipt before signing. Take photographs immediately. Contact the retailer in writing on the same day with the documentation. Most retailers and carriers will resolve delivery damage claims that are documented at time of delivery.

When is white glove delivery worth the extra cost?

White glove delivery is consistently worth it when any of the following apply:

• The item weighs more than 150 pounds and you do not have help available for moving it inside.
• The item must travel up stairs or through multiple rooms.
• The item arrives in multiple sections that require assembly.
• The item has a high replacement cost and you want professional handling to reduce damage risk.
• You live alone or do not have the physical capability to handle the weight.

When the item is a single manageable piece with easy access to the room and you have help available, standard threshold or room-of-choice delivery may be sufficient.