September 17, 2024

How our Shipping Costs are calculated

Today, I want to illuminate a topic often shrouded in mystery during online shopping – shipping costs. At Sophie Conran, we're all about transparency. So, let's unravel how shipping costs work and what you can expect when you're eyeing that perfect piece for your space.

Understanding the Basics:

First and foremost, the cost of shipping depends on what you're ordering. We want you to be well-informed, so all our delivery costs are readily available for your perusal. Simply head to our product pages and click on the "Shipping & Return" tab for a comprehensive breakdown.

The Scoop on our Sofas:

Now, let's talk sofas – the crown jewel of many living spaces.

Cocobella, Salthrop and Felix collections

This is our exclusive collection we have launched with John Lewis. Delivery to UK mainland locations is free. The evening before your chosen delivery day, the John Lewis delivery team will let you know a 2-hour delivery window. For more information please visit the JLP website https://www.johnlewis.com/customer-services/delivery-information/uk-delivery.

Coco, Barton and Isobel collections

This is managed by our in house team at Sophie Conran. If your order falls within 130 miles of our workshop in Derbyshire, congratulations! You're eligible for free delivery. We believe in spreading comfort without breaking the bank.

For those who reside beyond the 130-mile radius, fret not. We've got a fair system in place. The cost of delivery is determined by the distance from our workshop. It's a straightforward approach, ensuring you know exactly what you're paying for based on where you call home. We charge £2 for every additional mile.

Once you’ve chosen your sofa size, fabric, and finishes, we can begin requesting delivery quotes to your home. There are two main delivery options:

Option 1 – Trade Collection & Curbside Delivery

This is the most cost-effective option.
Your order will be delivered to the curb outside your home.
You will be responsible for moving the piece into your property and disposing of the packaging materials.

Option 2 – White Glove Delivery Service

A two-person team will deliver your furniture into your room of choice.
They will set it up as required and remove all packaging.
This service is more expensive than curbside delivery.
For this option, we will need details such as parking availability, staircases, and/or elevator access.

What’s included in our delivery quotes

Customs agent fees
Fuel surcharges
Import/Export declarations

How the shipping is calculated

We charge this out at cost (no margin) and our shipping companies charge by size and weight to cover costs, because both actual weight and the space a shipment occupies (dimensional weight) are limited resources on transport vehicles. By using dimensional weight, carriers account for large, heavy weight packages that are expensive in terms of space, ensuring that space is profitable and encouraging efficient packaging. The final shipping cost is based on whichever is greater: the package's actual weight or its dimensional weight. This means that if you order more than one item of furniture, the costs will increase as it occupies more space.

Import Taxes & Duties

When your delivery service arrives at the border, they will contact you directly to arrange payment of import tax for your country of residence. You will be able to make the payment using your credit card.

Please note, this payment must be made directly to the delivery provider before your goods can clear customs. They will then schedule a convenient time to deliver the items to your residence.

Connecting you with the delivery partner

We will put you in direct contact with the delivery partner once the goods are collected so that they can liaise with you. You will be given a contact number for them and they will be given your contact details. We recommend keeping in contact with them but please be advised, our team will be on hand to assist you with any help you might need from our end. We do everything we can to arrange a smooth process for you as the client.

Timings

Most sofas arrive within 1-2 weeks of leaving the UK. The customs clearance is very quick (a few hours) and this is handled by the delivery partner. The time that it takes to arrive to your home after clearance is dependent on distance but I would expect within a day or 2. Your dedicated delivery partner should be in contact with you to confirm this.

We will do everything we can to keep the costs as low as possible and make the delivery as easy as possible for you. If you have a local firm that you have used before, we can deliver to them for that final mile.

USA Deliveries

We are now manufacturing locally in the US. We have found a fantastic partner based in North Carolina and the specification of the product is exactly the same as it is here in the UK. They will be made by hand, with fully sprung bases and all natural sustainably materials. This video on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuZcrRwoFhF/?igshid=ODhhZWM5NmIwOQ%3D%3D does a good job of giving an overview of the process. Most deliveries within the US cost around $350 for white glove delivery for a standard piece. If your order is larger than 1 item, please drop us an email and we will come back to you with a detailed estimate.

European and other International

If you reside outside of the UK and USA and would like your order delivered internationally, we are able to help you with a personalised quote. Please send us an email at sofas@sophieconran.com, and our team will be more than happy to provide you with a tailored quote. The shipping is calculated on distance, weight, volume and order value. To ensure it is accurate please let us know what pieces you are interested in together with details regarding what the access is like into your home. We will provide a few options for you to consider. Your quote will include details regarding duties and taxes which will be due. It's that simple – just a quick email away.

At Sophie Conran, we strive to make your shopping experience as transparent and hassle-free as possible. Because, after all, understanding shipping costs should be as straightforward as finding the perfect piece to complete your home.

We hope this information helps you with your decision. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can also call us anytime at +44 20 3084 2200.

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