West Elm's Delivery Options: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide explains West Elm's delivery options, including standard and home delivery, flat-rate fees, store pickup, and adding special delivery instructions. It helps you navigate the best choices for your order.
Shoppers are increasingly buying from the comfort of their home. When they do, buying an item is only one piece of the puzzle. Receiving the item – when, how, and for how much – is a whole different set of considerations.
Whether you're purchasing large furniture or small decor items, West Elm offers a variety of delivery services to meet different needs. This guide breaks down the available delivery options, costs, and what to expect when shopping at West Elm.
1. Front Door Parcel Delivery (Standard Shipping for Small Items)
Front Door Parcel Delivery is the standard option for smaller items like decor and kitchenware.
- Delivery Time: Standard shipping typically takes 4–5 business days. Some items may take longer, particularly those shipped from a third-party supplier. If items are ordered together, they may arrive in separate boxes depending on availability.
- Costs: Shipping fees are based on the total order value, starting at $5.95 for orders under $15. Costs increase with the total value of the order, capping at 10% of the merchandise total for orders over $300.
- Next-Day Shipping: For an additional $26, next-day shipping is available for most items. Orders placed by 4 PM PT Monday to Friday will arrive the next business day. Weekend orders will arrive on Tuesday.
2. Home Delivery for Large Items
For larger furniture or heavy items, West Elm offers Home Delivery options, which include assembly for some purchases.
- Unlimited Flat Rate Shipping: This option allows you to pay a single flat rate to ship an unlimited number of eligible furniture items to the same address. Costs depend on the distance from the warehouse to your home and your total order amount.
- White Glove Service: Includes delivery, unpacking, assembly, and removal of packaging. This service is especially useful for large furniture pieces like sofas or dining tables.
- Doorstep Delivery: A more affordable option for large items, this service does not include assembly or unpacking. The delivery team leaves the item at your doorstep, and you are responsible for bringing it inside and assembling it.
3. Ship to Store
For some items, you can choose to ship your order to a local West Elm store for pickup.
- Cost: Ship to Store is offered at a reduced flat rate, which varies depending on the total order value.
- Pickup: You will receive an email once your order is available at the store, and it should be picked up within 7 days. Contact the store to arrange a convenient pickup time.
Reasons to Choose Store Pick-Up: Save on shipping costs, enjoy convenience, and pick up locally, often faster than delivery, with flexible timing.
Tips for Store Pick-Up: Verify stock availability, bring proper identification, and check store hours for a smooth pick-up experience.
4. Delivery to Non-Contiguous U.S. States and Territories
West Elm ships to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories, and APO/FPO addresses, though additional charges may apply.
- Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories: An additional $20 fee applies for shipments to these locations, and delivery typically takes 5–15 business days.
- APO/FPO Addresses: A $10 surcharge applies, and delivery can take 4–6 weeks for military addresses.
5. Special Delivery Instructions
West Elm allows customers to add special instructions for deliveries, such as gate codes or property access details.
- Additional Info You Can Include:
- Gate or door codes
- Specific drop-off locations
- Building entry details (elevator access, stairs, etc.)
Customers can also request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for buildings that require it. Be sure to request this at least three days before delivery.
When to get a COI? Check with building management or review your lease/HOA documents to see if a Certificate of Insurance (COI) is required for deliveries.
6. Gift Cards and Other Considerations
Gift cards from West Elm have different shipping rates.
- Free USPS Shipping: Standard delivery takes 5–7 business days.
- Next-Day Delivery: Available for a $12 charge.
7. Delivery Timing Expectations
West Elm’s delivery times depend on the type of item and proximity to metropolitan areas.
- Non-Upholstered Furniture: Delivery within 7–10 business days in metro areas, and 2–3 weeks outside metro areas.
- Quick Ship Upholstery: Expect delivery within 2–3 weeks.
- Special Order Upholstery: These items typically take 8–10 weeks to arrive, though delivery timelines may be provided on the product page.
Backordered items will ship when they are back in stock at no extra charge.
Conclusion: Maximize Your Full Shopping Experience
West Elm’s diverse delivery options are designed to accommodate different customer needs, from fast shipping for small items to premium White Glove service for larger furniture pieces. Understanding the details of these options ensures that you’ll have a smooth and convenient delivery experience.
For savvy shoppers, tools like Spoken can help you compare prices and delivery options across multiple retailers, ensuring that you get the best value for your purchases from West Elm and beyond.
Geoff Abraham
Co-founder & President of Spoken
Geoff is the co-founder and President of Spoken. He is a Dad. He holds a BA from UT Austin (Plan II) and an MBA from Stanford. Geoff has built several successful businesses, including a bicycle taxi business in San Francisco which he ran for 10 years with his wife, Mimosa. He is an executive coach, and he actively invests in seed-stage startups via The Explorer Fund.
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