What is white-glove delivery?

MadeHall

The short answer

What does white-glove delivery mean for furniture?

White-glove delivery describes a service scope that may include indoor placement, unpacking, assembly and packaging removal. Confirm each task in the written quote, because the label alone does not establish what is included. MadeHall checks delivery and installation availability by ZIP code, product and building access before confirming the service arrangements.

White-glove delivery is a furniture service scope to confirm before ordering for a small office or furnished rental. MadeHall offers a free space plan in 3 business days, and in-stock furniture arrives in 7–14 days. Delivery and installation are available in select areas — confirm by ZIP code.

Illustrative render of a reception desk with packed boxes and folded moving blankets

Images in this guide are illustrative renders, not photographs of a customer installation.

What does white-glove furniture delivery include?

White-glove delivery can include indoor placement, unpacking, assembly and packaging removal, but the written service scope determines which tasks apply to your order. Treat the label as a starting point for a conversation rather than a complete specification. A receiving team should be able to read the quote and understand where the delivery team's responsibility ends.

For a reception desk, ask whether the desk arrives assembled or in separate packages. Ask who opens protective packaging, who positions the desk, and whether assembly is included. A finished room may still need electrical work or other specialist services that the furniture delivery quote does not cover. Have any such exclusions listed before booking.

How is white-glove different from curbside or room-of-choice delivery?

The useful difference is the agreed handoff point and the work performed after arrival. Service names can vary, so compare written responsibilities using the same checklist. Read the delivery policy alongside your project quote.

Service label Handoff to clarify Additional work to confirm
Curbside The accessible unloading location Movement from unloading point into the building
Room-of-choice The agreed room and access route Unpacking, assembly and packaging removal
White-glove Placement in the agreed room Each included assembly and cleanup task

Use this table to ask questions, not to assume a service entitlement. For an office reception area, positioning the furniture may require different access preparation from receiving cartons at a loading bay.

Illustrative render of a clear office entry route beside a reception desk

What should the building team prepare before delivery?

Prepare the receiving arrangements and check the packaged furniture against the full access route before the appointment. A product's assembled dimensions do not establish whether its crate can pass through a door or turn inside an elevator.

  • Request package count, packaged dimensions and assembly state for the selected item.
  • Share door openings, corridor turns, stairs and freight elevator dimensions with the delivery coordinator.
  • Confirm the receiving contact, loading access, permitted delivery hours and elevator reservation with building management.
  • Ask whether a certificate of insurance, often called a COI, or an advance access application is required.
  • Clear the destination area and confirm who arranges any required floor or wall protection.

Do not schedule a move-in around an assumed appointment. Keep the receiving contact available and obtain written confirmation of the delivery arrangements.

What should the quote confirm before I book?

The quote should separate the furniture from the work needed to deliver and install it. Ask for Product, Freight, Delivery, Installation, Tax and Exclusions to be clearly identified. Confirm the address, selected service scope, access assumptions and any separately arranged work before accepting the quote.

Review the installation service details with your project requirements. If the room layout, receiving hours or access route changes, tell the coordinator before delivery so the scope can be checked again. Keep the final written quote with the furniture specification and receiving instructions.

Illustrative render of a reception desk positioned in a finished office lobby

Start with a free space plan to connect your furniture selection, room layout and delivery questions.

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Frequently asked questions

Does white-glove delivery always include furniture assembly?

Assembly should be confirmed as a separate task in the written service scope. Some furniture arrives assembled, while other items require work after unpacking. Ask whether your selected product needs assembly, whether that work is included, and whether any specialist installation remains your responsibility. Tell MadeHall the product, quantity, delivery ZIP code and access conditions so the available service can be checked. Keep the confirmed scope with your order instead of relying on the delivery label alone.

How do I check whether the furniture will fit through my building?

Start with packaged dimensions and assembly state for the exact product and size. A desk's finished dimensions may differ from its protective crate or individual packages. Share the door openings, corridor turns, stairs and freight elevator dimensions with the delivery coordinator before booking. Also identify any building restrictions on unloading or access. If the route appears tight, have the plan checked before placing the order; a room layout alone does not confirm that a package can reach that room.

Can delivery be arranged around building receiving hours?

Share the building's permitted receiving hours and the receiving contact before the appointment is arranged. Ask building management about freight elevator reservations, loading access and any required certificate of insurance or advance application. MadeHall needs those details to check the delivery arrangements with the service provider. Do not assume that a preferred time is booked until it is confirmed in writing. If access or receiving availability changes, notify the coordinator before the scheduled delivery.

Are delivery, assembly and packaging removal included in the furniture price?

Read the quote for the agreed charges and tasks rather than assuming that the furniture price covers every service. Ask for Product, Freight, Delivery, Installation, Tax and Exclusions to be identified. Confirm whether unpacking, assembly, placement and packaging removal are included for your selected items and address. Service availability depends on the product and delivery location, with building access also needing review. Keep any separately arranged work clearly identified so your receiving team knows who is responsible.

Does choosing white-glove delivery change the furniture lead time?

Confirm the furniture lead time and service appointment together, because a delivery label does not establish either date. MadeHall in-stock furniture ships within 1 business day and arrives in 7–14 days; made-to-order and semi-custom furniture arrives in 6–8 weeks, and full custom furniture in 8–10 weeks. The final dates and service scope are confirmed in writing for the order. Share your required arrival date, delivery ZIP code and building constraints before relying on a move-in schedule.