Skip to main content

Shipping Methods

We partner with leading providers to offer fully insured delivery to just about anywhere in the world.

What delivery methods are available to me?

Different shipping options are available to you depending on the size, fragility and location of the item. Some of 1stDibs's most common shipping methods are In-Home Delivery, Front Door Freight and Parcel Shipping. Read on to learn more about these options and see which one best suits your needs.

In-Home Delivery Shipping

In-Home Delivery is used for large domestic shipments. In this shipping method, the item will be amply padded to ensure it can be safely transported via a commercial truck. Live tracking is not typically available for this method, so the delivery company will contact you directly to schedule a delivery window.

Learn more about our In-Home Delivery Shipping Method here.

Front Door Freight Shipping

Front Door Freight is a shipping method typically used for international shipments or fragile items. Prior to transit, a custom crate is built around the item for protection. The crating process makes up a significant portion of the quoted shipping time, during which time a tracking link will not be available. Once crating is complete, the crate will be transferred to a transit company and shipped in one of two ways:

  • Air Freight: The crate will be placed on a FedEx or DHL shipping carrier plane — at which time you will receive a tracking number and link. Delivery will not be scheduled and the item will be placed by your front door.
  • Sea Freight: The crate will be placed in a shipping container and travel overseas via cargo ship. Once it reaches the destination country, the crate will be transferred to a standard shipping carrier (e.g. FedEx or DHL) and you will receive a tracking number and link. Delivery will not be scheduled and the item will be placed by your front door.

Learn more about our Front Door Freight Shipping here.

Parcel Shipping

Parcel shipping refers to shipping smaller, lighter boxed items where the seller is able to pack and ship the item via standard mail carriers. Once the seller has packed the item, they will receive a shipping label and live tracking will be available to you.

Learn more about Parcel Shipping here.

Courier Shipping

Courier shipping is typically used for local shipments in which the item is hand-delivered via a messenger service. Live tracking is typically unavailable for this method of shipment. Sellers who choose to use this method of shipping locally will make arrangements themselves, so you can expect to be in touch with them directly.

Estimated Shipping Times

Delivery Method

Domestic

International

In-Home Delivery

4–7 Weeks

4–10+ Weeks

Freight

4–7 Weeks

8–10+ Weeks

Standard Parcel

3–7 Days

2–3 Weeks

Express Parcel

2–5 Days

1–3 Weeks

Courier

1–2 Days

-

Handling (which includes preparing an item for shipment, packaging and disassembly) may take anywhere from 5 to 10 days. This is not included in the shipping time estimates noted above, but is accounted for in the estimate provided to you on the item details page and at checkout.   

Was this article helpful?

NEED FURTHER SUPPORT?

GET HELP