Receiving and Placement for Designers and Stagers

Freight carriers give delivery windows, not appointments to the minute, so the crew plan is built around the carrier's call-ahead. Tell us the carrier, the tracking or bill of lading number and the site contact for each shipment. If several vendors are delivering, we set the crew for the day most of the order lands and handle stragglers as separate short visits.

The property needs to be ready before the crew arrives: floors finished and dry, painters out, and a clear path from the curb. We measure the tight points against the oversized pieces, usually the front door, a stair turn or a condo elevator. Condo buildings in central Sacramento often want an elevator booking, and many will not book it until the association is named on our insurance certificate. For a listing, give us the photographer's time so the heavy pieces are set with room to style before the shoot.

Receiving is where most furniture disputes are won or lost. When your team authorizes the crew to receive a shipment, the crew counts pieces against the packing list and inspects every carton before the driver leaves. Crushed corners, punctures or a missing piece are written on the carrier's delivery receipt at the time, and photographed. A damaged piece stays in its packaging and set aside until you decide whether to accept it.

Inside, the crew lays runners on finished floors, pads door jambs on the route, and carries rather than drags. Pieces are unwrapped in their rooms, and all packaging, cardboard and corner blocks leave with the crew unless you want some kept for a return. The crew places each piece to the plan and moves it again as you adjust, so the final arrangement is your call, not the crew's.