You just won an auction for a double mattress on Trademe. How do you get it home? The team behind Transfercar has launched a new website to solve the problem of furniture delivery in a convenient and cost-efficient way. (Service limited to Auckland for now)
Most of us are not so fortunate to own a vehicle that is suitable for transporting a bed. What to do? First, think of a friend or family member who has a van. Nobody comes to mind! Surely someone you know must have a car with towbar but does not have a trailer. Easy, just ask your friend to go to the nearest petrol station to rent one. After filling out the paperwork, picked the right size trailer (yep they come in different sizes and not all fit a bed) and paid $40 + deposit, your friend is on his way. 3 hours later, the mattress has been delivered and the trailer has been returned. You empty your wallet for small notes and coins and pay $55.30 to your friend for petrol, use of car and trailer hire. But surely you are also going to shout a few beers for him for helping out. Total price for trailer $55.30 + beers + hassling a friend.
Nah, too much a hassle to ask your friend with the tow bar to help. You research truck rentals and the cost is not too bad – $80 p/day. Do you choose to reduce the excess of $2,000? Nope, you take the risk. Remember to fill up the vehicle with petrol before the return. Should be no more than $10. You need an extra set of hands to help carry the bed, so you ask your friend to assist in return of organising a few pizzas. Lots of time went with picking up and returning the truck. Total price for truck rental and petrol $90 + pizzas + hassling a friend.
There must be a easier way to pick up the bed? You search online for delivery companies. You come across Transfervans who delivers anytime anywhere. It says you can book online. You (1) choose the right size vehicle, (2) enter Manukau as pick-up address and City as drop-off address which is 22km in between, (3) add the item that needs delivered and (4) pay. Hmm, that only took 2 minutes and is confirmed minutes later with a text telling you who the driver is! Total price for using Transfervans $71! And the driver will help you carry the mattress to your door. Time to invite your friends over for beers and pizzas!