Measure the item and its destination
Record width, height and depth, including protruding handles and feet. Leave the manufacturer’s recommended ventilation space for an appliance. For furniture, check seating height and the space needed to open drawers or doors. A photograph is not a reliable measure of scale. If the seller cannot provide dimensions, ask for them before committing to the purchase.
Measure the journey through the building
Check door widths, passage corners, staircase turns and lift dimensions, not just the final room. Ask whether legs or doors can safely be removed and who will do that work. Note stairs, parking restrictions and gated access. Tell the logistics team about material access constraints; the presence of a delivery quote is not a promise of specialist installation or structural alterations.
Inspect furniture beyond its surface
Ask about frame movement, cracked joints, loose fittings, damaged upholstery and signs of damp. Confirm whether a table or bed requires assembly and whether all fasteners are included. Ask about the item’s material and prior repairs if they affect your intended use. When buying a mattress or upholstered item, consider hygiene and cleaning requirements carefully rather than judging only by the cover photograph.
Ask appliance-specific questions
For a fridge, ask about cooling, seals, noise and known leaks. For a washing machine, ask about spinning, drainage, hoses and vibration. For a cooker, ask which functions have been tested and whether it needs a qualified installer. Never improvise electrical or gas connections to test a purchase. Disclosed faults and missing components belong in the listing, and a marketplace inspection is not an electrical safety certificate.
Agree the practical details
Confirm what is included and read the delivery charge separately from the buyer item price. Keep packaging or transport fittings when they are necessary for safe movement. At delivery, inspect visible condition and record any discrepancy before confirming acceptance in the order. Use the order’s tools for a return or dispute; do not assume a courier’s location marker changes the agreed condition, price or return terms. Current managed fulfilment is Gauteng-only.
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