Shopping at big-box retailers like Costco, IKEA, and Home Depot offers convenience, great deals, and access to large household items—but getting those items delivered on time can be a challenge. From delayed furniture shipments to rescheduled appliance deliveries, many shoppers experience frustration when orders don’t arrive as promised.

These delays are often due to scheduling backlogs, stock issues, or communication gaps between stores and third-party carriers. The good news? With a little planning, you can avoid most of these setbacks. In this article, we’ll walk you through how delivery works at each of these major retailers and share practical tips to help ensure your order arrives on time.

Whether you’re furnishing a new home or tackling a DIY project, smart planning can save you time and stress.

Importance of Delivery Time in Current Retail Landscape

In today’s retail landscape, delivery speed has shifted from being a luxury to a critical competitive advantage. Nearly half of omnichannel shoppers abandon brands when shipping takes too long, and 63% expect their orders to arrive within two days. What does “fast” mean to consumers? A staggering 97% consider same-day delivery fast, while 95% find next-day delivery acceptable.

Meeting these expectations is crucial, yet only 45% of retailers consistently meet delivery speed benchmarks, leaving plenty of room for brands to distinguish themselves by improving timing. Customers increasingly value speed—41% are willing to pay extra for same-day delivery, and 24% would even pay for delivery within 1–2 hours. While many shoppers prioritize free shipping, fast delivery remains essential for maintaining customer loyalty. In fact, 85% of consumers won’t return to a retailer after a poor delivery experience.

As e-commerce continues to evolve, faster delivery options, transparent tracking, and reliable scheduling have become baseline expectations. Retailers that optimize fulfillment speed not only reduce cart abandonment but also strengthen their brand and encourage repeat business.

How Does the Delivery Process Work at Costco, IKEA, and Home Depot?

When shopping at major retailers like Costco, IKEA, and Home Depot, home delivery can save you time and effort—especially when purchasing heavy, bulky, or oversized items. But the delivery process can vary significantly between these stores depending on the item type, your location, and the logistics partners involved.

Understanding how delivery works at each store can help you better prepare, avoid delays, and set realistic expectations.

Costco Delivery Process

Costco uses a combination of its own logistics services and third-party delivery partners. Small items like electronics, kitchen goods, or non-bulky essentials are typically delivered via standard carriers such as UPS or FedEx. These are relatively fast and usually include tracking.

For larger items like furniture, mattresses, or appliances, Costco often uses Costco Logistics, its white-glove delivery service. After you place an order, you’ll receive an email or call to schedule a delivery window, usually 2–5 days in advance. On delivery day, Costco Logistics typically provides a 2–4 hour window and offers services like room placement, unpacking, and removal of packaging materials.

However, delivery availability may vary depending on your zip code, and delays can happen due to limited delivery routes or high demand during sales events. Costco also offers curbside delivery for select items, which may arrive faster but does not include indoor setup.

IKEA Delivery Process

IKEA’s delivery process is structured around item size and customer convenience. After purchasing in-store or online, customers can choose between Parcel Delivery and Truck Delivery.

• Parcel Delivery is used for smaller items (e.g., home décor, utensils, or compact furniture), and usually arrives within 1–3 business days.
• Truck Delivery is required for large or heavy items, including sofas, beds, and modular storage units. This is scheduled based on your availability and delivery slots in your area.

IKEA partners with third-party carriers like XPO Logistics and other regional delivery companies. You’ll receive a call or text to confirm the delivery window, typically a 4-hour time frame.

Note that IKEA shipments may be split into multiple deliveries. It’s not uncommon for one part of a sectional to arrive one day, and the rest days later. This can be frustrating, especially when attempting to assemble your purchase immediately. IKEA does offer tracking and rescheduling tools via your account or confirmation email.

Home Depot Delivery Process

Home Depot uses a multi-tiered delivery system depending on the item, fulfillment location, and shipping method chosen.

• Parcel Delivery through carriers like FedEx or UPS is available for smaller online orders and usually takes 2–5 business days.
• Scheduled Truck Delivery is used for large items such as major appliances, patio furniture, flooring, or lumber. This is fulfilled either by Home Depot’s in-house delivery fleet or third-party partners like Roadie or GE Delivery.

After purchase, you’ll be prompted to select a delivery date, or a scheduler will contact you to arrange one. Same-day or next-day delivery is available in some locations for in-stock items, especially if ordered before a certain time.

For appliances, Home Depot typically includes basic hookup and haul-away services if selected at checkout. However, delays can occur due to inventory backorders, installation requirements, or delivery area limitations.

While all three retailers offer helpful delivery options, delays can still occur—especially during peak retail seasons or with complex orders. Always check for in-stock availability, confirm delivery details after purchase, and consider local courier services as a backup for store pickup items. Knowing how each retailer operates can help you plan smarter and avoid last-minute headaches.

Is Store Pickup Faster Than Home Delivery?

In most cases, store pickup is significantly faster than home delivery, especially when shopping at retailers like Costco, IKEA, or Home Depot. If the item is in stock at your local store, you can often pick it up the same day or within 24 hours. This eliminates the wait associated with shipping, third-party scheduling, and delivery windows.

Home delivery, while convenient, often depends on external logistics partners, which can lead to delays—especially for large or heavy items that require truck transport or special handling. Additionally, delivery availability may be limited on weekends or during busy seasons.

Store pickup also gives you more control over timing, allowing you to retrieve the item when it fits your schedule. Many shoppers now pair store pickup with third-party delivery apps or local couriers to get the item home quickly.

If speed is your top priority, store pickup is usually the better choice—especially when combined with local delivery help.

Can someone help assemble the items after delivery?

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With TymliErrands, there’s no need to hire a separate assembly service after your delivery. Our skilled professionals handle both delivery and assembly with care and precision, ensuring your items are ready to use right away. Experience the convenience of our all-in-one service and enjoy a seamless, stress-free solution for your errands.

How to Avoid Delivery Delays When Shopping at Costco, IKEA, or Home Depot

Shopping at big-box retailers like Costco, IKEA, and Home Depot gives you access to home essentials, furniture, and appliances at great prices. Whether you’re furnishing a space or tackling a home project, these stores offer both in-store shopping and home delivery. However, delivery delays—like late arrivals, incomplete shipments, or rescheduled dates—can be frustrating.

Understanding these retailers’ delivery processes and tips to navigate them can help you avoid delays and ensure a smoother experience.

1. Understand How Each Store’s Delivery System Operate

Costco

Costco uses both in-house and third-party logistics. Smaller items like electronics are delivered by UPS or FedEx with simple tracking. Larger items—like couches or appliances—are handled by Costco Logistics, offering scheduled, often white-glove delivery.

You’ll schedule a delivery window (usually 2–5 business days), during which a two-person team brings the item inside and sets it up if needed. However, limited ZIP code availability may cause delays.

IKEA

IKEA offers Parcel Delivery for small items and Truck Delivery for furniture and large products. You’ll select a delivery date during checkout, but third-party providers like XPO Logistics often handle orders. IKEA deliveries may be split, meaning items could arrive on different days, even if ordered together.

Home Depot

Home Depot has a tiered system:

• Small items = UPS/FedEx
• Large items = Scheduled truck delivery or store fulfillment
• Appliances = Delivery and installation by licensed contractors

Same-day or next-day delivery is available for in-stock items, but timing depends on whether inventory is in-store or warehouse-based.

2. Order Early and Choose Flexible Time Windows

One of the most effective ways to avoid delays is to place your order early, particularly during peak periods like holidays, back-to-school season, or major sales events. The earlier you order, the more flexibility you’ll have when choosing a delivery window.

Try to select mid-week delivery slots, as weekends and Mondays tend to be the busiest. Avoid relying on last-minute delivery if you’re facing a move-in deadline or hosting an event.

Being flexible with time can also help. Many delivery providers offer a broader delivery window (e.g., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) versus strict two-hour slots. Wider windows make it easier for logistics partners to fit you into their route without delay.

3. Always Check Inventory Availability First

Many delays stem from ordering items that appear in stock but are actually backordered or fulfilled from a distant warehouse. When shopping online:

• Check the local store’s inventory if available
• Call customer service to confirm availability for larger items
• Avoid items marked as “shipped separately” unless you’re okay with a longer wait

At IKEA especially, items may be available in parts. You might order a bedframe and mattress together, only to discover the slats or headboard ship later. Read the fine print and break down the components before checking out.

4. Use Store Pickup with a Local Delivery Service

If time is of the essence, consider using store pickup combined with a third-party local courier. Services like TymliErrands, GoShare, TaskRabbit, or Dolly can pick up large items from your local Costco, IKEA, or Home Depot and deliver them to your home—often on the same day.

This strategy helps bypass:

• Delivery scheduling backlogs
• Missed appointments or rerouted drivers
• Delivery areas not served daily by corporate logistics

For example, you can buy an in-stock couch at IKEA Renton, schedule a pickup with a GoShare driver using a box truck, and have it delivered to your Bellevue apartment in hours—not days.

5. Confirm Delivery Details and Be Prepared

You’d be surprised how many delivery delays are caused by missing apartment numbers, gate codes, or unclear parking instructions. After you place your order:

• Double-check the delivery address
• Include all access codes, buzzer instructions, or parking notes
• Confirm that someone will be home during the delivery window
• Save your order confirmation and tracking number

Costco and Home Depot typically send delivery appointment confirmations via email or SMS. Use these to monitor the progress and be ready to communicate with the driver if needed.

6. Know Common Delay Triggers (and Plan Around Them)

Some causes of delay are unavoidable, but many can be anticipated. Be aware of:

• Traffic congestion during peak commute times in cities like Bellevue or Seattle
• Weather conditions (especially during winter months)
• Inventory restock cycles, which can vary weekly
• Holiday surges, including Black Friday, Memorial Day, or Labor Day weekends
• Installation requirements, which may delay delivery if preparation isn’t complete (e.g., no water hookup for appliances)

To avoid rescheduling, make sure everything is ready at your home: cleared paths, measurement checks, and setup prep if needed.

7. What to Do If Your Delivery Is Delayed

Despite your best efforts, delays can still happen. When they do:

• Contact customer service immediately to get an updated status
• Ask for an estimated redelivery window
• If your order is split or partial, request the tracking number for each shipment
• For major delays, request a discount, shipping fee refund, or compensation (especially for missed installation or assembly services)

Keep all correspondence and confirmation emails so you have documentation in case of escalation.

8. Use Reviews and Feedback to Guide Future Purchases

Not all delivery teams or third-party partners are equal. After your delivery:

• Leave a review to help others know what to expect
• Provide feedback to the store or brand about your experience
• Use platforms like Reddit or Google Reviews to learn from other local shoppers’ experiences with the same location

Learning from others can help you avoid common issues—like a store that consistently delays sofa deliveries or a location known for poor communication.

Shopping at stores like Costco, IKEA, or Home Depot offers great savings, but delivery delays can cause frustration. By understanding delivery options, verifying stock, and planning ahead, you can avoid delays and ensure your items arrive on time. Smart shopping leads to smoother deliveries.

What Can We Do Before Placing My Order to Avoid Delays?

To avoid delivery delays before placing your order, start by checking stock availability—both online and at your local store. If an item is backordered or only available at a distant warehouse, expect slower fulfillment. Verify product details carefully, especially with multi-part items like furniture sets from IKEA, to ensure all components are in stock.

Next, review the retailer’s delivery options and policies. Some stores offer same-day or next-day delivery for in-stock items, while others require advanced scheduling.

It’s also smart to double-check your delivery address, including apartment numbers, gate codes, and special instructions to avoid failed attempts. Lastly, try to order early in the week and avoid high-demand periods like holidays or weekends.

By planning ahead, staying flexible with delivery times, and confirming order details, you can greatly reduce the chances of unexpected shipping delays or rescheduling headaches.

What Are the Causes of Shipping Delays?

In today’s fast-paced retail and e-commerce world, timely delivery is more important than ever. Whether you’re ordering a piece of furniture from IKEA, an appliance from Home Depot, or groceries from Costco, expectations for quick and reliable shipping are high. However, delays still happen—and they can be frustrating, especially when you’ve scheduled your life around a delivery window.

To better understand how to avoid these disruptions, it’s essential to know what causes shipping delays. These issues can occur at any point in the supply chain, from order processing to the final mile of delivery.

1. Inventory Shortages and Backorders

One of the most common causes of shipping delays is product unavailability. Even if an item appears “in stock” online, the system may be lagging behind real-time inventory. This is particularly common with large or popular items such as furniture, electronics, or appliances.

When an item is on backorder, retailers often estimate future ship dates—but these are subject to change. In some cases, part of your order may ship while another portion is delayed, especially with retailers like IKEA, where products are often shipped in multiple packages.

2. High Demand and Seasonal Surges

Shipping systems are pushed to their limits during peak seasons such as Black Friday, the holiday shopping season, back-to-school, and long weekends like Memorial Day or Labor Day.

Big-box stores like Costco, Home Depot, and IKEA see surges in online and in-store purchases, which puts strain on both inventory and delivery logistics. Delivery windows may fill up quickly, and carriers often experience route overloads that lead to missed or delayed drop-offs.

If you’re shopping during one of these busy periods, order early and choose flexible delivery options to reduce your chances of being affected.

3. Weather and Natural Disruptions

Weather-related delays can bring delivery schedules to a halt, especially in regions prone to snow, heavy rain, or storms. Delivery trucks may be grounded, roads may be blocked, and warehouse operations may slow down or close altogether.

Natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, or earthquakes can disrupt entire logistics networks—delaying not just your delivery, but also the supply chain feeding your region. Unfortunately, these events are often unpredictable, and retailers can’t always provide accurate timelines during such disruptions.

4. Inaccurate Delivery Information

Another preventable cause of shipping delays is incorrect or incomplete delivery information. A missing apartment number, wrong ZIP code, or lack of access instructions (like gate codes or buzzer numbers) can all lead to failed delivery attempts.

When drivers encounter problems accessing your building or property, they may reschedule your delivery for a later date—or worse, mark it as undeliverable. Always double-check your address and include clear notes when placing an order.

5. Third-Party Logistics Delays

Retailers like IKEA, Home Depot, and Costco often use third-party delivery services to handle shipments, especially for large or oversized items. While these companies aim for timely service, communication gaps between the retailer and logistics partner can lead to scheduling confusion, route delays, or lost packages.

In many cases, the store isn’t directly responsible for final-mile delivery—making it harder for you to track your order or get accurate updates. Delays may also occur if the third-party provider doesn’t serve your ZIP code daily, which limits available delivery windows.

6. Missed or Unattended Delivery Appointments

Even when everything is scheduled properly, deliveries can still be delayed if the recipient isn’t home, the delivery path is blocked, or there’s no one to sign for the item (when required). This is especially important for large-item deliveries or appliances, where someone must be present to receive, inspect, or approve installation.

Missed delivery attempts often result in rescheduling—which can add days or even weeks to your timeline depending on the carrier’s backlog.

7. Supply Chain Disruptions and Global Logistics Issues

Beyond what’s visible to the shopper, global shipping and supply chain delays can also affect your order. COVID-19 exposed how fragile the global shipping infrastructure can be, and lingering effects still impact certain sectors today.

Container shortages, port congestion, labor strikes, and customs holdups can all prevent retailers from receiving or restocking inventory on time—causing your local warehouse to run out of what you ordered.

8. Internal Processing or Fulfillment Errors

Mistakes within the retailer’s fulfillment center can also lead to delays. These might include:

• Incorrect item pulled or labeled
• Delays in picking or packing
• System glitches that hold your order in “processing” status longer than necessary

If your tracking hasn’t updated within a few days of purchase, it’s worth contacting customer service to check on your order’s status.

How Can We Track Our Orders?

Tracking your order is essential for staying informed and avoiding surprises. Most major retailers like Costco, IKEA, and Home Depot provide tracking tools via email, text, or your online account. Once your order is processed, you’ll receive a tracking number linked to the delivery service—such as UPS, FedEx, or a third-party logistics partner.

For large-item deliveries (like furniture or appliances), you’ll often get a separate notification from the delivery provider with a scheduled date and time window. Some partners offer real-time GPS tracking and driver contact information on delivery day.

Always save your order confirmation and tracking emails, and check them regularly for updates. If you’re using a local courier or on-demand delivery service, platforms like GoShare, TaskRabbit, or TymliErrands typically offer live tracking through their apps.

If there’s a delay or no update within a few days, contact customer support to verify your order’s status.

What to Do If Your Delivery Is Delayed

If your delivery is delayed, the first step is to check your tracking information. Many delays are updated in real time by carriers or third-party services. Look for notices about rescheduling, weather issues, or delivery exceptions.

If tracking hasn’t updated or lacks clear information, contact the retailer’s customer service directly. Have your order number and tracking details ready, and ask for a delivery status update or estimated arrival time. If the order involves a third-party courier (common with Costco, IKEA, or Home Depot), request contact info for that provider as well.

You can also check if redelivery can be scheduled sooner or if store pickup is available as an alternative. If the delay is significant or the item is time-sensitive, ask about compensation, such as free rescheduling, discounts, or delivery fee refunds.

Always document your communication and keep confirmation emails. Staying proactive and polite often leads to faster resolution and better support.

What Delivery Options Are Best for Large or Bulky Items?

When purchasing large or bulky items—such as furniture, appliances, mattresses, or home improvement materials—standard shipping services may not be sufficient. These items require special handling, equipment, and often two-person delivery teams.

To ensure your delivery is smooth and damage-free, it’s important to choose the right delivery option tailored to your needs.

1. Scheduled Truck Delivery (Store-Based)

Retailers like Home Depot, Costco, and IKEA offer scheduled truck delivery for oversized purchases. This method involves setting a delivery date and time window with the store or a third-party logistics partner. These services often include room-of-choice placement, basic setup, and packaging removal. It’s ideal for large appliances, sectionals, or beds.

2. White-Glove Delivery

For high-value or delicate items, white-glove delivery offers premium handling. Delivery professionals will bring the item into your home, set it up, and dispose of packaging. This is especially useful for items like custom furniture or delicate electronics.

3. Local Courier Services with Larger Vehicle Options

Services like GoShare, Dolly, TaskRabbit, or TymliErrands let you book a driver with a cargo van, pickup truck, or box truck. These services are flexible, affordable, and often available same-day. They’re ideal when you buy in-store but need help transporting items home quickly.

4. In-Store Pickup + Third-Party Delivery

You can often speed up delivery by opting for store pickup and using a trusted local delivery provider. This avoids warehouse delays and gives you more control over timing.

Consider the item’s size, weight, fragility, and whether you need help with assembly. Look for insured providers with good reviews, and make sure they offer real-time tracking and support. For heavy or hard-to-handle items, professional delivery is worth the cost for safety, convenience, and peace of mind.

Tips for Avoiding Shipping Delays

Shipping delays can be frustrating, but there are ways to reduce the likelihood of them happening. Follow these tips to ensure smoother deliveries:

1. Plan Ahead: The holidays are a busy season for online shopping and shipping. Order gifts and supplies early to avoid potential delays.
2. Shop with Trusted Retailers: Stick to reputable sellers with positive customer reviews. Reliable retailers are more likely to process and ship your orders on time.
3. Choose Expedited Shipping: If you’re on a tight timeline, consider paying extra for expedited shipping to ensure your package arrives when you need it.
4. Explore Alternative Delivery Options: Many retailers offer in-store or locker pickup as alternatives to home delivery. These options can be more convenient and help prevent package theft.
5. Track Your Packages: Use the tracking information provided to monitor your shipment’s progress. Knowing the status of your delivery allows you to anticipate delays and ensure someone is available to receive it.
6. Understand Return Policies: Before purchasing, review the retailer’s return policy in case the product arrives damaged or doesn’t meet your expectations. Keep all receipts for a smooth return process if needed.
7. Consider Shipping Insurance: For expensive or fragile items, shipping insurance is worth considering. It offers peace of mind and protects your investment in case of damage or loss during transit.

By taking these proactive steps, you can minimize shipping issues and ensure your packages arrive safely and on time.

Why Choose TymliErrands for Retail Pickup and Delivery in Seattle?

TymliErrands eliminates the hassle of missed delivery windows, unreliable couriers, and last-minute chaos by providing a seamless, reliable solution.

We specialize in same-day delivery from popular retailers like IKEA, Costco, Home Depot, and Amazon. Our all-in-one service includes pickup, transport, and furniture assembly, ensuring your needs are met efficiently and professionally. With flat-rate pricing and no hidden fees, you can trust us to deliver transparency and value.

Serving Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, and Tacoma, TymliErrands connects you with friendly, background-checked local runners ready to get the job done. Whether it’s transporting a new sectional or assembling furniture before guests arrive, we provide personal, professional service—no truck rental or toolbox required.

FAQs

How can I avoid furniture delivery delays from Costco, IKEA, or Home Depot?

To avoid delays, always check item availability before purchase and opt for express delivery or in-store pickup if possible. Choose products stored in the same warehouse to speed up processing. Due to clogged ocean shipping networks and raw materials shortages, delays are often beyond the retailers’ control. Many suppliers and distribution partners struggle to fulfill orders, especially for large furniture deliveries like lawn mowers or patio sets. Ordering staples early and re-ordering as needed can minimize disappointment.

Why are deliveries from these stores sometimes late?

Delivery delays often result from global supply chain friction, including higher freight costs, higher labor costs, and higher foreign exchange rates. Costco Wholesale Corp and other businesses have seen rising import volume and are using their own ships or vessels to stabilize shipments. Despite these efforts, price increases passed to customers and delays still occur, especially at major ports. According to data provided by Innovel Solutions, even big retailers like Best Buy and Walmart face similar setbacks.

What steps is Costco taking to reduce delays?

Costco reported several contingency measures including securing their own vessels, working with a broader supplier base, and optimizing their product mix. These measures aim to minimize supply chain disruptions and maintain net sales despite ongoing challenges. Costco’s contingency measures help fulfill orders at the same price whenever possible, even when dealing with increased cost pressures.

What should I do if my order is delayed?

If your order is delayed, first check your confirmation email or delivery portal. If there’s no update, contact the store’s customer support—Costco, IKEA, and Home Depot are all responsive. Many customers have called customer support and received new updates or re-order options. If you’re desperate for an item, consider substitutes from other retailers. Keep in mind, delivery delays are often small compared to broader cost increases and logistics issues.

Conclusion

Today’s Seattle shoppers demand more than just speedy shipping—they value reliability, flexibility, and genuine human support. When time is tight and your purchases are bulky or complicated, waiting days for a store delivery simply isn’t an option.

That’s where local services like TymliErrands stand out, providing same-day delivery and expert assembly in one seamless, hassle-free experience.

Whether you’re setting up your first apartment, managing a vacation rental, or just avoiding the headache of hauling heavy boxes, Tymli is here to handle the hard work—literally.