Threshold delivery means the carrier will bring your item to the entrance of your home or building—typically the front door, garage, or lobby—but will not carry it inside. It’s a step up from curbside delivery but below full inside delivery or white glove service.
Delivery Service Level Comparison
Delivery Hierarchy
Most Service ↑
═══════════════════════════════════
White Glove (setup, packaging removal)
Room of Choice (placed where you want)
Inside Delivery (inside the door)
→ Threshold Delivery (to door/entry) ←
Curbside Delivery (at curb/driveway)
Standard Delivery (at door, driver leaves)
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Least Service ↓
What Each Level Means
| Level |
Where Item Goes |
Who Moves It |
| Curbside |
Curb/driveway |
You |
| Threshold |
Front door |
Carrier to door, you inside |
| Inside |
Just inside door |
Carrier |
| Room of Choice |
Where you want |
Carrier |
| White Glove |
Placed, set up, debris removed |
Carrier |
What Threshold Delivery Includes
Typically Included
- Delivery to front entrance
- Unloading from truck
- Placement at door threshold
- Flat surfaces (no stairs typically)
- Basic delivery confirmation
Not Included
- Carrying up stairs
- Bringing inside home
- Unpacking
- Assembly
- Debris removal
- Placement in specific room
Common Threshold Delivery Scenarios
Large Items
- Furniture (sofas, tables, mattresses)
- Appliances (refrigerators, washers)
- Exercise equipment
- Outdoor furniture
- Large electronics (TVs)
Typical Process
1. Delivery truck arrives
2. Driver contacts you
3. Item unloaded
4. Carried to front door
5. Placed at threshold
6. You sign for delivery
7. You move inside yourself
Threshold Delivery Costs
Pricing Structure
| Retailer |
Threshold Cost |
| Wayfair |
Often included |
| Amazon |
$15-$30 (heavy/large) |
| Costco |
Free (members) |
| Home Depot |
$59-$79 typical |
| Target |
$9.99-$39.99 |
Compared to Other Levels
Curbside: $0-$20
Threshold: $20-$50
Inside: $50-$100
Room of Choice: $75-$150
White Glove: $100-$300+
When to Choose Threshold
Good Choice When
- You can move item inside yourself
- Entry is accessible (no stairs to door)
- Saving money vs. higher service
- Standard furniture/appliances
- You have help available
Upgrade When
- Heavy item (300+ lbs)
- Stairs to entrance
- Mobility limitations
- Large/awkward items
- No help available
Threshold Delivery Tips
Before Delivery
- Measure doorways
- Clear path to door
- Confirm delivery date
- Have help available
- Know where item will go
At Delivery
- Inspect before signing
- Note any damage
- Photograph if issues
- Don’t accept damaged items
- Get delivery confirmation
Moving Inside
- Have plan for path
- Furniture sliders help
- Remove doors if needed
- Protect floors
- Take your time
Retailer Threshold Policies
Amazon
- “Threshold” option for large items
- Items placed at first covered entrance
- Appointment delivery available
- Inspect before accepting
Wayfair
- Standard for large items
- “Room of Choice” upgrade available
- Appointment required
- Signature required
Furniture Stores
- Often default for large items
- White glove upgrades available
- May include stairs (limited)
- Varies by store
Threshold vs. Similar Terms
Threshold vs. Curbside
| Aspect |
Threshold |
Curbside |
| Location |
Door |
Driveway/curb |
| Unloading |
Carrier |
Carrier |
| Moving to door |
Carrier |
You |
| Distance |
To entry |
To property |
Threshold vs. Inside
| Aspect |
Threshold |
Inside |
| Location |
Door |
Just inside |
| Who moves inside |
You |
Carrier |
| Stairs typically |
No |
May include |
| Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
Special Situations
Apartments/Condos
- Threshold = building entrance or unit door
- May be lobby in some cases
- Check with retailer
- Elevator buildings vary
Gated Communities
- Carrier needs access
- Provide gate code
- May call upon arrival
- Threshold at actual door
Stairs to Entry
- Some carriers include limited stairs
- Others stop at bottom
- Ask before purchase
- May need upgrade