pack and send couriers in UK

[batonroundcollector]

I'm after a courier that will collect a fragile item from the other end of the country (West Sussex), pack it and deliver to me (item is for collection only - seller won't courier, or even pack)... I've tried PACK & SEND courier themselves - quote from branch nearest me was £66 but they then told me I would need to arrange with branch nearer collection address and they quoted me £353!! Delivery itself would not be expensive but it's the packaging part that I need too. Anyone have any recommendations for a service I might try (that would match or better the lower quote!)?

 

[earni74]

I would work out the total mileage to collect it myself, that must be the best and cheapest way ensuring whatever it is, is safely brought back intact, and arrange a mutual collection day
Only a suggestion

 

[batonroundcollector]

Hats off to you if you can manage to walk a 450+ mile round trip carrying a big 8.5 kilo load in this heat... I reckoned a courier would be easier.

 

[earni74]

you didn't mention that you dont drive

 

[2pounder]

could you get a mate to drive you if you gave them petrol money plus a bonus?

 

[batonroundcollector]

As good as my mates are, 450 miles is a bit of an ask Have used a pack and send service before for an item won at auction but they only collect from auction houses apparently...

 

[BMG50]

I can remember buying something years ago and i had a friend in the area of purchase which was miles away who picked it up and we meet up at a show nearer to home, collected it there.

 

[kiwieod]

what about a furniture/house removal company,maybe they might do a job like this

 

[batonroundcollector]

The solution in the end was to persuade seller to have me arrange regular courier (Parcelforce) pickup, and give them a reasonable sum to pack the item - all for less than 20 quid The issue was that seller was hard work (they were adamant no couriers - personal collection only) and if I hadn't have really wanted item I'd have told them to stick it...

 

[Weasel]

Glad to hear it all worked out in the end, some people make it very hard work. I had a very simmilar expereince with a guy in Wales once whom i purchased a SC50 casing from i sent him a few sheets of cardboard to just roll and tape it in and arranged courier but he would not do it, so it was a long drive up and back to south Wales one day to pick it up.