Securing exceptional furniture is only half the battle—timely, damage-free delivery to the hotel site is equally critical. Missed deadlines, incorrectly shipped items, and on-site damage can derail opening schedules and inflate costs. Identifying common pitfalls and implementing preventative measures can streamline your delivery process.

One major issue is inadequate packaging. Hotel furniture often features delicate upholstery, glass tabletops, or metal accents vulnerable to scratches and dents. Specify robust, custom-fit crates with interior bracing, foam corner protectors, and shrink wrap. Work with your supplier to include “fragile” and “this side up” labels, and require photos of packaging before shipment.

Customs clearance delays also plague international deliveries. Provide complete and accurate documentation—commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin—well ahead of departure. Engage a freight forwarder experienced in hotel-furniture shipments, and consider air-cargo for critical-path items to bypass congested sea ports when schedules are tight.

At the receiving end, poor site preparation can cause last-mile headaches. Coordinate with the hotel’s project manager to confirm door widths, elevator capacities, and staging areas. Schedule delivery windows during low-traffic periods to minimize interference with guests or other trades. Having adequate manpower and equipment—pallet jacks, liftgates—prevents avoidable back-strain injuries and dropped pieces.

Quality inspection protocols at delivery are essential. Establish a standardized checklist to confirm quantities, model numbers, finishes, and functionality (e.g., recliner operation). Document any discrepancies with timestamped photos and immediate notification to the supplier for swift resolution.