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What are Bluethumb's policies for delivery scheduling and courier pickups?

What policies and information do I need to be aware of when using the courier booking service?

Written by Kate Revill

Bluethumb strives to make its shipping and courier services as seamless as possible. Below, you’ll find detailed answers about scheduling and handling both deliveries and pickups, addressing common concerns for our artists. This includes information about 'Authority to Leave' (ATL), ensuring that you stay informed about all delivery options.


Can I schedule a specific time for the courier pick up?

Couriers operate on a standard schedule, typically collecting parcels between 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM local time. Unfortunately, specific pickup times cannot be arranged. If you are unable to be at home during this window, you have a few options:

  1. Leave the parcel in a safe, sheltered spot out of view by your entrance along with the shipping manifest. Please note if you choose this option your work will NOT be insured for any loss or damage.

  2. Arrange for someone else to be present during the pickup window.

  3. Choose an alternative day for the collection.


Do I need to be home during the courier collection?

While it is recommended to be available at home during a courier collection, some flexibility is allowed. As long a any person is at the property (does not have to be the artist) the couriers can make collection. Please note that couriers may not collect a parcel if no one is present to hand it over. Also as mentioned previously our insurance will be voided if you choose to leave the parcel for collection unattended.


The courier didn't come and collect, what happens now?

Unfortunately couriers do miss collections, usually due to unforeseen delays

We monitor all shipments daily, if we see shipments have not been collected we will automatically rebook the collection for the next working day. If this is doesn't suit you please contact our team to arrange an alternative date.

If we are unable to rebook, or we need to make changes in order to coordinate collection we will be in direct contact with you.


Are their any fees to the artist when selecting courier collection?

As long as the shipment is accurately booked (size, weight etc), and their is no failed attempt of collection due to artist error (e.g. parcel isn't ready, or missing corresponding paperwork) their is no additonal fee's to the artist for use of this service.

Additonal fees could be enforced if misleading booking information is provided, or if artists fail to have the package ready to go when pick up is scheduled.


Can I schedule a delivery at a specific time?

Bluethumb will always try and accommodate delivery requests, however we can NOT guarantee we can arrange a set date or time delivery to a collector. Deliveries usually occur during standard working hours, which vary by local courier service.


What happens if the collector cannot be present for the delivery?

Since a signature is required upon delivery, if no one is available to receive the package, the courier will either

  1. Leave the parcel at a local depo or collection location, notifying the collector

  2. Contact the collector directly to arrange re-delivery.

  3. Collectors can now opt to give Authority To Leave (ATL) on parcels, if this is given the parcel may be left at the delivery location. Please note the insurance is voided from the Collectors side if they choose this option. Providing ATL allows couriers to leave parcels in a safe, unattended location at the delivery address. However, this entails certain risks such as voiding of transit insurance and the need to ensure the security of the delivery location. To minimize risks, we recommend only selecting ATL if you are confident in the safety of the delivery location, and consider monitoring delivery tracking updates closely.


What is 'Authority to Leave' (ATL) for artwork delivery, and what are the implications?

Authority to Leave or ATL is the ability to give permission to leave a parcel at a delivery location if the recipient is not home. We only allow collectors to give ATL on shipments and they can opt into this service on checkout.

By giving ATL collectors wavier the insurance once delivered. Meaning if the courier/shipper provides evidence of delivery (normally in the form of a photo) to the property, then damage or loss occurs, they will not be covered by our insurance. This does not affect you as the artist in anyway, as you will be covered by us and paid for the work.


By adhering to these guidelines, Bluethumb ensures a smoother delivery and collection experience for both senders and recipients. For any additional questions or specific concerns, feel free to reach out to Bluethumb's customer support team.

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