So you've designed your perfect kitchen, placed your order, and the delivery day is getting closer. It's an exciting time, but it can also feel a bit daunting. What actually happens when a lorry full of cabinets turns up? How do you check everything is there and in good condition? As someone who's been in the kitchen industry for over 20 years, from retail to manufacturing, I've seen it all. My goal at SJB Trade Kitchens is to make the entire process as straightforward and transparent as possible, right up to the moment your kitchen arrives at your door. There’s no hidden jargon or complex procedures here. This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect from our nationwide delivery service, so you can feel confident and prepared for the big day.

First things first, let's be clear: we don't do flat-pack. Every kitchen cabinet we supply is **rigid built** right here in our workshop. This means your units arrive as sturdy, complete cabinets, not a pile of panels and a bag of screws. We build them properly from the start using high-quality 18mm Egger or Kronospan board for the entire carcase, including solid **18mm backs**. We never use flimsy hardboard back panels – it’s a corner-cutting tactic I’ve seen too often in the industry and it’s just not how we operate.

Your cabinets will have their legs attached and the doors and drawers will be fitted with their **Blum soft-close hinges and runners** already in place. We do this to ensure everything is perfectly aligned and functions as it should. The doors and drawer fronts are then typically removed and packaged separately to prevent any possibility of damage during transit. Each cabinet is then carefully wrapped in protective packaging to keep it safe on its journey to you. This method ensures that you receive the robust, pre-assembled quality you paid for, ready for a much quicker and simpler installation.

It's important to understand that our standard nationwide delivery service is a **kerbside delivery**. This is the industry standard for bulky items like kitchen cabinets. In simple terms, the delivery driver is responsible for getting your kitchen off the lorry and onto the pavement or your driveway. Their insurance doesn't cover them to enter your property, so they won't be able to carry the units into your house or garage for you.

This means you will need to arrange for people to be there on the day of delivery to move the cabinets from the kerbside into a safe, dry storage area. A kitchen is made up of multiple heavy items, so it’s definitely a two-person job at a minimum. Please make sure you have able-bodied help on hand. The driver will be on a schedule with other deliveries to make, so they won't be able to wait around while you find a neighbour to help. Planning for this in advance is the key to a smooth, stress-free delivery day.

Once the driver starts unloading, it’s time to get organised. You'll have a delivery note that lists every single item that should be there. It’s your responsibility to check that everything has arrived.

Here’s what you need to do:

* **Count the Items:** As each piece comes off the lorry, check it off against your delivery note. Make sure the total number of items matches what's on the paperwork. Don't sign the delivery note until you are satisfied that everything is accounted for.
* **Inspect for Visible Damage:** Look at the packaging of every single item. If you see any rips, dents, or crushed corners, **you must note this on the driver's delivery note before you sign it.** This is crucial. If you sign for it as “received in good condition” without noting the packaging damage, it becomes very difficult to claim for transit damage later.
* **Do a Quick Spot-Check:** If you have time, it’s a good idea to carefully unwrap one or two items, like a door, while the driver is there. This gives you a chance to check the finish and look for any concealed damage that wasn't obvious from the outside. If you do find an issue, make sure it's noted on the paperwork.

Taking a few minutes to do these checks thoroughly can save a lot of headaches later on. If you have any doubts or questions at all, just give us a call on **0161 509 4221** straight away.

In an ideal world, every delivery would be perfect. But with dozens of components being shipped across the country, issues can occasionally happen. The most important thing is not to panic – we are here to sort it out. We have a very clear process for this.

Any damages or shortages **must be reported to us within 48 hours of delivery**. The best way to do this is to send an email to **info@sjball.uk** with your order number, a clear description of the issue, and photos showing the problem. For example, a picture of the damaged item and a close-up of the damage itself. This creates a clear record for everyone and allows us to get a replacement organised as quickly as possible.

My advice is to check everything thoroughly as you move it into storage. Don't leave it until your fitter arrives in a week's time, as that can cause delays to your project. Go through every box and check every component against your order confirmation and delivery note. It might seem like a tedious job, but it’s the only way to be certain everything is present and correct before work begins. If you find anything wrong, just follow the process and we will get it resolved for you.

Once you’ve checked everything, you need to store it safely until your fitter is ready to start. The ideal place is a dry, secure, and accessible room. A garage or a spare bedroom is usually perfect. Avoid storing units anywhere damp, like a shed with a leaky roof or in a garden under a tarpaulin, as moisture can cause the board to swell and doors to warp.

When storing the cabinets, try to keep them on a flat, level surface. It’s best not to stack them more than two or three high to avoid putting too much pressure on the units at the bottom. Keep all the protective wrapping on the items until the moment they are needed for installation. This will protect them from dust, knocks, and scratches while other trade work might be happening on site. A little bit of care at this stage ensures your kitchen stays in perfect condition, ready for its new home.

Back to Kitchen Advice Library | Trade Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer Manchester