Shipping & White-Glove Delivery (USA & Canada)

La Mercanti ships original “made in Italy” furnishings throughout the United States and Canada with export-grade crating, insured cargo, and professional last-mile services. We manage each order end-to-end—production, transit, customs (when applicable), delivery, optional white-glove and installation—so architects, designers and clients receive a seamless, predictable experience.

Lead times: what to expect

• Made-to-order: timing depends on brand, finishes and quantities. Delivery = Production + Transit.
• Seasonality: August factory closures and year-end holidays can extend schedules.
• Commitment: your quote includes an estimated window; we provide updates if factory or carrier timings change.

Where we ship

• USA (contiguous): regular curbside, threshold/room-of-choice, white-glove and professional installation services.
• Canada: all provinces served; we can quote DAP or DDP. Duties/taxes and brokerage depend on the chosen Incoterm.
• Special areas: remote locations, islands, union buildings, tight access or restricted hours may require a custom quote.

Service levels

• Curbside: delivery to the first safe point outside the building; crate unopened.
• Threshold / Room-of-choice: moved indoors to the threshold or selected room (where access allows).
• White-Glove: indoor delivery, placement, uncrating and debris removal—ideal for executive offices and meeting rooms.
• Professional installation: certified installers for desks, conference tables, systems and partitions; COI available on request.

Scheduling & site readiness

• Appointment: carrier contacts you to set a delivery window.
• Access: clear pathways, book service elevators, arrange loading dock, and disclose stairs, long carries or building rules in advance.

Delivery inspection & damage handling

• Before signing: inspect crates and cartons. If no obvious issues, sign “subject to inspection.”
• If damage is visible: note it on the POD, take photos and notify La Mercanti within 48 hours (residential) or 5 business days (commercial) so we can activate insurance.
• Missed appointments: storage, re-delivery and detention fees follow carrier tariffs.

Incoterms, customs & Canada

• We operate under agreed Incoterms in your quote (e.g., EXW, CIF, DAP, DDP). For Canada we can quote DAP (brokerage, duties and taxes billed to consignee) or DDP (all included) with dedicated customs brokerage.
• Duty/tax amounts vary by destination, product and Incoterm. We can provide estimates during quoting.

Storage & phased deliveries

If your site is not ready, we can route to a receiving warehouse or schedule split shipments by project phase (storage and multiple delivery charges quoted in advance).

Installations & exclusions

• White-Glove covers indoor delivery, placement, uncrating and debris removal.
• Exclusions: electrical hookups, wall/structural anchoring, and any building work are not included. If anchoring is required, please prepare suitable backing before the visit.

Frequently asked questions

What are typical USA & Canada lead times from order?

Lead times vary by brand, finish and transport mode. Italian production requires several weeks; ocean freight is more economical but slower than air. We provide an estimated delivery window in your quote and update it based on factory progress and vessel/air bookings. Seasonal peaks such as August and year-end can extend timelines. For fixed-date projects, we recommend reverse scheduling and, when needed, phased or selective air shipments of critical items.

What exactly is included in White-Glove service?

The crew brings items indoors, places them in the chosen room, opens crates, removes and disposes of packing materials. When technical assembly is required (executive desks, conference tables, systems or partitions), we can add professional installation. Electrical work and structural/wall anchoring are excluded and remain with the client/GC. We can provide COI, align with building windows, manage elevator access and operate within job-site safety rules.

Do you deliver to high-rises and complex access sites?

Yes. We assess dock appointments, time windows, union labor needs, long carries, stairs, service elevators and security constraints at quoting stage. In these cases, we recommend White-Glove or professional installation. Please share building rules, elevator reservations, COI requirements and any access restrictions in advance to avoid extra fees or re-scheduling.

How do duties, taxes and customs work for Canada?

We can ship DAP (brokerage, duties and taxes charged to consignee) or DDP (all included). Your choice affects timing and cost. With DDP we coordinate brokerage, duty/tax payment and final delivery. With DAP your broker completes clearance and invoices you directly. We clarify the Incoterm in the quote and, if needed, provide estimated landed costs.

What should I do at delivery if I see damage?

Pause the crew and photograph the crate/carton and affected areas. Detail the issue on the Proof of Delivery before signing. Keep all packaging until we advise next steps. Notify La Mercanti within 48 hours (residential) or 5 business days (commercial) so we can file with insurance and arrange repair or replacement. If damage is hidden and discovered later, contact us immediately with photos and a description.

Can you store my order and deliver in phases?

Yes. We can route freight to a receiving warehouse when the site is not ready, or schedule split shipments by area or floor. Storage, inside movements, re-delivery and installation in phases are quoted upfront. Sharing your construction calendar helps us align factory dates, ocean/air departures and on-site resources.

What is excluded and how should I plan for it?

Electrical connections, data cabling, wall/structural anchoring and any building modifications are outside our scope unless specified in writing. If anchoring is required, ensure adequate backing and building approvals before installation. Provide power on site, clear paths and protection for finished floors. For partitions and systems, we coordinate with your GC to confirm layout, tolerances and readiness.

Do you provide COI, union labor and after-hours deliveries?

Yes. We can issue Certificates of Insurance per building requirements, arrange union crews where mandated and schedule after-hours or weekend deliveries when permitted. Please provide building forms, COI wording and access windows during quoting so we can include any related costs and avoid delays.