Massage Chair Delivery in the Lower 48: Curbside vs Threshold vs White Glove
If you are buying a massage chair, delivery is not a small detail. It is the part that can make a great purchase feel stressful, especially when the chair weighs a lot, comes in a large box, and has to make it through doors, hallways, corners, and sometimes stairs.
This guide explains massage chair delivery in the lower 48 in plain English. What curbside, threshold, and white glove usually mean, who each option fits best, what you should measure before ordering, and how to avoid the most common delivery-day problems.
If you want the official delivery specifics for your exact order and location, use our Shipping Policy. If you want help choosing the right delivery option for your setup, reach out via Contact Us.
Why delivery options matter more with massage chairs
Massage chairs are not like a normal furniture delivery where you can “figure it out” quickly.
Three things make them different:
Size and weight: even when a chair looks sleek in photos, the box is usually bulky.
Access challenges: narrow hallways and tight turns are common, especially in older homes and apartments.
Placement matters: if the chair ends up in the wrong room, you probably will not move it later.
So the right delivery option is usually the one that matches your home access and your willingness to move heavy items.
What “Lower 48” means
“Lower 48” generally refers to the contiguous United States, meaning all states except Alaska and Hawaii. Shipping methods, carrier availability, and service levels are often different outside the lower 48, which is why delivery options are commonly discussed in this way.
Curbside delivery: what it usually means
Curbside delivery is the most basic delivery method.
In most cases, it means the carrier brings the shipment to the curb, driveway, or the edge of your property and the rest is on you. You receive the chair in its packaging, and you handle moving it inside, unpacking it, and setting it up.
Who curbside delivery is best for
Curbside delivery tends to make sense if:
You have a garage, flat driveway, or easy ground-level access
You have two or three strong adults available to move the chair safely
You already have a plan for unpacking, disposing of packaging, and placing the chair
Your home has wide doors and minimal tight turns
Curbside can be a good value when access is simple and you are comfortable handling the heavy lifting.
The biggest curbside mistake
The most common curbside mistake is assuming one person can move the chair inside.
Even if the chair is technically “movable,” it is awkward, heavy, and easy to damage if you try to drag or tilt it incorrectly. If you choose curbside, plan for proper help and a clear route.
Threshold delivery: what it usually means
Threshold delivery is a step up from curbside. In most cases, it means the carrier brings the shipment to your first dry, covered area or “threshold,” often the front door, garage door, or building entrance, depending on access.
This can be a meaningful upgrade because it reduces the distance you need to move the chair, especially if your driveway is long, steep, or exposed to weather.
Who threshold delivery is best for
Threshold delivery usually makes sense if:
You want to reduce the heavy carry distance
You can move the chair inside once it reaches the entry point
Your home layout is relatively simple once the chair is indoors
You want a middle option between curbside and full service
Threshold is often chosen by people who have help available but do not want to deal with the “from the curb to the house” part.
The biggest threshold mistake
The most common threshold mistake is not measuring the interior route.
Getting the chair to your door is great, but if your hallway is narrow or you have a tight corner into the intended room, you can still end up stuck. Threshold reduces the outside work, not the inside layout challenges.
White glove delivery: what it usually means
White glove delivery is the most hands-off option. In most cases, it includes bringing the chair into your home, moving it to the room of choice, unpacking it, and placing it where you want it. Some services may also include basic setup and removal of packaging, depending on the carrier and service level.
White glove is popular because it turns delivery day into a smooth experience rather than a logistical event.
Who white glove delivery is best for
White glove is typically the best match if:
You live alone or do not have help available
You have stairs, tight turns, or a difficult interior route
You want the chair placed correctly without risk of injury or damage
You do not want to deal with heavy packaging and cleanup
You are buying a premium chair and want the whole experience to feel premium
If you have ever tried moving a heavy piece of furniture through a tight hallway, you already know why white glove can be worth it.
The biggest white glove mistake
The most common white glove mistake is assuming all white glove services are identical.
Service levels can vary by carrier, location, and what’s available for your order. That is why it’s important to reference the specifics in our Shipping Policy and confirm anything that matters to you before checkout.
The real comparison: which delivery option fits your home
Instead of choosing based on price alone, choose based on your home’s reality.
Curbside is best when access is easy and you have help.
Threshold is best when outside access is the problem but indoor access is manageable.
White glove is best when indoor access is complicated or you want zero hassle.
If you are unsure, a simple rule works well:
If you have stairs, tight turns, or no reliable help, lean white glove.
If you have a flat path and help available, threshold or curbside can work.
What to measure before you choose any delivery option
Most delivery problems are predictable. They come from not measuring.
Measure these five things:
Front door width (open the door fully and measure the clear opening).
Hallway width at the tightest point.
The narrowest interior doorway on the route to the room.
The tightest corner or turn (especially L-shaped hallways).
Stair width and landing space if the chair is going upstairs.
Also measure the destination space so you know where the chair will sit once it’s inside.
If you are still shopping and have not picked a model yet, start with the Massage Chairs collection and shortlist a few options, then compare their size requirements against your measurements.
How to prepare your home for delivery day
A little preparation makes delivery day feel easy.
Clear the route from the door to the final room. Remove small tables, rugs that slide, and anything breakable.
Protect floors if you have delicate surfaces.
Make sure pets are secured and doors can stay open safely.
Plan where the packaging will go if you are unpacking yourself.
Confirm your outlet location so the chair can be placed where you actually want it.
If you are going curbside or threshold, also plan your “move team.” Two people is often not enough for a heavy, bulky shipment in a tight space. Three people can make it dramatically safer.
Common delivery issues and how to avoid them
“It arrived, but it won’t fit through my hallway”
This usually happens when people measure the room but not the route. Your route is the constraint, not the destination room.
“The chair fits upright, but reclining blocks the walkway”
This is not a delivery issue, but it becomes a regret issue. Plan recline clearance before you choose the final placement spot.
“I didn’t realize how much packaging there would be”
Large items come with large packaging. If cleanup matters to you, a higher service level can be worth it just for that reason.
“I thought ‘white glove’ meant full installation”
White glove usually means in-home placement and unpacking, but details can vary. Always check what the service includes for your order and location.
How delivery choice ties into brand and model selection
Your delivery option should also match the type of chair you’re buying.
If you’re buying a heavy, premium chair and you want to avoid any damage risk, white glove is often the right call. If you’re buying a more space-friendly option and your home access is easy, threshold or curbside can be totally reasonable.
If you want help pairing chair choice with delivery choice, reach out through Contact Us and share your home layout and whether stairs or tight turns are involved.
FAQs
What is the safest delivery option for a massage chair?
White glove is usually the safest because trained crews handle in-home placement and reduce the risk of injury or damage.
Is threshold delivery enough for most homes?
It depends on your interior route. If you have wide doors and an easy path to the final room, threshold can be enough. If you have stairs or tight turns, white glove is often the better experience.
Can I do curbside delivery by myself?
It is not recommended. Massage chair shipments are heavy and awkward. If you choose curbside, plan for multiple people and a clear route.
What should I do before ordering to avoid delivery problems?
Measure the route from door to destination room, not just the room. Also review the shipping policy so you understand what the delivery method includes.
Where can I confirm the exact delivery details for my order?
Use the Shipping Policy for the official details, and if you have a specific setup question, use Contact Us.
Final thoughts
Delivery is not just logistics. It is part of the product experience.
If you want the simplest day, choose the service level that matches your home access and your willingness to move heavy equipment. If you want official delivery specifics for the lower 48, start with the Shipping Policy. If you want a quick recommendation based on stairs, door widths, and the room you’re placing the chair in, reach out through Contact Us.