Europe - Step By Step

Shipping within Europe and the EU is much easier than when shipping further abroad and to most destinations we ship on a door to door basis. Please take the time to follow this step-by-step guide, it will help you understand how we work.

As your job progresses through our system you will also receive email's from us giving you information about what is happening and what you need to do next. We will hold your hand through the process and make it as easy as we can for you to arrange for your belongings to be shipped to your destination.

Registration

Thank you, you have already completed the first stage when you registered. You will have received an email with price and service details for your destination.

Check the number of boxes you need

You can save some money by taking a little time at the beginning to assess how many boxes you are likely to need.

You can order more boxes than you think you need without charge based on a sliding scale against the final number you actually ship, but charges will apply if you order too many and then ship too few. See the Additional Charges page for the scale of charges applicable for unused boxes.

If you underestimate the number and you need more boxes you will incur another delivery charge of £20.00. Unlike the initial deposit this is not deducted from your final payment.

You can send your own boxes, in fact we recommend it for things like PC's, monitors, bike's and other sports equipment or where original packaging is available. You can amend the details of these non-VOOVit boxes when you reach Step 2.

Step 1 - Order boxes

Once you have decided how many boxes you need you can order them on-line by following the on-screen instructions.

You will pay a deposit of £20 for up to 9 boxes, 10 boxes or more and the deposit will be £50. This deposit is deducted from the total charge when you make your final payment. So for example, you order 5 boxes and the price you have been given is £180, you pay £20 now and £160 when you are ready for the boxes to be collected.

Boxes and tape are usually delivered within 2 working days of receipt of your payment when using the standard service. The van leaves our depot at lunchtime each day so its important if you are in a rush to make sure that your order has been placed by 12:00 noon.

Deliveries are made by one of the top courier companys in Europe. If you are not at home when they call the will leave a card with a local contact number so you arrange for re-delivery.

We can deliver to your home, place of work, a friend or relative. The boxes are flat packed and while they are quite big they are not too heavy.

Pack the boxes

Pack the box in accordance with our guidelines. See the Packing Guide for more information.

As you pack keep a note of what you are putting in each box, you will need this information later to complete the packing lists.

If you have any concerns about an item it is better to check before you pack it. If you pack an item that is prohibited by the transport company or by local regulations at destination it will have to be removed prior to collection. If we do this for you there will be additional charges.

Mark the boxes

All boxes must be clearly marked on the side panel of VOOVit boxes with your name, full delivery address, contact phone number and the sequential number of boxes.

• Name: This would usually be the name of the person who will receive the boxes at destination.
• Address: The full delivery address at destination. This should be the street address not P.O.box number or similar.
• Contact Phone Number: The local number at destination. Should there be a problem with your delivery the local courier would be able to contact you.
• Number: If for example you are sending a total of ten boxes, the first box you mark will be 1 of 10, the second box will be 2 of 10 and so on.

Example:

If you are using your own boxes or bags they also must be marked as per these instructions. further information

Step 2 - Complete the forms

Destinations within the EU

There are two parts that need to be completed as a part of Step 2.

• Destination Details form - This is your contact information at destination.
• Packing List - A list of the contents of each box.

Both forms are completed on-line. A Packing List, if required, can be printed using an on-screen link.

You will receive with the pack of boxes clear document envelopes and a VOOVit guide to shipping within Europe which will further explain how the collection process works.

Destinations outside the EU

For destinations outside of the EU your boxes will have to be cleared through Customs. The authorities require a statement of the contents of the boxes, this is in the form of a pro-forma invoice and packing list.

•  Pro Forma Invoice - This is used by Customs at destination. You must complete all boxes, show a nominal value of your goods. Stating "no commercial value" is not acceptable.

•  Packing List - A value for customs purposes must be shown and mach the total amount on the pro-forma.

•  Customs form - Complete all required information.

You will receive with the pack of boxes clear document envelopes and a VOOVit guide to shipping within Europe which will further explain how the collection process works.

. The Pro-Forma, Packing list and Customs form should be placed in the plastic document pouch and attached to one of the boxes.

Copies of the blank forms can be downloaded when you complete the destination details form and packing lists.

Any shipment that does not have all forms complete and attached are subject to delay and additional charges.

Step 3 - Pay the balance of your charges

Once you have finished packing, and have completed the forms pay the balance of your charges and tell us what day you would like the boxes collected.

As with the deposit payment this can be paid using your credit or debit card by following the on-screen instructions.

If you wish you can pay by cash at any branch of HSBC, contact us for details.

Box collection .

You will receive email confirmation from us that we have received your payment and that collection has been booked for the day you have requested. The working day before your requested collection day we will send you an email with 1 or 2 labels attached for each box or item being sent, you will need to print these labels and put them in the clear document envelopes. The VOOVit guide explains this more fully.

Collections are Monday to Friday. We cannot give you a specific time when they van will arrive nor can the driver call ahead.

Collection must be made from the ground floor front of the building, as near to the area where the van will park as possible.

Collections are made by Parcelforce. If you are not at home and the driver is unable to collect you will incur an additional charge.

It doesn't have to be you that hands the boxes to the driver a friend or colleague can give them to him if you have an appointment somewhere else.

Boxes leave the UK

Transit times in working days, not including day of collection, as follows

Channel Isles	2 Days
Ireland, France	2-3 Days
Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg	3 Days
Italy, Spain	3-4 Days
Portugal	3-5 Days
Austria, Gibraltar	4 Days
Denmark	4-5 Days
Sweden	4-6 Days
Andorra, Lichtenstein, San Marino, Switzerland	5 Days
Czech Republic, Poland	5-6 Days
Greece	4-8 Days
Hungary, Slovenia	6-7 Days
Finland, Norway	6-8 Days

All times shown are average transit times and are shown only as an approximate, actual transit time may differ.

Delivery is to curb side only.

You will be able to track your boxes on-line.  Details of how this is done are included in the email you received with the labels.

Boxes arrive at destination

Boxes will be delivered to your destination door, if there is no one home a card will be left with a local contact number. You should call as soon as possible to re-arrange delivery on another day.

Any boxes un-delivered after 5 days will be returned to the UK, additional charges will apply for re-shipment.