How Does Shiply Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

Shiply flips the normal way of booking transport on its head. Instead of you ringing round companies for prices, the companies come to you. Here’s exactly how it works, step by step.

Step 1: List your delivery (free)

You fill in one short form: what needs moving, pickup and delivery locations, and your preferred dates. The more detail, the better — and add photos. Shiply says listings with photos get quotes around 34% cheaper, which makes sense: a driver can price accurately instead of guessing and padding the quote.

Step 2: Transport companies bid for your job

Registered couriers and removal firms see your listing and submit competing quotes. The first bids often arrive within 30 minutes. This is a reverse auction — providers undercut each other, which is where the savings come from. A courier already driving your route with empty space on the return leg can offer a steep discount just to fill the van.

Tip: don’t grab the first quote. Give it around 24 hours so the full field of bidders has time to compete — prices tend to fall as the deadline approaches.

Step 3: Compare quotes and check feedback

Each bid comes with the company’s profile and feedback score from previous jobs. This is the most important step. Sort by more than price: look at completed-job counts, written reviews, and how long the company has been on the platform. A slightly higher quote from a 500-job veteran usually beats a rock-bottom bid from a newcomer.

Step 4: Accept a bid and pay the deposit

When you accept a quote, you pay a deposit online by card. Important detail: that deposit is Shiply’s fee, not a down payment to the driver. It goes to Shiply. You’ll pay the remaining balance directly to the transport company, usually when the job is done.

Step 5: The transporter contacts you

After booking, the company contacts you directly to arrange pickup times. From here on, you’re dealing with them — Shiply steps back. Keep all communication and payment on the platform’s terms, and confirm insurance cover before moving day.

How to get the cheapest quotes on Shiply

• Be flexible on dates. Couriers discount most when they can fit your job around existing trips.
• Add clear photos and measurements. Accurate listings get sharper bids.
• Wait the full bidding window. Early bids are rarely the cheapest.
• Consider return journeys. Long-distance moves (e.g. London to Manchester) are where the biggest discounts hide, because someone always needs a backload.

Need a move quoted right now? Post it on our Request a Move page and matched UK transport companies will send you their best prices.