Table of Contents
Our Verdict
Dolly is an exceptional on-demand moving and delivery service that distinguishes itself with its user-friendly approach and seamless convenience. This platform connects you with reliable helpers who can assist with transporting large items, simplifying the process of moving furniture, appliances, or bulky objects.
One thing that sets Dolly apart is its wide range of services, including moving, hauling, and delivery. This makes it a versatile option if you need help with various transportation needs. The platform also offers a damage protection program to provide additional peace of mind for customers.
Overall, Dolly is a standout option for on-demand moving services. Its wide availability across 45 U.S. cities with its headquarters in Seattle, Washington.
Dolly is currently available in the following 45 locations:
Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Denver, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Haven, New York City, Orange County CA, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Raleigh-Durham, Richmond, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Wilmington DE, Washington DC.
Pros
- Offers budget-friendly moving services, ensuring affordability for customers
- Provides basic furniture assembly, saving you time and effort
- Can handle retail deliveries, allowing you to conveniently receive your purchases without the hassle of arranging transportation
- Simplifies the process of obtaining a quote by prominently displaying a user-friendly quote button on their platform
- Offers transparent coverage options, making it straightforward for customers to choose the level of protection they desire.
Cons
- Demands detailed inventory for numerous quotations
- Restricts availability to 45 locations
- Provides unclear or ambiguous price quotes, leaving users uncertain about the cost of their moving service.
- Confuses users with app/web features.
Who Dolly Is Best For
Dolly is best suited for individuals or businesses who:
- Require assistance with moving tasks and logistics without the need for a full-fledged moving company.
- Are looking for a convenient and affordable solution for smaller-scale moves or delivery needs.
- Prefer a service that allows them to hire help on-demand, without the need for long-term commitments or contracts.
- Need assistance with tasks such as furniture assembly, loading and unloading, or transportation of goods.
- Reside in one of the cities where Dolly is currently available for service.
>>>MORE: Bungii Review
Who Dolly Isn't Right For
Dolly may not be the right choice for individuals or businesses who:
- Require full-service moving solutions, as Dolly primarily focuses on smaller-scale moves and delivery tasks.
- Prefer a moving service that offers comprehensive packing and unpacking assistance.
- Have strict timelines or deadlines that require precise coordination and guaranteed availability, as Dolly availability is dependent on local Helpers.
- Are looking for a moving service that provides insurance coverage or guarantees against damages.
- Prefer to communicate and book services through channels other than a mobile app, as Dolly’s service interaction is primarily app-based.
What Dolly Offers
Dolly is an on-demand moving and delivery service that offers the following services:
Moving Assistance
Dolly connects you with local professionals who have pickup trucks, cargo vans, or box trucks to help with your moving needs. These professionals, known as Dolly Helpers, are trained to handle and move big and bulky items safely and securely.
Furniture Delivery
Dolly can assist with delivering furniture items from retailers such as The Container Store, Big Lots, and Crate & Barrel. This service provides a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional delivery options.
Mini & Small Moves
If you need to move just a few items or have a small move, Dolly can provide the necessary assistance. This service is designed to make moving one or a few items easy and hassle-free.
Store Delivery
Dolly offers fast and convenient store delivery services. Whether you need to pick up a Craigslist find or have purchased items from a retail store, Dolly can help with the pickup and delivery process.
Junk Removal
Dolly can send a truck and movers to remove and haul away your unwanted items to the nearest transfer station. This service is ideal for getting rid of junk and decluttering your space.
Donation Pickup and Drop-off
Dolly can assist with the pickup and drop-off of donations to organizations like Goodwill and Salvation Army. This service allows you to easily donate items you no longer need.
Retail Store and Online Marketplace Delivery
Dolly can help with the delivery of items purchased from retail stores or online marketplaces. This service ensures that your purchases are safely transported to your desired location.
However, keep in mind that Dolly has certain limitations and may not handle items that weigh over 300 pounds or specific items such as large safes, gun safes, kegs, pianos, organs, U-Box containers , or pool tables. Additionally, Dolly offers competitive pricing and includes basic furniture assembly as part of its services.
Dolly Details
Dolly provides a range of pricing options, including both hourly rates and flat rates. The hourly rates can vary based on the location and type of service requested, with moving services typically priced higher than delivery services. On the other hand, flat rates are available for specific tasks like moving a single item or delivering an item from a store to a home.
For instance, hourly rates typically range from $50 to $60 per hour for two Helpers. Meanwhile, flat rates may include $70 for moving a single item up one flight of stairs or $120 for delivering an item within a 10-mile radius.
To make its services more accessible, Dolly also offers various discounts. These discounts may include reduced rates for booking multiple services or for booking in advance.
To get the best price, it’s recommended to consider the following tips:
Book multiple services: By booking multiple services, such as both moving and delivery assistance, customers can take advantage of discounted rates.
Book in advance: Planning ahead and booking services in advance can lead to additional discounts. It’s advised to secure the desired service as early as possible to save money.
Compare pricing: Since Dolly’s pricing can vary depending on location and service type, comparing rates from different Dolly helpers allows you to find the best deal available.
By considering these tips and exploring the pricing options offered by Dolly, customers can select the most suitable and affordable option for their moving and delivery needs.
>>>PRO TIPS: Last-Mile Delivery Business: How to Make Money
Where Dolly Stands Out
Convenience and Ease of Use
Dolly’s platform is designed to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience. The user-friendly interface makes it simple to book and manage your moving or delivery service with just a few clicks.
Flexible and Versatile Services
Dolly offers a wide range of services to accommodate various requirements. Whether you need help moving furniture, delivering items, or even junk removal, Dolly has you covered. Their versatility ensures that you can find the right service for your specific needs.
Reliability and Safety
Dolly takes the utmost care when it comes to the safety of your belongings. They carefully vet their Helpers and provide insurance coverage to protect your items during the moving or delivery process. This commitment to safety provides peace of mind for customers.
Transparent Pricing
Dolly offers transparent pricing, ensuring that you know the cost upfront before confirming your booking. This eliminates any surprises or hidden fees, allowing you to plan your budget accordingly.
Availability and Flexibility
Dolly operates in various cities, making its services accessible to a wide range of customers. Additionally, they offer flexible scheduling options, allowing you to choose a time that works best for you.
Where Dolly Falls Short
Weight and Size Restrictions
Dolly has certain weight and size restrictions for the items they can transport. If you have particularly large or heavy items that exceed their limitations, you may need to seek alternative moving or delivery options.
Limited Service Offerings
While Dolly offers a range of services, including furniture moving, delivery, and junk removal, it may not cater to all types of moving or delivery needs. For specialized services or unique requirements, you may need to explore other options.
Pricing
While Dolly provides transparent pricing, some customers may find the cost of the service to be higher compared to other moving or delivery alternatives. It’s important to consider the pricing structure and compare it with other options to ensure that it aligns with your budget.
Scheduling Constraints
Dolly operates within specific time frames, which may not always accommodate the preferred schedule of customers. If you require more flexibility in terms of timing, you may need to consider alternative services that offer more convenient scheduling options.
Limited Insurance Coverage
While Dolly provides insurance coverage for your items during the moving or delivery process, some customers may find the coverage to be insufficient for their valuable or delicate belongings. For those with high-value items, seeking additional insurance coverage may be necessary.
How to Qualify for Dolly
To qualify for Dolly, the on-demand moving and delivery service, you need to meet certain requirements and complete the necessary steps. Here’s how you can qualify:
Meet Age Requirement
Ensure you’re at least 18 years old. This is vital to legally engage in contracts and perform necessary tasks associated with Dolly’s services.
Have Valid Identification
Make sure you possess a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID. This step is crucial for identity verification and compliance with legal standards.
Maintain Physical Fitness
Since Dolly involves physical tasks like lifting heavy items and navigating stairs, it’s essential to be physically fit. Ensure you can handle various furniture and belongings competently.
Pass Background Check
Expect Dolly to conduct background checks on all potential helpers to ensure customer safety. These checks may encompass criminal background and driving record evaluations, depending on the services you intend to provide.
Meet Vehicle Requirements
If you plan to use your vehicle for moving services, ensure it complies with specific requirements. This may involve having a valid driver’s license, proper vehicle registration, and adequate insurance. Your vehicle should also be in good working condition for reliability and safety.
Complete Application Process
To qualify, navigate the application process. This typically includes providing personal information, confirming your identity, and detailing your skills and experience in moving or delivery services.
Participate in Training
Depending on your chosen services, Dolly may mandate training. This could involve learning correct lifting techniques, understanding customer service protocols, and acquainting yourself with Dolly’s policies and procedures.
How to Apply for Dolly
To request services from Dolly, the on-demand moving and delivery service, you can follow these steps:
Visit the Dolly website
Go to the official Dolly website (www.dolly.com) to access the service.
Create an account
Sign up for an account on the Dolly website. You will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, email address, and phone number.
Enter your pickup and delivery details
Provide the necessary information about your pickup and delivery locations. This includes the addresses, any specific instructions or requirements, and the date and time you need the service.
Specify the type of service
Select the type of service you require from Dolly. This could include moving furniture, delivering large items, or other specific services offered by Dolly.
Provide item details
Describe the items you need to be moved or delivered. This could include the size, weight, and any special handling instructions for the items.
Review and confirm
Double-check all the information you have provided and review the estimated cost of the service. Once you are satisfied, confirm your request.
Wait for a Helper
After submitting your request, Dolly will match you with a qualified Helper who can assist with your moving or delivery needs. The Helper will contact you to confirm the details and arrange the logistics.
It’s important to note that the availability of Dolly services may vary based on your location. Dolly operates in select cities, so make sure to check if the service is available in your area.
>>>GET SMARTER: GoShare Delivery Business Review
Alternatives to Dolly
TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a platform that connects you with local Taskers who can help with a variety of tasks, including moving and delivery. Whether you need help with packing, furniture assembly, or transportation, TaskRabbit allows you to hire reliable and vetted individuals for your specific needs.
Lugg
Lugg is an on-demand moving and delivery service that specializes in furniture and large item transportation. With Lugg, you can request assistance with moving items within your home, between locations, or even for junk removal. Lugg provides trusted and insured movers to help make your move hassle-free.
GoShare
GoShare is a service that connects you with local delivery professionals who have pickup trucks, cargo vans, or box trucks. Whether you need assistance with moving furniture, appliances, or other large items, GoShare offers reliable and affordable delivery options.
Customer Reviews
Dolly has a positive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Facebook, with customers praising its affordability and ease of booking movers. However, the company has over 150 official complaints on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website in the past three years. The BBB issued an alert highlighting a recurring “pattern of complaints” regarding damaged items and customers’ perceived lack of assistance from Dolly’s customer service department. Additionally, Dolly earned 1.7 out of 5 from 17 reviews on Trustpilot.
Pro Tips
- Plan ahead: Schedule Dolly service in advance for availability and preferred time slot.
- Provide accurate item details: Be specific about size, weight, and special handling requirements.
- Communicate expectations: Clearly communicate needs and any fragile or valuable items.
- Pack and label items: Ensure proper packing and labeling for organized and safe handling.
- Be present during the move: Stay available to answer questions and provide guidance.
- Keep valuable items with you: Safeguard valuable or sentimental items personally.
- Leave a review: Share feedback to help others and contribute to Dolly’s improvement.
Recap
Dolly is an on-demand moving and delivery service that offers a convenient and affordable solution for various moving needs. With its user-friendly platform, you can easily schedule and manage your move, choosing the specific services you require. Dolly’s trained and background-checked movers handle your items with care and professionalism, equipped with the necessary tools for safe transportation. The transparent pricing structure allows you to get an instant quote, avoiding any surprises, and customer reviews help you make informed decisions. With excellent customer support, Dolly ensures a stress-free experience and the safe delivery of your belongings.
