How many times have you wanted something from this miraculous place known as Ikea, and cringed at the thought of driving all the way to Canton (or Schaumburg) to brave the crowds of confused first-timers and the long check out lines. Usually I can find an excuse to make a trip to the east side of the mitten state to see my girlfriends, but on occasion it demands an entire dedicated day trip.
Remember the problems and solutions for the master bedroom that resulted in my recent trip? Confession time, my bug failed me in being able to fit all the boxes for the bed and the dressers that were part of Solutions B & D. While I did manage to fit a giant area rug, two bedside tables, two lamps, a light fixture, mattress pads, pots, pans and linens in the trunk; the bed headboard box was far too wide to allow the hatch to close.
I stood in Aisle 4, Bin 25 in disbelief when I was looking at the shape of the box for the bed. My trusty tape measure was even hauled out to verify what I was seeing. No problem, I thought I would just go home and order them online...
In the comfort of my jammies on the couch, I quickly navigated the site to add those three over-sized items to my shopping cart. To my dismay, the long 8-drawer Hemnes dresser in white stain was not available online. Gasp! I didn't plan for that...how was I going to convince Brett to drive over there in his truck?
Long story short, all the convincing in the world could not persuade my prince charming to make a day trip to pick up our wish list. Even calling the store to do a home delivery failed me. My mission was not over, I perused Craigslist to see if I could find someone that might be selling the same items. Given that these were all newer designs, it would be highly unlikely that someone would post them.
In my first search, this gem appeared below. At first I thought it had to be a scam, since it was too good to be true. Was this for real and why didn't I think of this for a career!?
You know those out of body experiences when you know this moment is pivotal in the rest of your story on earth? This was one of them.
Let me introduce you to Via Ikea. It is a service provided by a local West Michigan man named James Eldersveld. He makes weekly trips to Ikea with your order to conduct your shopping for you. That's right - unless you are dying for the free Ikea Family ice cream cone at the end, you don't even have to set foot in the crazy parking lot.
From minuscule items to the PAX Wardrobe systems, he's shopped for and delivered it all. After he picks up your shopping list, you can either choose to pick it up in Grand Rapids or have it delivered straight to your home. If you are unlike me, and don't find the sans verbiage assembly instructions to be a fun weekend activity, they also offer services for product assembly. Basically, he is the magical Ikea fairy.
Having just missed this week's run, I emailed James to see when I could order next. He emailed me back right away and would be going again the following week. All I had to do was fill out the order form on the website. It was so simple! Once you fill out an order form, you receive an invoice via PayPal (love technology) so he is able to purchase your goods. Select your method of delivery, and wah-la!
Not only has this service been a game changer, but it also offered two additional perks:
1. I was able to order a product that was in stock at the store, but not available online. The only other way for me to get that item was to visit the store myself.
2. I was able to receive the item much faster than if I would have paid for normal shipping online. Not to mention it was less expensive...since it's based on the price of the items you purchase.
Needless to say, his genius business could be my demise. You know it is going to be like Christmas {for those of you that understand how much I love that magical time of year} when his truck pulls in my driveway to deliver my dressers and bed. James has saved the day; literally a round trip worthy of 6 hours not including time inside the store. He has earned my business in the near future!
Have questions? Check out his handy FAQ page here or send him an email here. See what other people are saying about Via Ikea on their Facebook page and stay up to date for future runs!
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