With U-Ship it helps to be flexible, that is not needing something picked up *now*.
Find on average first bids to come in on U-Ship are always highest, then come more reasonable numbers from other shippers.
But OTOH you have to read details of bids carefully. Often you have shippers who are passing through or near enough to area where item(s) are located and have room to pick-up before heading in your direction. If you miss this window (assuming bid was reasonable), then that shipper likely has moved on...
Another thing about U-Ship is you must read all details carefully of how things work.
For example what happens after you accept a shipper's bid, pay money then it turns out item(s) cannot be collected for whatever reason. IIRC in those sort of situations part of money is refunded and balance kept as credit towards future U-Ship orders. This seems fair IMHO because what likely happens is shipper gets something for his time and effort.
Also with U-Ship you must be clear about size, weight, and measurements of item(s). This and how you want things transported (upright only, blanket wrapped, white glove treatment, etc...). You must also be clear about how much assistance will be available both at collection and delivery point.
Since we're talking about major appliances here am saying if a washer, dryer or whatever is in a basement accessible by stairs only, and seller isn't going to lift a finger to help get things out of said basement and onto truck or van you need to put that in bid.
