Another Vote for C&F
You can't fail can you?
Honestly, unless you are willing to pick up the item yourself, C&F is the best option as they do a great job of packing and shipping. One is no good without the other, I mean what is the use of low price shipping if your washer arrives damaged? Even UPS shipping,will cause damage unless the item is packed well.
Only hitch is one has to make sure there is a C&F where the item is located. Most large cities have one or two C&F franchises, but smaller/rural areas might not. C&F's website allows one to search by location, and it is a good idea to find out if C&F serves the area before contracting to purchase an item.
Some fleaBay sellers will not have anything to do with shippers even if you make all the arrangements. Had one seller try to "mutually end" an eBay transaction because we arranged for C&F to pick up the washer instead of travelling down ourselves. Some stuff and nonesense about not wanting strangers in his home, guess he didn't see the irony of having us, persons he wouldn't know from Adam come into his home.
Final upside, C&F has lots of experience in moving major appliances, so they know all the tricks of the trade. When you factor in your time and costs, C&F probably comes out ahead of going to pick up the item in person.
Launderess