Best Laptop Retrieval Services for Distributed Teams in 2025
When it comes to retrieving laptops from remote employees, you have several options. However, not all laptop return services are created equal. While Retriever offers a simple, pay-per-use model, most competitors lock you into expensive subscription plans—even when you’re not actively retrieving devices.
Here’s how the top laptop return and IT asset management services compare to Retriever’s flexible, cost-effective approach:
1. Workwize
What they offer: Full IT lifecycle management with device procurement, deployment, and returns.
The catch: Subscription-based pricing means you pay monthly fees regardless of usage. This becomes costly for companies with sporadic or unpredictable device return needs.
Why Retriever wins: You only pay for the returns you actually need, when you need them—no monthly fees for unused services.
2. Allwhere
What they offer: Global device management and retrieval services for distributed teams.
The catch: Complex pricing tiers and minimum monthly commitments, designed for consistent, high-volume usage that many companies don’t require.
Why Retriever wins: No minimums and no monthly commitments. Ideal for companies needing 2 returns one month and 20 the next.
3. Electric
What they offer: Comprehensive IT support, including device returns, as part of a broader service package.
The catch: You must purchase their full IT support package even if you only need laptop returns. Monthly subscription fees add up quickly for services you may never use.
Why Retriever wins: Retriever focuses specifically on device returns—no need to pay for unwanted services.
4. Growrk
What they offer: Full-service remote employee equipment management, including returns.
The catch: Subscription pricing per employee makes costs increase with headcount—even for employees who rarely change equipment.
Why Retriever wins: Pay per return, not per employee. Your costs scale with actual usage, not team size.
5. Unduit
What they offer: IT asset lifecycle management focused on enterprise clients.
The catch: Enterprise pricing includes long-term contracts and minimum spend requirements, which can be prohibitive for growing companies.
Why Retriever wins: No contracts, no minimums. Retriever serves startups and enterprises alike with equal effectiveness.
6. Hofy
What they offer: Equipment management platform for remote teams with retrieval capabilities.
The catch: Monthly subscription fees per workspace apply regardless of activity level.
Why Retriever wins: Zero monthly fees—you pay only when shipping a return box.
7. Firstbase
What they offer: Complete remote work setup including device provisioning and returns.
The catch: Subscription models bundle services you might not need, plus setup fees and ongoing monthly charges during slow periods.
Why Retriever wins: No setup fees, no bundled unnecessary services. Just simple, effective laptop returns.
8. Esevel
What they offer: IT asset management and device return services.
The catch: Requires ongoing monthly commitments and charges based on the number of devices managed—not on actual returns processed.
Why Retriever wins: Pay only for actual returns, not devices sitting unused in storage.
Why Retriever’s Pay-Per-Use Model Makes Sense
Employee turnover and device return needs are unpredictable. Some months you may retrieve 15 laptops; other months, none. Paying a monthly fee for unused services wastes budget and complicates IT asset management.
Retriever’s advantages include:
No monthly subscriptions — pay only when you ship a return box
No setup fees — start using the service immediately
No long-term contracts — use as much or as little as needed
Transparent pricing — $95 per laptop return (US), no hidden fees
Same-day shipping — return boxes ship within 24 hours
Complete tracking — full visibility throughout the return process
Ideal for:
Startups with unpredictable hiring and firing cycles
Seasonal businesses with variable staffing needs
Companies testing remote work policies
Any business valuing financial flexibility and simplicity
Additional Services That Make Retriever More Than Just a Laptop Return Company
Beyond flexible and fair laptop returns, Retriever offers a robust suite of services designed to support IT teams throughout the entire device lifecycle:
Secure Data Destruction & Environmentally Responsible Disposal
Retriever follows industry-standard protocols including U.S. Department of Defense 5220.22-M and NIST 800-88 for secure erasure. Returned laptops can be routed directly to Retriever’s facility for certified data destruction and eco-friendly disposal, helping you stay compliant with GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, GLBA, and other regulations.
Laptop Warehousing & Redeployment
Retriever's Laptop Warehousing & Redeployment service offers a comprehensive solution for managing your company's laptops throughout their lifecycle. This service ensures that returned devices are securely stored, meticulously prepared, and readily available for redeployment, all while maintaining full visibility and control.
Key Features:
Condition Checks & Cleaning: Each returned laptop undergoes thorough inspection and cleaning to ensure it meets operational standards before redeployment.
Servicing for Repairs: Any necessary repairs are conducted to restore devices to optimal functionality.
Operating System Provisioning: Laptops are pre-configured with the latest operating system, tailored to your company's specifications.
Secure Storage: Devices are stored in a 24/7 monitored facility, ensuring physical security and protection against unauthorized access.
Single-Click Deployment: Through Retriever's intuitive platform, IT teams can quickly trigger deployments, sending devices directly to employees as needed.
Comprehensive Device Lifecycle Visibility:
Retriever's platform provides end-to-end tracking of each device, from initial setup through deployment and eventual secure disposal. This transparency allows IT teams to:
Monitor the status of each laptop in real-time.
Identify devices ready for redeployment.
Maintain a comprehensive history of each asset's lifecycle.
Certificates of Data Destruction
For compliance and audit readiness, Retriever issues Certificates of Data Destruction after securely wiping devices. These documents are stored and accessible through the Retriever Portal.
Responsive Customer Support
Retriever’s customer service team is available seven days a week, ensuring your retrieval and asset management processes run smoothly.
Why Retriever’s Flexible Pay-Per-Use Laptop Return & IT Asset Management Services Outperform Subscription Competitors
While many competitors lock you into expensive subscriptions and complex pricing tiers, Retriever keeps it simple and scalable: pay for what you use, when you use it. Combined with a full suite of services from secure data destruction to warehousing and redeployment, Retriever is your trusted partner in remote IT asset management.
Ready to experience hassle-free laptop returns without financial commitments? Start your first return with Retriever today — no subscription required. Discover our Laptop Return Services.