If you're an IT manager or director at a tech company, you've probably faced the challenge of getting laptops back from remote employees. Whether it’s because the employee just doesn’t take the time to ship a laptop back or they have negative intentions because they’re upset about being let go, laptop retrieval can just be an all around hassle. 

According to Capterra’s 2022 Employee Offboarding Survey, 71% of HR professionals have encountered cases where departing employees failed to return company equipment, such as laptops or mobile phones. They found it to be even more of an issue with remote and hybrid workers, who are nearly 17% more likely to not ship a laptop back compared to employees that work in the office. When companies don’t get their devices back, which often contain sensitive data, the potential for serious security risks and financial losses goes way up.  

So, how long does shipping a laptop typically take with Retriever, and what can you expect during the process? Let’s break it down.

Why Timely Laptop Returns Matter

In today's fast-paced work environment, delays can wind up costing you an arm and a leg. Whether it's a matter of securing sensitive data or you want the hardware back in the rotation, shipping a laptop quickly and efficiently is crucial.

For IT teams, especially those managing a large remote workforce, the last thing you need is a laptop stuck in transit or an employee taking their sweet time to send it back. That’s where Retriever comes in, streamlining the process to make laptop shipping a breeze.

Retriever’s Laptop Shipping Process

At Retriever, we’ve honed our laptop shipping process to be as smooth and efficient as possible. Here’s how it works:

1. Sending the Box: As soon as a laptop needs to be returned, we ship a padded laptop box directly to the remote employee. This box is designed to keep the laptop safe during transit, minimizing the risk of damage.

2. Prepaid Shipping Label: We include a prepaid shipping label, so the employee doesn't have to worry about costs or logistics. They just need to pack the laptop and drop it off at their nearest shipping location.

3. Simple Return Instructions: Clear, easy-to-follow instructions are included to guide the employee through the packing and shipping process. This ensures that the laptop is sent back quickly and securely.

4. Stage-by-Stage Tracking: Once the laptop is on its way, you’ll receive stage-by-stage tracking updates. You can see where the laptop is in the process, and when it’s expected to arrive back at your office.

By making the process straightforward and hassle-free, we help ensure that shipping a laptop is done promptly, reducing the time you spend chasing down returns.

Retriever Enterprise: Managing Large-Scale Device Returns

For organizations that handle multiple laptop and monitor returns, Retriever Enterprise is the perfect solution. This service offers enhanced tracking capabilities and a centralized hub for managing your device returns.

When you open an Enterprise account with Retriever, you get access to our specialized portal, where you can:

• Quickly Set Up Laptop and Monitor Returns: Streamline your processes with easy setup for multiple device returns.

• Track Device Status: Use our dashboard to monitor the status of each device return, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

• Save Default Settings: Save time on each return by setting default company return addresses and other preferences.

• Collaborate with Your Team: Invite team members to work together on device returns, making the process more efficient.

Our Enterprise service also includes access to the Retriever API, allowing you to build integrations with tools you already use, like Workday, Okta, Jira, Zapier and ServiceNow. This makes managing employee devices even more seamless, giving you more control and visibility over the entire process.

Average Timeframe for Shipping a Laptop

So, how long does it actually take to ship a laptop with Retriever? Once we receive your order, we ship the laptop return kit to your employee within 1 business day, often the same day. The kit typically arrives at the employee’s address within 2-3 days. After shipping a laptop back, it generally takes an additional 2-3 days for the shipment to arrive at your company address.

Keep in mind that while we aim to streamline the process, transit times can vary slightly depending on carrier shipping volumes. Shipping a laptop to and from Canada may experience additional delays due to customs processing.

While we can't control how long your employee takes to ship a laptop, our service is designed to make the return process as quick and secure as possible.

How Retriever Ensures Fast Laptop Shipping

Shipping a laptop is all about efficiency. Here’s how Retriever ensures that your laptops are shipped back as fast as possible:

• Reliable Carrier Partnerships: We partner with dependable carriers that prioritize speed and reliability when it comes to shipping a laptop. This helps us keep laptop shipping times short, even for remote locations.

• Proactive Communication: If there’s a potential delay with mailing a laptop, we don’t wait for you to ask. We proactively communicate with both you and the employee, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

• Streamlined Processes: From the moment you initiate a return, our processes kick in to get that laptop back to you as quickly as possible. We handle all the details so you can focus on more important tasks.

Common Challenges in Laptop Shipping and How We Overcome Them

Shipping a laptop can come with its own set of challenges, but Retriever is well-equipped to handle them:

• Reducing Time Spent on Device Retrieval: Managing device returns can be time-consuming, especially when you have multiple devices to track. Retriever simplifies the laptop shipping process, allowing you to focus on other critical tasks.

• Improving Laptop Return Rates: Ensuring that laptops are returned promptly and in good condition can be challenging. We help by sending regular reminders and providing easy-to-use return instructions to employees, boosting your return rates.

• Handling Employees in Different Countries: Laptop shipping from employees located in different countries adds complexity to the process. Retriever’s services are available in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., with plans to expand further into Europe, making it easier to manage global returns.

• Delayed Employee Response: Sometimes, employees don’t pack up the laptop right away. To combat this, we send reminder emails and provide clear instructions to make the process as simple as possible.

• Inadequate Packaging: If an employee doesn’t pack the laptop correctly, it could get damaged in transit. That’s why we send a padded box specifically designed for shipping laptops, reducing the risk of damage.

• Lost or Damaged Laptops: While rare, laptop shipping can sometimes lead to the package getting lost or damaged. We mitigate this by using tracked shipping and offering optional insurance to cover any potential issues.

With Retriever, you can trust that shipping a laptop will be as seamless as possible, with minimal hiccups along the way.

The Benefits of Using Retriever’s Laptop Return Services

When it comes to laptop shipping, Retriever offers a comprehensive solution that takes the hassle out of device retrieval. Here’s why our service stands out:

• Speed and Efficiency: We expedite the process by shipping the return kit within 1 business day, and we use reliable carriers to ensure swift delivery both to and from your employees. This minimizes downtime and gets your laptops back into rotation faster.

• Hassle-Free Returns: With a prepaid shipping label, padded box, and clear instructions, the return process is simple for your employees. This ease of use helps to reduce delays and increases the likelihood of prompt returns.

• Real-Time Tracking: Stay informed every step of the way with stage-by-stage tracking through our online dashboard. You’ll know exactly when the laptop is shipped and when it’s expected to arrive back at your office, giving you peace of mind and better control over the process.

• Cost-Effective Solution: Retriever offers a flexible and budget-friendly approach to laptop shipping with no recurring subscription fees or long-term contract commitments. Our return credits never expire, so you can use them as needed without worrying about added costs or obligations.

• Responsive Customer Support: Our customer service team is available to assist with any questions or issues that arise, ensuring you always have the support you need when managing laptop returns.

• Enhanced Management with Retriever Enterprise: For organizations dealing with high volumes of returns, our Retriever Enterprise service offers a centralized portal for tracking, setting up returns, and collaborating with your team. Plus, API integrations with tools like Workday, Okta, and Zapier further streamline your device management processes.

• Global Reach: We support returns from employees in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., and we’re expanding our services to other parts of Europe. This makes it easier to manage returns from a geographically dispersed workforce.

By choosing Retriever, you’re opting for a reliable, streamlined, and customer-focused service that takes the stress out of managing laptop returns. Discover our Laptop Return Services today and see how we can help you optimize your IT operations.

Data Destruction and Laptop Disposal

Many companies find themselves with a large number of unused laptops piling up in their offices or warehouses, taking up valuable space and potentially becoming a security risk. Instead of letting these outdated or surplus devices clutter your environment, why not handle them efficiently and securely? Retriever offers a comprehensive solution for not only secure remote laptop retrieval but also data destruction, and disposal.

Our expert team is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of data security, employing industry-standard protocols for data erasure that comply with stringent guidelines such as U.S. Department of Defense 5220.22-M and NIST 800-88.

Secure Data Destruction: Send your old laptops directly to our facility for secure data destruction and environmentally responsible disposal. We issue Certificates of Data Destruction, which are stored and accessible through the Retriever Portal. Our process includes a complete data erasure, with a tamper-proof certificate ensuring compliance with regulations like EU-GDPR, SOX, GLBA, HIPAA, and other international data protection standards.

SOC 2 Type 2 Certification: Rest assured that your assets and data are handled with the utmost care and privacy, thanks to our SOC 2 Type 2 Certification, which underscores our commitment to safeguarding your information.

Earn Rewards: To make the process even more beneficial, every laptop sent to Retriever for data destruction and disposal earns you points towards future laptop return credits. Specifically, you earn 1 US Laptop Credit for every 3 disposals (subject to future revisions).

By choosing Retriever for your laptop disposal needs, you not only ensure secure data handling and compliance but also make space in your office while earning valuable rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to mail a laptop?
Mailing a laptop typically takes 3 to 7 business days, depending on the shipping service and distance. Expedited options are available if you need to send it faster.

Is it expensive to ship a laptop?
Shipping a laptop can cost anywhere from $20 to $100, depending on factors like distance, shipping speed, and insurance. Using a standard ground service is usually the most cost-effective option.

What is the safest way to ship a computer?
The safest way to ship a computer, including shipping a laptop, is to use a sturdy, padded box designed for electronics. Be sure to include plenty of cushioning material, and consider adding insurance for extra protection.

How to pack a laptop for delivery?
To pack a laptop for delivery, first, place it in a protective sleeve or padded envelope. Then, place the laptop in a sturdy box with ample padding on all sides to prevent movement. Seal the box securely and label it clearly.

How to transport a laptop safely?
Transporting a laptop safely involves using a padded case or sleeve, securing it in a sturdy box if shipping, and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures or rough handling. Keeping the laptop turned off during transport also helps protect its components.

Conclusion

Shipping a laptop doesn’t have to be a headache, especially when you have a partner like Retriever. From our efficient processes to our reliable carrier partnerships, we’re dedicated to getting your laptops back to you as quickly as possible. Ready to simplify your device retrieval process? Discover our Laptop Return Services today and see how we can help you streamline your IT operations.