|
No more guessing or uncertainty. Right here is where you can learn everything you need to know about returning your leased equipment to CT&L.
Returning leased equipment really is no more complicated than paying attention to details. It helps if you've planned ahead, but there's very little we can't help you solve in one fashion or another. For example, you might not be exactly certain which assets are on an expiring lease schedule. Well, that's why we've provided LeaseSync, where you can find that answer in a matter of minutes. Of course, that's just one example -- we're ready to show you more.
Below, we've laid out the major issues for you. Take a minute and review each. We guarantee that what you learn here will help you avoid problems.
If you instead want to review these issues later, we've also addressed them in a convenient Equipment Return Quide in PDF form that you can download and review at your leisure:
Equipment Condition & Type
While we don't like to nitpick, CT&L does expect returned equipment to arrive in "good working condition, normal wear and tear accepted."
So what does that really mean?
It means that we understand that equipment returned off lease may be dirty, slightly dinged and showing signs of many months of use. There's nothing wrong with that. However, we don't wish to find inoperable or damaged components, cracked cases, burned in screens, missing memory or loosely assembled items. You will be billed the replacement costs, plus installation time, to repair items and bring them back to normal operating condition. We expect you to use the equipment, not abuse it.
Beyond that, note that CT&L is not sensitive to serial numbers. By that we mean that we do not expect you to returned the exact items listed on the lease schedule, and we won't question substitutions. However, the substitute equipment must be "like or better" than the original items on the lease. That means the same, or better, model and specs. We understand that keeping track of the exact items can be difficult, so we're not going to penalize you at the end of the lease.
 Back to Top
Accessories, Software & Manuals
These are always a source of confusion, so we thought we'd spell things out for you here. CT&L's policy is that anything that originally ships with each piece of equipment needs to be returned at the end of the lease.
For desktops and the like, that generally includes mice, keyboards, speakers, microphones, repair or diagnostics disks, manuals and the operating system license. For laptops, you also need to include the power supplies, batteries and, where supplied, carrying cases. In most cases, and especially for servers, we appreciate having the manuals returned as well.
A special note regarding software and operating systems:
Generally, if the system arrived with an operating system, or any other application software, such as Microsoft Office, we expect to receive those items back with the returned equipment. Software noted separately on your lease is yours to keep, but software that arrives preinstalled on a system needs to be returned with the unit.
We've also created a resource that further details some of the issues related to the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label on some units. The following PDF can be reviewed for additional background, tips & tricks relating to the COA:
In all cases, missing items will be billed back to you at their Fair Market Value replacement cost, operating systems and application software included. We're not trying to make things difficult, it's just that we need all of these items to resell the equipment.
Back to Top
Packing
It doesn't matter to CT&L if you pack the equipment in the original boxes. However, the original equipment manufacturers do go to great lengths to insure that their equipment is not damaged in transit. So, the best vessels for transit are usually the original boxes and packing materials.
Yet, we know it can be difficult to store large quantities of boxes. So, what's the next best way to return items? Both UPS and FedEx have provided excellent packaging instructions on their web sites, and we think those are good guidelines no matter the carrier. We've provided links to those guidelines below. It's our recommendation that you densely pack all items in corrugated boxes, with enough material to prevent the item from shifting or nearing the outside box walls. Use a box rated above the weight of the packed item [all boxes have this noted on the bottom], and use hard foam or Styrofoam to insulate heavier items from damage. Remember that you are liable for any damage which occurs during return shipment, so proper care in packing the items is wise insurance.
Back to Top
Shipping
CT&L has no preference in terms of Freight Carriers, or as to how quickly you should return the equipment. We simply recommend a carrier with good customer service that can provide for tracking of your shipment.
For larger quantities of equipment, we advise our clients to utilize Less Than Truckload ("LTL") carriers such as Roadway Express, Yellow Freight or AIT. For the largest of shipments, nationwide, dry van carriers such as United Van Lines or North American Van Lines are the most cost effective and pay very close attention to the care of the load. Links to these various carriers can be found here.
No matter the carrier, though, we recommend that you insure each item for it's Fair Market Value, and ask for the means to track your shipment. As noted above, you are liable for any damage which occurs during return shipment, so it's wise to plan ahead.
Back to Top
Equipment Return Location
CT&L does not maintain a full-time warehouse or refurbishment facility. Generally, CT&L directs returned lease items to a variety of wholesale buyers or third party refurbishment facilities. That means that we may provide you with separate return locations for different lease schedules, subject to the terms of your Lease Agreement.
However, in certain cases, CT&L can receive return shipments directly at our facilities. Prior authorization must be given by CT&L to receive such shipments. Unauthorized shipments will be refused, or your carrier may find our facilities unattended.
Back to Top
|
