How to go about completing an RMA?

[johnnq1]

power supply and hard drive both need to go back. i sent my ram in using a "shipping" store (aka spend too much money to stick something in a box) because i wanted to get it out quickly. now, i've got some time. where do i get packaging materials and boxes for each? i can stick the power supply back in its original box, but the hard drive was oem and i don't have any anti-static bags. should i ship with ups or post office? there is a ups store in town...should i just do everything there? i was never a fan of ups, they always delivered my boxes with dents in them.

i've also got a few heatsinks i'd like to sell on the forum. are packaging materials expensive? can i just stick balls of newspapers in a box for the rmas, and buy peanuts for the sales?


i know i'm a newb. i'd like to do things right the first time!

 

[johnnq1]

no help?

 

[Zim Hosein]

From my experience, just stick w/ the USPS for supplies and their service, just make sure that you pay for Delivery Confirmation so that you have proof that the items you are RMA'ing arrived at their destination johnnq1

 

[johnnq1]

alright. i remember i paid about 10 bucks to ship the ram at the steal-my-money store. does the post office just package and ship my items for me? like i just hand them the power supply box and ask them where to ship it, then they hand me a receipt after weighing/sizing? any idea if they carry anti-static bags?

 

[TallBill]

I'd find a anti-static bag somewhere. Not using one might void your warranty on the HD.

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: johnnq1
alright. i remember i paid about 10 bucks to ship the ram at the steal-my-money store. does the post office just package and ship my items for me? like i just hand them the power supply box and ask them where to ship it, then they hand me a receipt after weighing/sizing? any idea if they carry anti-static bags?

Nope, you have to address and package the items yourself, but the tape is free johnnq1! I don't remember if they have A/S bags, but I'm certain another member here knows that answer.

 

[bwatson283]

open them both up and figure out the root cause then send them in to RMA

 

[intogamer]

Newspaper for heat sinks would be fine (for me)

Hard Drive - You def need a Static Bag (Bubble Wrap + Peanuts)

Ram - If you have the plastic holder packaging... I guess you don't need a static bag for it. (Bubble Wrap + Bubble Mailer)

 

[johnnq1]

so the usps has peanuts and bubble wrap i can buy? do i have to buy a giant box of peanuts and bubble wrap? i'd like to avoid looking like a moron at the post office and asking them to ship my half packaged boxes (those guys are mean!).

 

[bwatson283]

he doesn't get it........

 

[johnnq1]

i feel like that kid in math class who just can't find the right answer. it's been explained to me 5 different times, but i still don't get it

 

[SSP]

Step1: Go to the post office.
Step2: Purchase shipping box big enough for hard drive and packing material
Step3: Purchase packing material, such as bubble wrap, foam, or peanuts
Step4: Wrap the drive in bubble wrap/whatever, place it in the box, seal it with tape. Some companies require you to ship the drive in anti static bag, on top of all the packing material (some also want adequate protection. if not they will void the warranty, according to maxtor RMA process at least. So pack it good. I used foam.)
Step5: Use a permanent marker to write the shipping address on the package. Some will require you to clearly state the RMA # on the box.
Step6: Hand it to the post office worker. He/she will ask you how fast you want it shipped, whether you want to insure it, and if you want a tracking code, and finally give you the price.
Step7: Profit!


YMMV since I've never used USPS.

 

[d33pt]

Originally posted by: johnnq1
i feel like that kid in math class who just can't find the right answer. it's been explained to me 5 different times, but i still don't get it

simple...bring your shit to the PO ready to be shipped out. don't waste anyone's time at the PO because they're busy. do whatever you need to do to have it ready to be shipped out at home.