Printer Repairs: Packing for Shipment
An ID card printer is an expensive investment. Even though it may not be working correctly now, it is important to properly prepare this investment for shipment so it receives no further damage. While commercial shippers do try to take care of your packages, they also expect the contents to be prepared for rough handling. Slapping a "Fragile" sticker on the box does not count.
Over time, the support staff at Oak Tree Data has worked out a set of shipping instructions that seem to be helpful. They are provided below.
First, it is best if the printer can be shipped in the original packing materials. The manufacturer designs a tough box with foam inserts to properly cushion the printer, and that is hard to beat. However, most people do not hold on to the original box, so here is the alternative:
- Ensure the box is large enough to have at least 1-1/2" (one and one half inches) of packing on all sides.
- Ensure the box is rated for the weight of the printer and the packing.
- Place the printer into a bag (and seal it!) so as to keep any packing materials out of the printer during shipment.
- Do not include power cord, power supply, or printer cable.
- Do include a sample card with the problem printing, if possible.
- Do include a written description of the problem you are having and a return shipping address
- Do not include any ribbons, cartridges, or transfer films.
- Do not include any blank cards.
- Do not include any card weights.
- Remove the cleaning roller and pack it separate, in the printer box, so it won't come loose during shipping. (For Fargo legacy printers.)
- If there are any security devices installed as part of the printer (locking hopper doors, Smart cards) please include the keys.
- Be sure to insure the printer with the carrier. This is very important. Service contracts will not cover any damages incured in shipment. We have had printers arrive damaged in shipment, and they are just too expensive not to spend a couple of dollars to insure the package.
The shipping address for Oak Tree is:
- Oak Tree Data, Inc.
- Attn: Printer Repairs
- 6201 Enterprise Drive
- Suite D
- Diamond Springs, CA 95619
Sometimes you will be instructed to ship the printer back to the manufacturer for factory authorized repairs. This is usually done for printers still under factory warranty. When you are authorized to do so, you will be given a Return Material Authorization number (RMA#) that MUST be included as part of the shipping address. Do not send any printers (or other materials) to the factory unless you have received and RMA number.
The shipping address for Fargo is:
- Fargo Electronics, Inc.
- ATTN: RMA#
- 6533 Flying Cloud Drive
- Eden Prairie, MN 55344