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Laptop Return Kit vs Arranging a Courier Yourself
The short answer: both work. Booking a courier yourself can suit occasional returns where the employee already has suitable packaging. A return kit puts protective packaging, a prepaid label and instructions in one parcel, so there's less for the employee and your IT team to organise.
What each option involves
Arranging a courier yourself
You book a collection or buy a prepaid label from a carrier, send the details to the employee, and they pack the laptop in whatever packaging they have. Depending on the service, they may need to print a label, wait in for a collection, or take the parcel to a drop-off point.
Using a laptop return kit
A return kit is posted to the employee with protective packaging, a prepaid return label and instructions. They pack the laptop into the packaging and drop the parcel off. For example, the ReturnKits Laptop Return Kit includes a protective box with air-column padding, a grey mailing bag and an instruction card, with a prepaid Royal Mail return label.
Side-by-side comparison
| Arranging a courier yourself | Laptop return kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging | Usually up to the employee, unless you post packaging separately | Protective packaging included in the kit |
| Return label | You book it; some services need the employee to print it | Prepaid label included, nothing to print |
| Employee effort | Find packaging, pack, print or wait in for collection | Pack the laptop and take it to a drop-off point |
| Your admin | Book, pay, send instructions, follow up | Order once with the employee's and return addresses |
| Tracking | Depends on the service you book | Tracked; with ReturnKits, details are sent to you by email |
| Cover | Depends on the carrier's terms and how well it's packed | With ReturnKits, cover up to £500 is included |
| Cost | Varies by carrier, service and parcel size, plus any packaging | A fixed price per kit — £65 for the ReturnKits Laptop Return Kit |
When arranging a courier yourself makes sense
- You only need a laptop back occasionally and already have an account with a carrier.
- The employee still has the original laptop box and packaging.
- Someone in your team has time to book, follow up and handle any problems.
When a return kit makes sense
- Employees are remote and unlikely to have suitable packaging or a printer.
- You want the same, predictable process every time someone leaves.
- You'd rather the laptop arrived in protective packaging than whatever was to hand.
- You want to reduce the time IT or HR spends arranging and chasing returns.
Need to get a company laptop back?The Laptop Return Kit (£65) sends protective packaging and a prepaid Royal Mail return label straight to your employee. It's dispatched within 1 business day, tracking details are sent to you by email, and no account is needed.
Questions to ask whichever option you choose
- Who provides the packaging, and is it suitable for a laptop?
- Does the employee need to print anything, or be at home for a collection?
- Is the parcel tracked, and who can see the tracking?
- What cover applies if the laptop is lost or damaged in transit?
- Where does the laptop go back to, and who checks it on arrival?
For the full process, from first request to updating your asset register, see how to get a laptop back from a remote employee.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to book a courier myself?
Sometimes, especially if you already have a carrier account and the employee has suitable packaging. Remember to include the cost of packaging and the time spent booking and following up when comparing.
Does the employee need a printer?
With a return kit, no — the prepaid label comes with the kit. With a courier you book yourself, it depends on the service: some provide a QR code, others need a printed label.
Who is responsible if the laptop is damaged in transit?
That depends on the carrier's terms and the cover in place. Protective packaging reduces the risk, and checking what cover applies before you send anything avoids surprises.