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Equipment Return Procedure and Tips

  • First American will provide a Ship-To address(es) for the equipment two to four weeks prior to your scheduled return.
  • Equipment must be returned in working order. Generally, equipment should be in acceptable condition to be put back into service. Normal wear and tear is expected.
  • Review each item to be returned so that you have an opportunity to take inventory and make any repairs necessary to return the equipment to working order.
  • Remove any password protections, inventory stickers or other additions to the equipment. Manufacturer’s labels and authenticity stickers originally provided with the equipment should remain intact.
  • Unless you have contracted with First American to provide data wiping services, remove all confidential data from the equipment.
  • Return everything that came with the equipment, including cables, power cords, manuals, disks, software media, batteries, docking stations, keyboards, mice, etc.
  • The equipment must be packaged appropriately for shipment.  Use of the original packing materials is optional. There are no additional requirements for packaging, asset tags, or labeling.
  • You may work with the logistics vendor(s) of your choice—no pre-approval required. Many logistics companies specialize in shipping certain types of equipment. Choosing a logistics company that is familiar with the type of equipment helps to ensure the equipment is handled appropriately.
  • Have your shipping company do a visual inspection of the shipment in order to confirm both the contents and the condition of the items. The shipping company should sign a form verifying the specific contents and the cosmetic condition.  Keep a copy of this form for your files, include a copy in the shipment, and send a copy to First American.  This is not required, but in the event that items are damaged or lost during shipping, this simple step will help you bring a claim against the shipping company. 
  • Insure the equipment during shipment. Check your current insurance policy before purchasing additional insurance, as some policies will cover the shipment without additional cost.
  • Retain tracking numbers and contact information for your shipped equipment. It is helpful (although not required) to provide this information to FAEF’s Asset Management department to facilitate receipt and processing at our receiving location.
  • The returned equipment will be audited and tested upon receipt by FAEF and you will be notified of any material defects or deficiencies. Unlike many companies, FAEF does not charge standard flat rates for defects. If the equipment is not in working order when we receive it, we will send you an invoice for the actual cost to restore the equipment to working condition.
First American Value Recovery (F/A/V/R) Program

It's easy to transform unused assets into new productive equipment that you can use through our First American Value Recovery (F/A/V/R) Program. Please click here to download our information sheet and learn more. (opens 308KB PDF)

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