Shipping & Returns Policy

This policy explains how we ship, inspect, and return laptops. It works alongside our Terms of Service — if there is a conflict, the Terms control.

1. Free inbound shipping

When you accept an offer, we email you a prepaid USPS or UPS shipping label, typically within a few minutes. Inbound shipping is free; we cover the carrier cost. You do not need to print the label if you take it to a carrier location that can scan it from your phone.

We bear the risk of loss or damage during inbound transit when you use the prepaid label we provide. If the package is lost or damaged before it reaches us, we will work with the carrier on a claim and will not penalize you, provided you used our label and packaged the device reasonably (see Section 3).

2. Shipping window

You have 14 days from the time you accept the offer to drop the package with the carrier. If the device has not entered the carrier's tracking system by day 14, the offer may be recalculated using then-current pricing, or canceled. Quotes are otherwise locked in for 21 days from generation — you can take up to a week to accept and still have a full two-week shipping window.

3. Packaging guidelines

Pack the laptop so it can survive standard parcel handling. In our experience the most common cause of in-transit damage is insufficient padding.

• If you have the original retail box, use it. It is the best fit for the device.
• Otherwise, use a sturdy corrugated box at least one inch larger than the laptop on every side.
• Wrap the laptop in bubble wrap or foam — at least two layers, taped closed. A padded laptop sleeve alone is not enough.
• Fill empty space inside the outer box with packing material so the device cannot shift in transit.
• Tape all seams. Do not write “laptop” or “electronics” on the outside of the package.
• Remove all personal data and sign out of all accounts (see Section 8) before sealing the box.
• Remove or include accessories only as we asked at quote time. Power adapters are usually preferred but not required.

4. Inspection timeline

We inspect each device within one business day of receipt at our facility. Inspection covers model and configuration verification, power-on, screen and keyboard function, battery health, cosmetic condition, and freedom from activation or carrier locks.

If the device matches your description, we send payment the same business day inspection completes, using the payout method you selected. PayPal and Venmo payouts typically land within minutes; Zelle payouts typically complete within one business day.

5. If condition differs from your description

If we find a material difference between your description and the device's actual condition, we will send you a revised offer with a written explanation of what we found, often including photos.

You have three (3) days to accept the revised offer or decline it. If you accept, we send payment the same business day. If you decline, we return the device at our cost (see Section 6). If you do not respond within three days, we may treat the revised offer as declined and return the device, or hold the device pending further attempts to reach you.

6. Free return shipping

We pay return shipping in any of these situations:

• You decline a revised offer.
• We reject the device for a reason other than one listed in Section 8.
• We are unable to verify the device's condition during inspection.

Returns are typically dispatched within 3 business days of your decline or our rejection. Standard ground transit takes 7–10 business days from the date we ship. You will receive tracking by email.

7. Lost or damaged in transit

Keep your drop-off receipt and any tracking information until you have been paid. If a package is lost or damaged on the way to us:

• Email us at info@usacomputerbuyback.com with the order number and the tracking number.
• We will open a claim with the carrier and keep you informed. Most claims resolve within 2–4 weeks.
• If the carrier confirms a loss covered by the label we provided, we will honor the original offer subject to the claim outcome. If the package is recovered, inspection proceeds normally.

If a return package to you is lost or damaged, contact us and we will work with the carrier on a claim under the same process.

8. Devices we cannot accept

Some devices cannot be processed through USA Computer Buyback:

• Devices reported lost or stolen, or devices we have reasonable grounds to believe are not yours to sell.
• Devices with active iCloud, Find My, or other activation locks. Sign out and disable these before shipping.
• Devices enrolled in corporate, MDM, or enterprise management programs that prevent resale.
• Anything other than a laptop, a supported tablet (currently Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Go), or a desktop. We do not currently buy phones or accessories through this service.
• Hazardous items, including devices with swollen or leaking batteries. If your battery is swollen, do not ship the device — contact us first.

If a device fails one of these checks on arrival we may refuse to purchase it. Where required by law we may report lost or stolen devices to the appropriate authorities. We do not pay return shipping for devices we are required to hold under this section; we will inform you of the reason in writing and explain what comes next.

9. Contact

Questions about a shipment or a return? Email us at info@usacomputerbuyback.com with your order number and we will get back to you.