Shipping an ATM part sounds like the easy step. It is also where operators lose money. A part that arrives damaged takes longer to service, and on an advance replacement, a part that comes back beat up can shrink the credit you were counting on. Good packing protects your turnaround and your wallet. This guide covers how to pack a dispenser, cassette, or printer, what to include, and why the condition of what you send matters to what you pay.
Before you ship, confirm your service option and pricing on the ATMTrader Repair Center page.
How do I pack an ATM part for shipping?
Pack it as if it will be dropped, because in transit it might be. The basics:
- Power down and remove the module cleanly. Do not force anything loose.
- Wrap the part in anti-static material where relevant, then a generous layer of bubble wrap.
- Use a sturdy double-wall box with room for cushioning on every side. No loose part rattling against cardboard.
- Fill all voids so nothing shifts. The part should not move when you shake the box.
- Protect connectors, pins, and any exposed mechanism. Bent pins are a common, avoidable repair complication.
- Seal well and label clearly.
If you kept the original packaging from a part or a refurbished unit, reuse it. It was designed for exactly this part.
Does it matter how I pack different parts?
Yes. Each module has its own weak point:
- Cassettes: protect the shutter and the contact pins. Those are what fail in transit.
- Dispensers: these are heavier and have more exposed mechanism. Immobilize moving parts and cushion generously. Under-packing a dispenser is the most expensive mistake here.
- Printers: protect the print head and keep the paper path clear of packing material.
Match the padding to the part. A cassette needs less box than a dispenser, and a dispenser punishes a weak box.
What should I include in the box?
Include whatever the repair team asked for when you set up the service: your part identification, order or service details, and any note describing the fault. A short description of the symptom, for example a rising reject rate or a cassette not recognized error, helps the team diagnose faster. Do not send cash, keys, or unrelated components. If you are unsure which revision your part is, confirm it with the ATM parts compatibility guide before you ship, so the right service happens the first time.
Who pays for shipping?
You do. Shipping is paid by the customer for both standard repair and advance replacement. On heavier modules like dispensers, factor that into your cost, and pick a carrier and service level that balances price against speed and tracking.
How does the condition of my part affect my advance replacement credit?
This is the part worth reading twice if you chose advance replacement. Your upfront amount drops to the lower net amount after the repair team receives and inspects your returned part, and if that part qualifies. If it arrives incomplete, heavily damaged, or unusable for repair, the reduction may be smaller or may not apply. In plain terms: careless packing on the return can cost you the credit you were expecting. Pack the return as carefully as anything you would sell. For the full mechanics of how upfront and net work, see standard repair vs advance replacement.
What carrier and insurance should I use?
Use a carrier that gives you tracking and lets you insure the shipment for the part's value. Dispensers in particular are worth insuring. Tracking is not just about the package, it is about your record: if a dispute ever comes up over condition or delivery, tracking and a photo of how you packed it are your evidence. For general delivery timing and expectations, the ATM shipping information page has the details.
How do I avoid transit damage?
Most transit damage traces to three things: a box that is too big with too little fill, a box that is too small with no cushioning, or unprotected pins and connectors. Fix those three and you have handled the majority of the risk. Shake the sealed box. If you hear or feel movement, open it and add fill.
How do I start the repair and where do I send it?
Set up the service first through the Repair Center so you have your part confirmed, your option chosen, and the shipping details in hand before the box goes out. Then pack, ship, and track. You can check status any time on the order tracking form, and returns questions are covered on the returns and exchanges page. Need help before you ship? Call the repair team at (909) 670-1987.
Ready to send a part in? Confirm your service and pricing at the ATMTrader Repair Center or call (909) 670-1987 so it is packed and routed right the first time.