Red Barcode Planet accepts barcode scanner repairs from all 50 states via mail-in service. Most customers receive repaired scanners within 5–7 days total — 48-hour repair turnaround plus 2-day shipping each way. Pricing is identical to local Chicagoland customers because repair labor and parts cost the same regardless of where the device started; only outbound shipping varies. Fleets of 10+ units qualify for free outbound return shipping and consolidated invoicing.
Here's exactly how the mail-in process works, what to include in your shipment, packaging tips that prevent new damage in transit, and what to expect for fleet shipments.
Step-by-Step Process
- Request a free quote. Tell us model, quantity, and one-line symptom via our contact form. We respond within one business day.
- Ship to Wheeling, IL. Pack devices securely (see packaging section below) and ship via UPS, FedEx, or USPS with tracking.
- Free diagnosis on arrival. We diagnose the same business day units arrive and email a flat-rate written quote.
- Approve the quote. Reply with approval — you only pay if we fix it (No Fix No Fee).
- Repair completed within 48 hours. Each repair is bench-tested and verified before shipping.
- Return shipping. Ships back via 2-day ground or expedited if needed. Tracking is emailed.
What to Include in Your Shipment
- The device(s) — battery included if you want it tested.
- A printed note with: model, serial number, symptom description, your contact info, return address, and quote/ticket number.
- For fleets: a single inventory list with serial numbers and per-device symptoms.
- Optional: cradle or charging accessory if you want it tested.
- Do NOT include: SD cards with sensitive data, printed labels with customer info, anything you wouldn't want stored.
Packaging Tips That Prevent Damage
- Use the original box if available — it's purpose-engineered.
- Otherwise: a sturdy double-walled cardboard box at least 2" larger than the device on every side.
- Wrap each device individually in bubble wrap (3+ layers) or anti-static foam.
- Fill all empty space — devices should not move if you shake the box.
- Tape all seams with packing tape, not masking or scotch tape.
- Remove batteries from multi-device shipments per carrier lithium-ion guidelines.
- Mark "FRAGILE — ELECTRONICS" clearly on at least two sides.
Tracking Your Repair
Every repair gets a ticket number when we receive your shipment. You'll receive email updates at: arrival, diagnosis quote, repair start, repair complete, and return shipment with tracking number. Status updates are also available by phone (773-732-9018) or email at any time.
Fleet Mail-In Process (10+ Units)
Fleet shipments get a few extra perks: a single consolidated quote with per-device line items, volume discount (typically 10–20%), free outbound return shipping, and a single consolidated invoice. We can also coordinate scheduled batch shipments — for example, a rolling 5–10 units per week to avoid taking the whole fleet out of service at once.
Cost of Shipping
- Single device, your shipping: typically $15–$30 each way.
- Single device, our return: $20–$40 added to invoice.
- Fleet of 10+: free return shipping included.
- Express / overnight: available on request.
See our full repair pricing and the repair vs replace decision guide before shipping. To start a mail-in repair, send a quick note via our contact form with your model and symptom.
Real-World Example
A Texas-based 3PL with 14 broken Zebra and Honeywell scanners sent everything in a single shipment via FedEx Ground. Devices arrived on Monday morning. We diagnosed and quoted by end of day Monday — they approved Tuesday morning. All 14 units were repaired and tested by Wednesday afternoon and shipped back Wednesday evening. They received the repaired fleet Friday — 5 calendar days from drop-off to return delivery. Total cost was approximately $1,950 with our 15% fleet discount, free return shipping, and consolidated invoicing.
Scenario based on the type of repair work we typically perform. Not a verified case study.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Shipping without a note — adds 1–2 days while we email back and forth confirming model, symptom, and return address.
Packing devices loose in a box without padding — causes new damage that delays diagnosis.
Forgetting to remove cradles and accessories — adds shipping cost and slows intake.
Using the slowest shipping option to save $5 — adds 3–5 days to total turnaround time.
What to Do Next
Ready to ship a repair? Request a free quote first so we can confirm pricing and turnaround. Include model, quantity, and a one-line symptom description. We respond within one business day with a written quote, shipping instructions, and a repair ticket number you can use for status checks.
Related Repair Services
Request a Free Quote
Send model + symptom — we respond within one business day.
See Request a Free Quote detailsMail-In Repair Pricing
Same flat-rate pricing whether you ship from California or Maine.
See Mail-In Repair Pricing detailsRepair vs Replace Guide
Decide whether to mail-in for repair or replace before shipping.
See Repair vs Replace Guide details