Whitepaper
Beta Shipping Manual
This whitepaper teaches you how to effectively manage inventory, ship units (domestically and internationally), and handle returns for even your biggest, most ambitious hardware tests.
PDF · 13 pages · May 2, 2017
Every successful hardware beta test needs testers who are ready to go on day one. This manual is for beta, product, and quality managers running private hardware tests who need testers to receive their devices on time and with everything they need to start.
It covers setting up your space and supplies, tracking inventory, packing each box, choosing a carrier, shipping internationally, and getting units returned. It is written for tests shipped within or from the United States.
What’s inside
Inventory that stays organized
Where to store units, how to keep them secure, why a 20 percent surplus is a good rule of thumb, and how to track each beta unit.
Packaging and welcome letter
What belongs in every box, including a welcome letter, a plain-English legal reminder and a return label, plus how to choose the box size.
Shipping at home and abroad
How the main carriers compare, why standard two-day shipping works well, and what to plan for with customs, paperwork and duties overseas.
Returns and tester compliance
When to let testers keep units, how international returns differ, how to log returned units and how to follow up with slow returners.
