Firstbase Export Services

This guide explains how to send laptop stock to our export facilities and place export orders for global delivery.

Firstbase supports:

• Export services from designated export hubs (US, Singapore, Germany)

• Cross-border returns service for select regions (via German warehouse)

Refer to Export Service Rates for a full list of supported regions, pricing, and lane-specific constraints. Prices may vary due to changes in taxes, duties, or contractor costs. The rate card is not exhaustive - Firstbase can export to most locations worldwide. For unlisted destinations, email support@firstbase.com with delivery details to have them added.

Quotes are optional for placing orders but available upon request.

Before exporting, ensure your account is configured for the destination countries. For regions not included in your original Order Form, contact your Customer Success Manager to add them. 

👉  Please note:

Export services are subject to the following constraints:

• Laptops only. Export is limited to laptops to maintain simplified pricing and customs brokerage services.
• New and unopened. Export is generally limited to new, unopened laptops due to customs constraints. Some lanes support used equipment (e.g. EU cross-border service). Refer to the rate card for details. 
• Customer-Procured Devices (US Export Hub only): Devices exported from the US must be customer-procured (i.e. not purchased through Firstbase). This is due to our OEM channel agreements, which require that devices sold by Firstbase in the US are intended for use within the US.
• High-Value Shipments: Export rates apply to orders with a declared value up to $10,000 USD. For shipments exceeding this value, email support@firstbase.com for a custom quote.

Process

A. Standard Export Services

1. Position Inventory in an Export Hub

Before placing an export order, inventory must be available in one of Firstbase’s export-enabled warehouses:

• Warehouse SLC Export (US > Global)

• Warehouse Singapore Export (SG > APAC)

• Warehouse Germany Export (DE > Non-EU EMEA)

Export orders can only be fulfilled from inventory that is allocated to one of these export hubs.

👉 How to position inventory:

• Send new inventory to an export hub
  Use the shipment notice feature (help desk article) to send laptops directly to one of the export-enabled warehouses.

• Order inventory through Firstbase (Singapore / Germany only)
  You may submit inventory orders for Firstbase-supplied equipment to be delivered directly into the Singapore or German export hubs.

• Transfer existing inventory within the same warehouse
  If your inventory is already stored in a Firstbase warehouse, you may request a transfer to the export hub within that facility.
  This is a stock reallocation (not a physical shipment) and must be requested via support@firstbase.com.

• Transfer inventory between international warehouses (on request)
  Firstbase can coordinate transfers of inventory between global warehouse locations (e.g. SLC WH → Brazil WH) upon request.
  These transfers are managed outside of the standard order flow (off platform shipments with assets reassigned to the destination warehouse on arrival). Contact support@firstbase.com for coordination and pricing.

2. Submit the Order

Once inventory is available in an eligible warehouse, orders follow the standard order flow in the platform. Orders will be fulfilled from the appropriate warehouse based on the destination and available inventory.

👉 Note:

For regions where Firstbase has local operations (e.g. Canada), the platform does not currently allow you to choose between local vs export fulfillment. Contact support@firstbase.com before placing the order if you need to force export.

B. Cross-Border Return Service 

Available in select regions where Firstbase supports returning devices to a regional warehouse via cross-border export/import logistics. Refer to the rate card for supported regions, pricing, and lead times. Currently only available to/from select regions via Warehouse Germany Export. 

How it works:

• Returns are initiated through the platform in the same way as any other region

• Employees follow the standard return flow (pickup or drop-off)

Once a return is initiated:

• The device is collected from the employee’s location

• The shipment is routed to the German Export warehouse

• Firstbase manages:

  • Export from the origin country

  • Import clearance into Germany

  • Final delivery into the warehouse

After arrival at the warehouse:

• Devices are processed through the standard warehouse lifecycle, including:

  • Storage

  • Redeployment

  • ITAD

Key differences vs standard regions:

• Returns involve cross-border export + import processing

• Export/import lead times apply (vs standard return SLAs)

• Export/import service fees apply (instead of standard return action fees)