# Overview & Purpose
At the conclusion of every engagement, That Is A Q ensures a seamless, secure, and compliant transfer or return of all project-related materials. This procedure protects your intellectual property, maintains data integrity, and ensures full contractual compliance.
Whether your project ends on schedule, pivots direction, or terminates early, our return process is designed to be transparent, audit-ready, and frictionless.
# Scope & Covered Items
The return process covers both physical and digital assets issued or created during the engagement:
| Category | Examples | Return Method |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Hardware | Laptops, test devices, prototypes, access badges, development kits | Secure courier / in-person drop-off |
| Digital Assets | Source code, design files, media exports, database dumps | Encrypted transfer / private repository mirror |
| Credentials & Access | Admin passwords, API keys, third-party logins, SSH keys | Secure password manager handoff / revocation audit |
| Documentation & IP | Technical specs, compliance reports, architecture diagrams, licenses | PDF/ZIP package + knowledge transfer session |
# Step-by-Step Process
Our standard return workflow is executed within 10 business days of project closure. Each step is logged and shared with your point of contact.
Initiation & Inventory Review
We generate a preliminary asset manifest and schedule a 30-minute alignment call to verify scope, confirm shipping/transfer addresses, and agree on a deadline.
Secure Packaging or Digital Transfer
Physical items are sanitized, packed, and shipped via insured, trackable courier. Digital assets are encrypted (AES-256) and delivered via secure portal or mirrored repository.
Verification & Sign-Off
Our client success manager walks through the manifest, verifies integrity (checksums for files, condition reports for hardware), and resolves any discrepancies immediately.
Final Acknowledgment & Closure
Both parties sign the digital Return of Materials acknowledgment. Access permissions are revoked, logs are archived, and the engagement is formally closed in our CRM.
⚠️ Important Compliance Note
All personal data, temporary credentials, and draft materials not approved for handoff are permanently purged from our systems within 48 hours of sign-off, in accordance with GDPR, CCPA, and ISO 27001 standards.
# Timeline & Responsibilities
Timely returns depend on mutual coordination. Below is the standard SLA:
- Day -5 to -1: Initiation window opens. Inventory draft shared.
- Day 0: Project closure date. Alignment call scheduled.
- Day 1-3: Asset preparation & secure transfer/shipping.
- Day 4-7: Client verification window. Discrepancy resolution.
- Day 8-10: Final sign-off, access revocation, closure report.
✅ Client Responsibilities
Provide verified shipping addresses, confirm receipt within 5 business days, review transferred assets against the manifest, and sign the digital acknowledgment form.
# Frequently Asked Questions
What if materials are lost or damaged in transit?
All shipments are fully insured. We initiate a replacement or refund process within 24 hours of reported loss/damage, with tracking and condition photos required for documentation.
Can I request an early return of specific assets?
Yes. Submit a partial return request via your project dashboard. We'll process it within 3 business days, provided it doesn't impact ongoing deliverables.
How are third-party licenses handled?
Owned licenses remain with your organization. We transfer admin rights, documentation, and renewal schedules. Subscription-based tools are downgraded or terminated per your instruction.
# Need Assistance?
For questions regarding asset manifests, shipping logistics, or compliance verification, contact your assigned Project Manager or reach our operations team directly.
📧 Contact
Email: procurement@thatisaq.com
Response Time: Within 1 business day
Support Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00–18:00 GMT