Dropboxes


Option 1: Pickup Point Dropbox	Option 2: Courier Dropbox
This option is best fit for small to medium size labs that submit samples sporadically. The box sponsor scans a QR code from their smart phone to request a free, same-day pickup! More information below.	Best fit for high volume labs that submit samples daily. It is typically used in a biotech hub, research campus, or other area with a high density of labs that all need sequencing. More information below.

Details & Directions

		Submit Online Order Log in and go to one of the online sample submission pages to submit an order. If you are a new customer, you must create an account first. After the order is submitted, make sure to print the order confirmation page and include it with your samples. Submit in Tubes l Submit in Plates

		Prepare Samples Follow the Sample Submission Guidelines to properly prepare samples for sequencing. (Optional) Users can order supplies and barcodes if needed.

		Drop-off / Ship Samples Samples must be put in the dropbox the same day the order is placed. Waiting a day to drop off the samples will impact pickup and results. Also, samples must be placed in the box before the cutoff time. The cutoff time varies by location. View nearby dropboxes and cutoff time. Combine the samples with the order confirmation print-out inside a ziplock bag or "blue bag." Blue bags are typically left near the dropbox. Please notify your courier when supplies run low.

		Pickup The courier will come to pickup the samples the same day the online order is placed, as long as the order was submitted before the cutoff time.

		Access Results the Following Day Results are downloaded from the My Orders page. Click the order to expand and download the results, when available. Typically results appear by noon, even on Saturdays.

About Dropboxes

Eurofins Genomics strives to make the entire sequencing process as convenient and quick as possible for customers. Dropboxes are placed near laboratories and used for collecting samples. Customers drop their samples in the box, which is usually located in their building or a nearby building, and the samples are picked up and shipped out later. Dropboxes are commonly found in biotech hubs and large universities, due to the high density of labs, but Eurofins can deploy dropboxes virtually anywhere due to the new QR code system that is available.

The primary difference between a Eurofins Genomics dropbox and a UPS letterbox is the size and location. Due to the smaller size and flexibility of dropboxes, they can be set up within close proximity to a lab, such as inside a research building. To check if there are already dropboxes available in your area, login to your account and click here.

The Pickup Point system is easy to use and available to all sequencing customers regardless of your order volume. It requires a local sponsor to watch over the box and request a pickup when samples are waiting. We provide the sponsor shipping supplies and support. Pickup is free. The dropbox can be placed virtually anywhere in your building as long as there are no building access restrictions.

The sponsor can request a pickup by scanning the QR code above the box with a smart phone. This will send a message to the driver notifying them to pickup. It is similar to a daily courier except that the driver only comes when requested. This helps us keep costs down. Overall, Pickup Point is a great solution for small labs that submit samples once or twice a week.

How to sponsor a box

It is easy to become a sponsor, just contact us and say you would like to sponsor a box at your building. We will guide you through the setup process and mail you a dropbox.

Sponsor's Responsibilities

Check for samples a few minutes before the daily cutoff time.
Put the samples in a shipping envelope, provided by Eurofins Genomics.
Scan the QR code to request a pickup.

Benefit of being a Sponsor

Free, same-day sample pickup.
Free shipping supplies.

Sponsor a Dropbox

Setup process

	1. Just Ask! Email shipments@eurofins.com to start the process.This system can be deployed virtually anywhere. A digital placard (PDF) will be emailed to you. The placard goes on the wall where the samples will be picked up.

	2. Pick a Good Spot Choose a location where both your staff and the driver can clearly see and easily access the placard. Common areas that are open late are typically good places, such as a lobby or mail room. Areas that are locked, required badge access, or located in a difficult part of the building to find, are not ideal. Avoid areas where theft may occur. Place the placard on the wall where it is easily visible to the driver.

	(Optional) Place a box You may wish to place a dropbox at the location to collect samples. In this case, attach the placard to the lid. If you're using a lockbox, don't forget to include the combination in the email (keyed locks are not allowed). Eurofins can provide a box if needed.

	3. Verify and Activate Take a photo of the site with the placard properly displayed from about 10 to 15 feet away, so that we have a visual reference of the location. Send the photo and a description of the location to us. You will receive a Confirm Placard Display link in your email. Report any changes to us and please include your 9-digit ID in the subject line.

How to request a pickup

	1. Scan the QR Code to Request Pickup Scan the QR code on the placard. It will link to a webpage where you can request a pickup.

	2. Leave package for the driver to pickup Place your samples in an envelope or package and apply a shipping label, then leave it for the driver to pick. Eurofins Genomics provides free digital shipping labels for over 90% of orders. If you are managing the box for a group or lab (AKA sponsorship) then you will need to combine all the samples left in the box into an envelope and prepare for shipment. Sponsors are provided shipping supplies by Eurofins.

	3. Done! The driver will pickup the package same day from the placard location. The driver will not pickup single tubes in the box; they must be ready for shipment. Free UPS envelopes are available at most UPS stores, if additional shipping materials are needed.

Eurofins Genomics has an extensive, global network of sequencing couriers. These couriers pickup samples daily from dropboxes located in close proximity to sequencing users. They are typically used in high density areas. The dropboxes are placed in convenient locations where a lab, or multiple labs, can access them easily. The system is designed to empower sequencing so they spend less time shipping and more time in the lab.

You can request a courier to be set up in your local area by emailing shipments@eurofins.com. We are always looking for ways to improve the customer experience in sequencing. The approval process for new couriers depends on the volume of sequencing reactions picked up each day. If you love our sequencing service but do not qualify for a courier route, spread the word! All it takes is a few more labs to get onboard and Eurofins Genomics will happily support your area with a courier.

Benefits		Details
No shipping labels required. The driver carries shipping supplies in their vehicle and consolidates all samples into one envelope to mail at the end of their route. Convenient. Dropping samples in a box saves time. It is a quick and easy solution for sequencing users looking to submit samples regularly. Regular pickup time. ost couriers pickup samples daily, Monday through Friday. There are exceptions where a courier may be scheduled to pickup once a week, or certain days of the week.		Each box has a cutoff time. Samples must be placed in the dropbox prior to the cutoff in order to be picked up that day. Watch for email notifications in case there are service outages due to extreme weather or emergencies.

How does the courier system work?


Courier	Route	Dropbox
A courier is a driver that picks up sequencing samples and is responsible for delivering the samples to our lab.	The driver follows a designed route each day, picking up samples from boxes located across a campus, city, or matrix of labs. The high population density and close proximity of boxes are what make a courier feasible because the daily sample volume must cover the additive cost of the driver.	Sequencing samples are placed in local dropboxes. A dropbox can be located anywhere, although most are placed in public places which are easily accessible, such as a lobby, loading dock, mail room, or other shared space.