Home Repair forum - Is there a way to get UPC labels from a box?

Author

Is there a way to get UPC labels from a box?

miamicuse

2005-11-08, 2:21 am

I bought an electronic product from a web site and there is a $100
manufacturer rebate. To get the rebate one must send in the UPC and serial
number bar code on the box.

The product was shipped and arrived in perfect conditions, it works, now all
I have to do is to mail in the receipt and the UPC label from the product
box. This label is a sticker label on the box. Unfortunately UPS has
pasted their large shipping label (also has a bar code) on top of it.

So now I cannot get the label off!

I called the reseller - not their problem, UPS put on that label. I tend to
agree it's not their problem.

I called the manufacturer's rebate program - they need the UPC label,
cleatly visible, cannot be torned or ripped. I explained the situation and
they said most likely it won't work. They hire a third party to process
this and it probably will be rejected. I offer to cut out the whole UPS
label and they can vaguely see the original UPC label under it, they said
you can try, but don't get your hope up high.

I called the reseller back, can I mail the box back and they give me another
box? Nope.

So, does anyone has any suggestion how I can successfully "lift" off the UPS
label without tearing out the label under it? I tried to pull it very
slowly and as soon as it reached the label underneath, it began to tear.

Any idea?

MC

Noozer

2005-11-08, 2:21 am

Contact UPS for damages to your box? It was part of the shipment and is now
"damaged"... a loss of $100.

"miamicuse" <nmbexcuse@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ndOdnReQCOY-qu3enZ2dnUVZ_sydnZ2d@dsli.com...
>I bought an electronic product from a web site and there is a $100
> manufacturer rebate. To get the rebate one must send in the UPC and
> serial
> number bar code on the box.
>
> The product was shipped and arrived in perfect conditions, it works, now
> all
> I have to do is to mail in the receipt and the UPC label from the product
> box. This label is a sticker label on the box. Unfortunately UPS has
> pasted their large shipping label (also has a bar code) on top of it.
>
> So now I cannot get the label off!
>
> I called the reseller - not their problem, UPS put on that label. I tend
> to
> agree it's not their problem.
>
> I called the manufacturer's rebate program - they need the UPC label,
> cleatly visible, cannot be torned or ripped. I explained the situation
> and
> they said most likely it won't work. They hire a third party to process
> this and it probably will be rejected. I offer to cut out the whole UPS
> label and they can vaguely see the original UPC label under it, they said
> you can try, but don't get your hope up high.
>
> I called the reseller back, can I mail the box back and they give me
> another
> box? Nope.
>
> So, does anyone has any suggestion how I can successfully "lift" off the
> UPS
> label without tearing out the label under it? I tried to pull it very
> slowly and as soon as it reached the label underneath, it began to tear.
>
> Any idea?
>
> MC
>
>

PaPaPeng

2005-11-08, 3:21 am

On Tue, 8 Nov 2005 00:29:07 -0500, "miamicuse" <nmbexcuse@hotmail.com>
wrote:

>So, does anyone has any suggestion how I can successfully "lift" off the UPS
>label without tearing out the label under it? I tried to pull it very
>slowly and as soon as it reached the label underneath, it began to tear.

Spray on WD-40. Soak for 10 to 20 seconds. The label's adhesive
should be "oiled up" enough to peel off the label without tearing
anything.

Bob

2005-11-08, 3:21 am

"miamicuse" <nmbexcuse@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ndOdnReQCOY-

> So, does anyone has any suggestion how I can successfully
"lift" off the UPS
> label without tearing out the label under it? I tried to
pull it very
> slowly and as soon as it reached the label underneath, it
began to tear.

Try heating it with a hair dryer then pulling it very
slowly.

Bob

Edwin Pawlowski

2005-11-08, 8:21 am

"Bob" <bobnospam1@softhome.net> wrote in message >
> Try heating it with a hair dryer then pulling it very
> slowly.

I'd try this first as it is not going to leave an oily residue. If it does
not work, try the WD-40 route or Goo Gone, a commercial product for things
of this sort.

Joseph Meehan

2005-11-08, 9:21 am

Bob wrote:
> "miamicuse" <nmbexcuse@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:ndOdnReQCOY-
>
>
> Try heating it with a hair dryer then pulling it very
> slowly.
>
> Bob

The hair dryer will work with most labels including the UPS label.
Likely you can remove just it.

You can also use a iron. Back in the days when I worked retail I had a
tack iron used with photographic mounting tissue that we used to remove old
price tags to put on the new (higher priced) stickers. Works great on almost
all such stickers.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

Doug Kanter

2005-11-08, 9:21 am

Return the product in its entirety and order it again. Before 2nd order,
call UPS yourself and ask them if there's a way to instruct the driver to
avoid the UPC area. I've found them to be surprisingly accomodating
(sometimes).

trader4@optonline.net

2005-11-08, 10:21 am

I can only imagine what's going on at the manufacturer right now.
They've probably had an executive level meeting by now and new
instructions have been sent out to their box manufacturer. "Urgent
redesign of all product boxes required. Move UPC code to area of box
most likely to be used for shipping label!" LOL

Just think how much money that would save them. A big part of the
rebate program is that a large percentage go unclaimed for one reason
or another. If the manufacturer didn't locate the label in this spot
on purpose, this is a great idea!

BTW, I agree with the hair dryer idea. If that doesn;t work, there are
products like "Goof Off?" that will quickly soften label adhesive.

Jack

2005-11-08, 11:21 am

There is a Goof off type product that is specificially designed for
getting stickers up... in fact the bottle has a flat spoonish
attachment on the neck.. you slide that under the sticker.. should be
avail at big box stores.

Percival P. Cassidy

2005-11-08, 11:21 am

Goo-Gone. Skin-So-Soft.

Perce

On 11/08/05 12:29 am miamicuse tossed the following ingredients into the
ever-growing pot of cybersoup:

> I bought an electronic product from a web site and there is a $100
> manufacturer rebate. To get the rebate one must send in the UPC and serial
> number bar code on the box.
>
> The product was shipped and arrived in perfect conditions, it works, now all
> I have to do is to mail in the receipt and the UPC label from the product
> box. This label is a sticker label on the box. Unfortunately UPS has
> pasted their large shipping label (also has a bar code) on top of it.
>
> So now I cannot get the label off!
>
> I called the reseller - not their problem, UPS put on that label. I tend to
> agree it's not their problem.
>
> I called the manufacturer's rebate program - they need the UPC label,
> cleatly visible, cannot be torned or ripped. I explained the situation and
> they said most likely it won't work. They hire a third party to process
> this and it probably will be rejected. I offer to cut out the whole UPS
> label and they can vaguely see the original UPC label under it, they said
> you can try, but don't get your hope up high.
>
> I called the reseller back, can I mail the box back and they give me another
> box? Nope.
>
> So, does anyone has any suggestion how I can successfully "lift" off the UPS
> label without tearing out the label under it? I tried to pull it very
> slowly and as soon as it reached the label underneath, it began to tear.
>
> Any idea?

Andy Hill

2005-11-08, 12:21 pm

"miamicuse" <nmbexcuse@hotmail.com> wrote:
>I bought an electronic product from a web site and there is a $100
>manufacturer rebate. To get the rebate one must send in the UPC and serial
>number bar code on the box.
>
>The product was shipped and arrived in perfect conditions, it works, now all
>I have to do is to mail in the receipt and the UPC label from the product
>box. This label is a sticker label on the box. Unfortunately UPS has
>pasted their large shipping label (also has a bar code) on top of it.
>
>So now I cannot get the label off!
>
>I called the reseller - not their problem, UPS put on that label. I tend to
>agree it's not their problem.
>
>I called the manufacturer's rebate program - they need the UPC label,
>cleatly visible, cannot be torned or ripped. I explained the situation and
>they said most likely it won't work. They hire a third party to process
>this and it probably will be rejected. I offer to cut out the whole UPS
>label and they can vaguely see the original UPC label under it, they said
>you can try, but don't get your hope up high.
>
>I called the reseller back, can I mail the box back and they give me another
>box? Nope.
>
>So, does anyone has any suggestion how I can successfully "lift" off the UPS
>label without tearing out the label under it? I tried to pull it very
>slowly and as soon as it reached the label underneath, it began to tear.
>
Had this happen about a year ago (except it was Amazon putting their "special"
UPC code right on the friggin' top of the manufacturer's UPC). Hitting it
with a heat gun did the deed (hair dryer probably would've worked, too).

MiamiCuse

2005-11-08, 1:21 pm

The box itself is made of waxy type paper, and I can remove it easily
with a hair dryer. But when it gets to the UPC label under, that was
using regular plain paper, and the sticker is pulling up fibers of that
paper - once the bar code is not legible (probably scannable) the
rebate is void.

I have not tired the Goo Gone idea. Do I apply the glue on the top
side and it will seep into the underside to ungoo?

I can spray it with WD40 too, should I try WD40 first or goo gone
first? How about mineral spirits?

I cannot return the entire shipment unless it is a defected product
(which it is not).

MC

MiamiCuse

2005-11-08, 1:21 pm

trader4@optonline.net

2005-11-08, 1:21 pm

"The box itself is made of waxy type paper, and I can remove it easily
with a hair dryer. But when it gets to the UPC label under, that was
using regular plain paper, and the sticker is pulling up fibers of that

paper - once the bar code is not legible (probably scannable) the
rebate is void. "

Now I'm confused. What is "it" that you can remove with a hair dryer?
If it's the UPS label, then isn't the UPC label now exposed? Most UPC
labels I've seen are part of the box itself and you just cut it out,
cardboard and all.

Marilyn & Bob

2005-11-08, 1:21 pm

"MiamiCuse" <sumlin@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:1131467939.549643.266220@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> The box itself is made of waxy type paper, and I can remove it easily
> with a hair dryer. But when it gets to the UPC label under, that was
> using regular plain paper, and the sticker is pulling up fibers of that
> paper - once the bar code is not legible (probably scannable) the
> rebate is void.
>
> I have not tired the Goo Gone idea. Do I apply the glue on the top
> side and it will seep into the underside to ungoo?
>
> I can spray it with WD40 too, should I try WD40 first or goo gone
> first? How about mineral spirits?
>
> I cannot return the entire shipment unless it is a defected product
> (which it is not).
>
> MC
>

Again, you seemed to have called everybody except the perpetrator. Call UPS
and ask them how they should fix it. They should at least be able to find
out the solvent for their adhesive. Maybe even they could deal with the
rebate people if you cant get the lable off. I don't know how responsive
their customer service people are, but it's worth a try.
--
Peace,
BobJ

Bob(but not THAT Bob)

2005-11-08, 3:21 pm

miamicuse wrote:
>
> I bought an electronic product from a web site and there is a $100
> manufacturer rebate. To get the rebate one must send in the UPC and serial
> number bar code on the box.
>
> The product was shipped and arrived in perfect conditions, it works, now all
> I have to do is to mail in the receipt and the UPC label from the product
> box. This label is a sticker label on the box. Unfortunately UPS has
> pasted their large shipping label (also has a bar code) on top of it.
>
> So now I cannot get the label off!
>
> I called the reseller - not their problem, UPS put on that label. I tend to
> agree it's not their problem.
>

Actually it IS their problem - their shipping dept. puts the UPS
shipping labels on - NOT UPS.

Probably an employee gets his jollies by stickering over all the
barcodes on rebate items.

A liberal soaking with Bestine rubber cement thinner (art supply store)
works great on loosening labels too.

Bob(but not THAT Bob)

2005-11-08, 3:21 pm

Marilyn & Bob wrote:
>
> "MiamiCuse" <sumlin@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:1131467939.549643.266220@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> Again, you seemed to have called everybody except the perpetrator. Call UPS
> and ask them how they should fix it. They should at least be able to find
> out the solvent for their adhesive. Maybe even they could deal with the
> rebate people if you cant get the lable off. I don't know how responsive
> their customer service people are, but it's worth a try.
> --

UPS just delivers the stuff - the labels are applied by the shipper.

Norminn

2005-11-08, 3:21 pm

miamicuse wrote:
> I bought an electronic product from a web site and there is a $100
> manufacturer rebate. To get the rebate one must send in the UPC and serial
> number bar code on the box.
>
> The product was shipped and arrived in perfect conditions, it works, now all
> I have to do is to mail in the receipt and the UPC label from the product
> box. This label is a sticker label on the box. Unfortunately UPS has
> pasted their large shipping label (also has a bar code) on top of it.
>
> So now I cannot get the label off!
>
> I called the reseller - not their problem, UPS put on that label. I tend to
> agree it's not their problem.
>
> I called the manufacturer's rebate program - they need the UPC label,
> cleatly visible, cannot be torned or ripped. I explained the situation and
> they said most likely it won't work. They hire a third party to process
> this and it probably will be rejected. I offer to cut out the whole UPS
> label and they can vaguely see the original UPC label under it, they said
> you can try, but don't get your hope up high.
>
> I called the reseller back, can I mail the box back and they give me another
> box? Nope.
>
> So, does anyone has any suggestion how I can successfully "lift" off the UPS
> label without tearing out the label under it? I tried to pull it very
> slowly and as soon as it reached the label underneath, it began to tear.
>
> Any idea?
>
> MC
>
>
Go back to the website where you made the purchase. Ask them to scan
the upc label for your product and email it to you. Print it and send
it in with your rebate cert.

Bob

2005-11-08, 3:21 pm

"Norminn" <norminn@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:Iq6cf.6470$m81.4431@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net...
> miamicuse wrote:
is a $100[color=darkred]
the UPC and serial[color=darkred]
conditions, it works, now all[color=darkred]
from the product[color=darkred]
Unfortunately UPS has[color=darkred]
on top of it.[color=darkred]
that label. I tend to[color=darkred]
the UPC label,[color=darkred]
explained the situation and[color=darkred]
party to process[color=darkred]
out the whole UPS[color=darkred]
under it, they said[color=darkred]
they give me another[color=darkred]
successfully "lift" off the UPS[color=darkred]
to pull it very[color=darkred]
it began to tear.[color=darkred]
> Go back to the website where you made the purchase. Ask
them to scan
> the upc label for your product and email it to you. Print
it and send
> it in with your rebate cert.

No rebate house would accept that. The O.P.s beef is with
the product supplier. They sold a product with a rebate
promise, they owe you the rebate, even if they stuck a label
over the UPC. You could ask them to mail you a UPC. It's a
lot easier when you are dealing with a local store. Call the
seller and talk to them. Ask for the next level of
management each time you are told they can't help you.

Bob

Lee & Cathi Thomas

2005-11-08, 4:21 pm

There is a product called un-du, sticker, label, adhesive remover. It's a
little squeeze bottle with a plastic scraper attached. Available at office
supply store, craft stores, scrapbook stores, Wal-Mart etc. It doesn't even
damage the adhesive, the label you take off would be reusable.

CLT
"miamicuse" <nmbexcusThere@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ndOdnReQCOY-qu3enZ2dnUVZ_sydnZ2d@dsli.com...
>I bought an electronic product from a web site and there is a $100
> manufacturer rebate. To get the rebate one must send in the UPC and
> serial
> number bar code on the box.
>
> The product was shipped and arrived in perfect conditions, it works, now
> all
> I have to do is to mail in the receipt and the UPC label from the product
> box. This label is a sticker label on the box. Unfortunately UPS has
> pasted their large shipping label (also has a bar code) on top of it.
>
> So now I cannot get the label off!
>
> I called the reseller - not their problem, UPS put on that label. I tend
> to
> agree it's not their problem.
>
> I called the manufacturer's rebate program - they need the UPC label,
> cleatly visible, cannot be torned or ripped. I explained the situation
> and
> they said most likely it won't work. They hire a third party to process
> this and it probably will be rejected. I offer to cut out the whole UPS
> label and they can vaguely see the original UPC label under it, they said
> you can try, but don't get your hope up high.
>
> I called the reseller back, can I mail the box back and they give me
> another
> box? Nope.
>
> So, does anyone has any suggestion how I can successfully "lift" off the
> UPS
> label without tearing out the label under it? I tried to pull it very
> slowly and as soon as it reached the label underneath, it began to tear.
>
> Any idea?
>
> MC
>
>

HeyBub

2005-11-08, 9:21 pm

Bob wrote:
> "miamicuse" <nmbexcuse@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:ndOdnReQCOY-
>
>
> Try heating it with a hair dryer then pulling it very
> slowly.

CAREFUL!

UPS labels (for sure) and many others are printed with thermal printers.
Heat the label and the whole thing turns black.

Solvents for the glue work best. Rubber Cement thinner is superior to
anything else, Naptha is #2. WD-40 is about number five.

miamicuse

2005-11-08, 11:21 pm

<trader4@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:1131468373.698640.177930@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> "The box itself is made of waxy type paper, and I can remove it easily
> with a hair dryer. But when it gets to the UPC label under, that was
> using regular plain paper, and the sticker is pulling up fibers of that
>
> paper - once the bar code is not legible (probably scannable) the
> rebate is void. "
>
> Now I'm confused. What is "it" that you can remove with a hair dryer?
> If it's the UPS label, then isn't the UPC label now exposed? Most UPC
> labels I've seen are part of the box itself and you just cut it out,
> cardboard and all.
>

No, the UPC and serial number labels are NOT part of the box. They are
another paper label pasted on just like the UPS label. Only they were like
1"x2" in size, and the big UPS label on top of it, is 3"x5" in size. Hope
this is more clear now.

MC

zxcvbob

2005-11-08, 11:21 pm

miamicuse wrote:
> I bought an electronic product from a web site and there is a $100
> manufacturer rebate. To get the rebate one must send in the UPC and serial
> number bar code on the box.
>
> The product was shipped and arrived in perfect conditions, it works, now all
> I have to do is to mail in the receipt and the UPC label from the product
> box. This label is a sticker label on the box. Unfortunately UPS has
> pasted their large shipping label (also has a bar code) on top of it.
>
> So now I cannot get the label off!
>
> I called the reseller - not their problem, UPS put on that label. I tend to
> agree it's not their problem.
>
> I called the manufacturer's rebate program - they need the UPC label,
> cleatly visible, cannot be torned or ripped. I explained the situation and
> they said most likely it won't work. They hire a third party to process
> this and it probably will be rejected. I offer to cut out the whole UPS
> label and they can vaguely see the original UPC label under it, they said
> you can try, but don't get your hope up high.
>
> I called the reseller back, can I mail the box back and they give me another
> box? Nope.
>
> So, does anyone has any suggestion how I can successfully "lift" off the UPS
> label without tearing out the label under it? I tried to pull it very
> slowly and as soon as it reached the label underneath, it began to tear.
>
> Any idea?
>
> MC
>
>

You're probably screwed. But the good news is that manufacturers seldom
pay $100 rebates anyway, even if you send in everything perfectly.

I would use a penetrating oil to ruin the adhesive. The labels should
peel off a day or two later. Too agressive of a solvent may dissolve
the ink on the UPC label.

Best regards,
Bob

Robertm

2005-11-09, 1:21 am

"MiamiCuse" <sumlin@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:1131467913.582166.105960@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
>
> I cannot return the entire shipment unless it is a defected product
> (which it is not).
>
> MC

So make it defective. What is the problem?

bob

trader4@optonline.net

2005-11-09, 3:21 am

> Now I'm confused. What is "it" that you can remove with a hair dryer?
> If it's the UPS label, then isn't the UPC label now exposed? Most UPC
> labels I've seen are part of the box itself and you just cut it out,
> cardboard and all.

"No, the UPC and serial number labels are NOT part of the box. They
are
another paper label pasted on just like the UPS label. Only they were
like
1"x2" in size, and the big UPS label on top of it, is 3"x5" in size.
Hope
this is more clear now. "

It still is not clear what you have successfully removed with the hair
dryer. Is it the UPS label that was covering the UPC? If so, why
can't you now just cut out the piece of box with the UPC label on it
and send that in?

Bob

2005-11-09, 6:21 am

"zxcvbob" <zxcvbob@charter.net> wrote in message
news:3td77mFs1pvgU1@individual.net...

> You're probably screwed. But the good news is that
manufacturers seldom
> pay $100 rebates anyway, even if you send in everything
perfectly.

I've never failed to get a rebate, although a couple have
required persistance.

Bob

~^Johnny^~

2005-11-11, 4:21 am

On Tue, 08 Nov 2005 11:26:40 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" <esp@snet.net>
wrote:

>"Bob" <bobnospam1@softhome.net> wrote in message >
>
>I'd try this first as it is not going to leave an oily residue. If it does
>not work, try the WD-40 route or Goo Gone, a commercial product for things
>of this sort.
>

Use naptha, not WD-40. Ronsonol lighter fuel (in the blue and yellow
bottle) is 100% naptha. It evaporates, leaving no oily residue, but
will dissolve the adhesive and allow the two layers to be separated.

--
-john
wide-open at throttle dot info

~^Johnny^~

2005-11-11, 4:21 am

On 8 Nov 2005 08:38:33 -0800, "MiamiCuse" <sumlin@earthlink.net>
wrote:

>But when it gets to the UPC label under, that was
>using regular plain paper, and the sticker is pulling up fibers of that
>paper - once the bar code is not legible (probably scannable) the
>rebate is void.

Soak it in naptha.
Naptha is least likely to attack the inks.

--
-john
wide-open at throttle dot info

fram_james@yahoo.com

2005-11-12, 12:21 am

Get a light duty heating gun and heat the area, it should peel right
off. I've done it 1,000 or more times.

LinkBot