Managing Customer Returns
USPS Return Services Tips & Tools Help Reduce Costs
Make it easy for customers to return packages, whether they value speed or affordable pricing, with Priority Mail Return™ Service, Ground Return Service, and more. Build customer loyalty, increase sales, and control costs with flexible USPS® options.
Ways to Provide Return Labels
- Include one in the original shipment box.
- Use the cloud platform.
- Integrate the returns tool on your website.
- Let customers print their own.
- Request one through Print and Deliver Label Service.
Compare Return Options
USPS offers several commercial pricing methods for managing customer returns.
Returns Services Prices
| Delivery Time | Priced | Payment | Drop-off Locations | Required Return Volume/Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Return™ Service | 1–3 days |
Per piece and # of labels scanned |
Scan-based |
|
No minimum |
| First-Class Package Return® Service | 2–4 days |
Per piece and # of labels scanned |
Scan-based |
|
No minimum |
| Ground Return Service | 2–9 days |
Per piece and # of labels scanned |
Scan-based |
|
No minimum |
| Bulk Parcel Return Service | 2–9 days |
Per piece and # of labels scanned |
Scan-based |
|
> 10,000 |
| Parcel Return Service | Varies |
By weight & distance |
Prepaid |
|
Determined by vendor |
| Print and Deliver Label Service | Varies by service |
By weight and chosen shipping option |
Scan-based |
|
Determined by vendor |
Learn About Return Services
Priority Mail Return Service
Priority Mail Return Service offers a combination of speed and value that is ideal for time-sensitive or high value items. It's a fast and affordable premium solution for high-volume shippers who want to provide prepaid return labels to their customers. Insurance up to $5,000 against loss and damage is available for an additional fee.
First-Class Package Return Service-Commercial
First-Class Package Return® Service is a smarter way for high-volume shippers to quickly receive lightweight (under 1 lb) documents or merchandise. Insurance up to $5,000 against loss and damage is available for an additional fee.
Ground Return Service
Ground Return Service is a great way for high-volume shippers to receive merchandise returns when low price is more important than speed. It includes USPS Tracking® for package visibility; insurance up to $5,000 against loss and damage is available for an additional fee.
Bulk Parcel Return Service
Bulk Parcel Return Service is designed for shippers of Parcel Select Lightweight® or USPS Marketing Mail® machineable packages as a solution to return unopened packages that are refused or undeliverable-as-addressed, as well as packages that have been opened and relabeled. There is a minimum annual volume of 10,000 return packages.
Parcel Return Service
Parcel Return Service (PRS) is a dedicated returns service for shippers with a high volume of returns. Get convenient prepaid, preprinted return shipping labels that meet USPS specifications. Return items should be picked up from a Return Delivery Unit or a Return Sectional Center Facility.
Request Enrollment in Parcel Return Service (RTF 85 KB)
Requirements for Using PRS
- Have an Approved Reverse Manifesting System and enough processing centers to manifest packages picked up from the Sectional Center Facility within 48 hours.
- Logistics capabilities to pick up at local Post Office™ locations are also needed to qualify for the Return Delivery Unit rate.
- Use approved third-parties to assist with your parcel return operations.
- PRS permit holders must submit the authorization letter and Form 3801, Standing Delivery Order, to each applicable facility. A primary form of acceptable identification is required before each pickup. See Acceptable IDs & Restrictions
Print and Deliver Label Service
Print and Deliver Label Service gives consumers a return shipping label generated and delivered by the Postal Service™ at the authorization of a merchant. Available for USPS Returns services, labels can be delivered to the consumer's address or PO Box™ or picked up at a Post Office. The merchant is charged postage when the return package is shipped.
Need Help?
For assistance with the USPS-hosted label generation tool or if you would like more information on returns, contact the USPS Mailing & Shipping Solutions Center (MSSC) Help Desk at 1-877-672-0007.
Need to return something you purchased?
Easily create and print a return label with Click-N-Ship®. To get started, sign into your USPS.com® account or sign up for free today.
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