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Managing Customer Returns

USPS Return Services Tips & Tools Help Reduce Costs

Make it easy for customers to return packages, whether they value speed via Priority Mail Express® Return or Priority Mail Return® services, or more affordable pricing with USPS Ground Advantage Return. Build customer loyalty, increase sales, and control costs with flexible USPS® options.

Ways to Provide Return Labels

  • Request USPS Label Delivery service through enhanced Click-N-Ship® service or USPS Web Tools® APIs. We'll print and deliver the physical labels to you for a $1.25 fee (per label).
  • Include one in the original shipment box.
  • Use the cloud platform.
  • Integrate the returns tool on your website.
  • Let customers print their own.

Compare Return Options

USPS offers several commercial pricing methods for managing customer returns.
Returns Services Prices

Notice on Noncompliance Fees: As of January 21, 2024, mailers using all return services must comply with new rules on the accuracy of the Intelligent Mail® package barcode (IMpb®) on their postage labels. There’s currently a grace period, but starting June 1, 2024, if you fail to meet the barcode quality threshold, you will need to pay a $0.25 per-label noncompliance fee. To learn more, see the PostalPro Industry Alert.

Expand All
  Delivery Time Priced Payment Drop-off Locations Required Return Volume/Year
Priority Mail Express® Return

Next-day to 2 days

Per piece and # of labels scanned

Scan-based

  • Post Office
  • Collection Boxes
  • Package Pickup

No minimum

Priority Mail Return®

1–3 days

Per piece and # of labels scanned

Scan-based

  • Post Office
  • Collection Boxes
  • Package Pickup

No minimum

USPS Ground Advantage Return

2-5 days

Per piece and # of labels scanned

Scan-based

  • Post Office
  • Collection Boxes
  • Package Pickup

No minimum

Bulk Parcel Return Service

2–9 days

Per piece and # of labels scanned

Scan-based

  • Post Office
  • Collection Boxes
  • Package Pickup

> 10,000

Parcel Return Service

Varies

By weight & distance

Prepaid

  • Post Office
  • Collection Boxes

Determined by vendor

Learn About Return Services

Expand All

Priority Mail Express Return

Priority Mail Express Return provides next-day to 2-day delivery of packages up to 70 lbs. It's a fast and affordable premium solution for shippers who want to provide prepaid return labels to their customers. This service includes $100 insurance, and for an additional fee, you can get insurance up to $5,000 against loss and damage.

Priority Mail Return

Priority Mail Return 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. This service includes $100 insurance, and for an additional fee, you can get insurance up to $5,000 against loss and damage.

USPS Ground Advantage Return

USPS Ground Advantage Return offers your customers an affordable and reliable way to send their items back to you within 2-5 days1. It's the primary option for ground shipping (including HAZMAT that can’t travel by air). This service includes $100 insurance, and for an additional fee, you can get insurance up to $5,000 against loss and damage.

Bulk Parcel Return Service

Bulk Parcel Return Service is designed for shippers of 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

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 in to your USPS.com account or sign up for free today.

Print a Label

1. For mailable items up to 70 lbs. Expected delivery in 2–5 business days. Packages going to certain places (including Alaska, Hawaii, and offshore destinations), or containing hazardous materials or live animals may receive slower service. Back ^ to legal disclaimer 1