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
| 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 |
|
No minimum |
| Priority Mail Return® | 1–3 days |
Per piece and # of labels scanned |
Scan-based |
|
No minimum |
| USPS Ground Advantage™ Return | 2-5 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 |
Learn About Return Services
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 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
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 in to your USPS.com account or sign up for free today.
Print a Label1. 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