The United States Postal Service® (USPS®) continues to make improvements to its returns infrastructure to prepare for the annual season of holiday returns. As the number of items ordered online and shipped to consumers grows, so will the demand for easy, convenient return methods that attract repeat business.
USPS is ready for the returns season in the following ways:
n Continued expansion of our returns processing capabilities. A total of 13,023 active Parcel Return Service (PRS) Return Delivery Units and 174 Return Sectional Center Facilities across the country are available for picking up packages. This additional processing space helps USPS handle the volume and positions us as the returns shipping provider of choice in a crowded market.
n It’s easier for businesses to insure returns with USPS. Insurance is available for all return products up to $5,000.
n Offering one universal shipping permit. To streamline shippers needs, we have one universal shipping permit that covers Parcel Return Service, USPS Returns®, and outbound products.
n Handling unpackaged returns. At over 18,000 participating retail locations, postal associates will assist customers with their unpackaged return items. Customers simply present a QR Code or a Label Broker ID code and USPS can complete the return transaction.
n Returns Dashboard. USPS developed an internal tool that enhances the ability to monitor returns and drive performance.
n Expanded PRS locations. To improve PRS returns, there are now 376 additional PRS access point locations.
n Priority Mail® returns now include $100 insurance. Adding this standard feature provides coverage for lost, damaged, and missing return claims via the indemnity process.
n Return labels printed at Self-Service Kiosks (SSKs). Deployment of SSKs has begun already in Wyoming and will roll out in phases throughout 2023.
Return labels can either be included in the customer’s original order or requested though a merchant. Customers then affix return labels to the package and send it using one of the following options:
n Take it to one of more than 31,000 Post Offices nationwide.
n Drop it in one of more than 140,000 collection boxes (packages must meet aviation mail security guidelines).
n Schedule a Package Pickup at usps.com — pick-ups are available for 44,422 ZIP Codes.
Customers can receive USPS Returns service labels for First-Class Package Returns®, Priority Mail Returns®, and Ground Returns for free through the USPS Returns Application Programming Interface (API). These labels are processed using the new automated returns system in USPS Ship. USPS Returns service account holders are responsible for paying the postage and fees through an Enterprise Payment System (EPS) account. An EPS account ensures that items can be returned, at no charge to customers, using merchant-provided USPS Returns service labels.
For more information about USPS Returns service:
n See federalregister.gov/documents/2020/02/25/2020-03170/usps-returns-service for program details
n See usps.com/business/web-tools-apis for USPS Web Tools Returns Label API onboarding, technical documentation, and features.
Businesses that create their own return labels may also distribute them to customers via the Label Broker®. Designed for customers without a printer, the Label Broker allows merchants to store labels in a secure USPS repository. Customers may then print labels at their local Post Office® or at usps.com. For more information about the Label Broker, see usps.com/business/label-broker.htm.
The Postal Service also offers other options to help businesses create and deliver return labels to their customers. Businesses that use First-Class Package Returns, Priority Mail Returns, Ground Returns, or Parcel Returns services can generate labels for their customers through the easy-to-use label generation tool, Merchant Returns Application.
On their own or with the help of merchant agents, customers can:
n Generate a ready-to-use return label.
n Print the label or have the label emailed to them for printing.
n Schedule a Package Pickup:
n Directly on the Merchant Returns web page; or
n Scan a QR code at the bottom of the label.
n Locate the nearest Post Office:
n Use the PO Locator on usps.com; or
n Scan a QR code at the bottom of the printed label.
Customers can use the Merchant Returns Application in the following ways:
n A link on the merchant website directs consumers to the USPS Returns customer page to create labels.
n Merchant agents use USPS Returns to generate and send labels to customers.
n Merchants integrate with the USPS Merchant Returns API to generate labels.
By providing their address, shipping information, and choice in label delivery via a printable PDF, a pop-up window, or an email message, customers can generate labels at merchant custom-look pages, specifically tailored to fit the merchant’s needs and products.
For more information on enhancing business websites with the Merchant Returns API, see the Merchant Returns API User’s Guide at postalpro.usps.com/node/2722?_gl=1*1if35cm*_ga*ZmFsc2U.*_ga_ 3NXP3C8S9V*MTYzNzAwMzE5Mi43OC4xLjE2MzcwMDM4NzguMA.
Delivering for America with USPS Returns — expect even more enhancements in 2023.
— Shipping and Commerce Product Management,
Business Solutions, 12-29-22
