How Do I Use Electronic Returns Labels?

Ben Explains Electronic Returns for Online Stores

Did you know that 63% of American consumers look into a site’s return policy before actually making a purchase? Forty-eight percent of consumers prefer to shop at retailers that offer hassle-free returns. E-commerce is booming and more shoppers prefer to shop online versus leaving their homes. It is very easy for a consumer to purchase the wrong size or receive an item that is not what was expected. One in three online purchases is returned. For this reason, shippers rely on the carrier to make the return process as seamless as possible. Fortunately, there are options for shippers to choose from. Even though a label may cost anywhere from $0.50 to $2.25, the cost of the return shipment will remain the same depending on your contract.

This is an area where clever logistics can set you apart from the competition. We have worked with clients to set up multiple return points. For example, even though you ship out of only two fulfillment centers, you may be able to process returns out of many more. This involves compiling returns and then processing them back into inventory via partial truckload shipments. In today’s increasingly competitive landscape it’s important to make the buying process as easy as possible for customers.

UPS Returns

UPS Electronic Return Label

Upon your request, UPS e-mails the return label to your customer, who then prints the label and applies it to the package.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]$1.00 per label

UPS Print/Mail Return Label

Upon your request, UPS prints the return label and sends it via First Class Mail to your customer, who then applies the label to the package.

UPS Print Return Label

FedEx Returns

FedEx Electronic Return Label

FedEx e-mails a return label to the customer. A password-protected FedEx.com URL is provided to the customer. Here they can either print a label from their computer or use a barcode at a FedEx location to print the return label at the counter. The customer will also have the ability to schedule a pickup or locate a drop-off location.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent”][vc_column_text]FedEx First Overnight^®, FedEx Priority Overnight^®, FedEx Standard Overnight^®, FedEx 2Day^® A.M., FedEx 2Day, U.S. Ground Services, FedEx 2Day Freight, FedEx 3Day^® Freight, International Ground Service (Canada to U.S.)[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]$1.00 per label

International Express Package Services, FedEx International Priority Freight^®, FedEx International Economy^® Freight[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]$1.00 per shipment

FedEx Print and Mail Return Label

Shippers can print a return label and include it in the original shipment. When a return is initiated, the customer can simply apply the return label to the package and ship the package back. FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, FedEx Standard Overnight, FedEx 2Day A.M., FedEx 2Day, U.S. Ground Services, FedEx 2Day Freight, FedEx 3Day Freight, International Ground Service (Canada to U.S.) International Express Package Services, FedEx International Priority Freight, FedEx International Economy Freight

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Author: Nicolas Telesca

Nicolas Telesca has more than 15 years of experience in logistics and parcel transportation. He is Co-Founder and Chief Analyst at Franklin Parcel and works closely with large shipping operations at a national 3PL, specializing in carrier contracts, shipping analytics, and cost visibility across UPS and FedEx networks.

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