Should You Return Your Amazon Products for Free? Here’s How
Did you recently make a purchase from Amazon that didn’t quite live up to expectations? If you’re looking to return it, you might be surprised to learn that the online retailer is now charging $1 to return some packages to UPS. Luckily, Amazon still offers plenty of ways to return items for free.
The process is generally very simple. All you need to do is grab the Amazon products you want to return and then head to the nearest drop-off location. Don’t worry if you no longer have the box your items came in: you can still bring your items to one of these locations to have them packed and shipped for free.
If you have all the shipping supplies you need, but want the convenience of having your package picked up, that’s possible too. Here are all the ways you can return your unwanted Amazon purchases. For more information, here are four ways to ship your packages from home.
Read more: Amazon has updated two of its top credit cards
Return your package to Kohl’s or Staples
If you live near a Kohl’s or Staples store, Amazon returns are easy. When you start the returns process with Amazon, select Kohl’s delivery point or Deliver staples as your preferred option. Amazon will send you a QR code that you must take with you when you go to the store (you can also show a photo of the QR code on your phone).
Once you give the Kohl’s or Staples associate your return and show them the QR code, they will package, label, and ship your items for free. Even better? Sometimes the store will give you coupons when you do your returns there.
Whole Foods Market also accepts returns from Amazon
You can also select Whole Foods Market as the drop-off location for your Amazon return. Please note that if your preferred store is not listed, your item or location may not be eligible. Additionally, only select stores offer boxless returns.
Once you’ve made your selection, Amazon will email you a QR code that a Whole Foods associate can scan. Grab that and the items you want to return and head to the Whole Foods customer service desk or returns kiosk. An associate will take the code and ship your package.
Go to a Whole Foods Market to drop off your Amazon package.
Drop off your items at The UPS Store
You can also bring your returns to The UPS Store. When you select the method for returning your Amazon purchase, choose The UPS Store Dropoff. You don’t need to have your items boxed or labeled. Instead, The UPS Store will package, label, and ship your return for free. UPS will email you a return code in advance that you must present to a representative. Please note that Amazon may charge a $1 fee if you choose UPS, but an alternative drop-off location is closer.
Let UPS pick up your package
If your items are eligible for UPS pickup, you don’t even have to leave your home. When you start the return process on Amazon, follow the return prompts and select UPS Pickup.
In this case, you must package the items you are returning. However, UPS will provide the return label. UPS will pick up your package on the next business day, but you or another adult must be present. Please note that Amazon may charge a fee for this return option.
An adult must be present when UPS picks up your package.
Go to a physical Amazon store
If you live near a Amazon store — Amazon Fresh or Amazon Go — you can drop off your return there. (Please note: with Amazon is closing some physical storesFinding a location may be more difficult.) Select on Amazon Deliver to Amazon storeIf the item cannot be returned to an Amazon store, there are other return options.
Amazon will send you a QR code that you must present to an Amazon store associate. You must bring the items in the original manufacturer’s packaging. And if you’re returning items to Amazon Fresh Pickup or an Amazon Hub Locker location, you’ll need to bring them in a box or pack them using the materials provided.
What about DoorDash?
DoorDash is test a function which allows you to request a Dasher to pick up and deliver your items to a UPS, FedEx, or USPS location. However, your items must already be packaged and sealed with the pre-paid return label attached. The packages must weigh less than 30 pounds each and be worth less than $500. The company hasn’t said when this option will be generally available; right now, it’s only available in select areas.
