Introduction
One of the largest shipping companies globally, UPS Returns, is a service provided by a US-based multinational logistics firm, UPS. Standing for United Parcel Service, UPS operates in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.
Their services cover three main types - US Domestic Package, International Package, Supply Chain, and Freight Operations.
With a wish to contribute to the environment by going green, UPS started its bicycle delivery service in 2008, functioning in several US cities. Some have now been upgraded to electric cargo bikes possessing pedal-assist mechanisms.
UPS return label is one of the most sought-after services in the returns category of global logistics operations. UPS return labels simplify returns for you and your customers.
Their claim that customers can walk into a UPS location with an unboxed, unlabelled item and process their return using the UPS return label is a unique prospect.
What is a UPS Return Label?
UPS return labels are cost-effective services that simplify and streamline your online business eCommerce product return process. The return process facilitates shipping packages from the customer to the business, retailer, or origin source.
A UPS return label is composed of alphanumerical characters and a barcode. A UPS return label has the same data as a shipping label with a significant difference.
The contact details in the 'from address (in this case, the customer's address) and to address (the brand's or warehouse address) are swapped for the return.
UPS return labels are boosted by services to improve inventory management, security, and post-sales support. Return labels also aid in the automation of return processes, management of Omni-channels, and ecommerce website integrations.
A Brief Overview of UPS Return
UPS maintains a streamlined and easy-to-handle returns process with a capacity to handle around 60 million returns in 2024. The UPS returns process starts with packing the parcel according to UPS standards. Customers can either use a sturdy box or buy supplies from UPS stores.
The packaging protocols include knowing the DIM weight of the package, sealing it with nylon or plastic tape, and using cushioning materials. Customers can forgo the DIM weight if they use a flat-rate shipping box.
The next step is to print a UPS return shipping label. We will dive into the what and how of the return labels shortly.
The last step is to ship the package. Customers can schedule a pick-up request with UPS or drop it off at a convenient UPS location. They can hand it over to any UPS driver in the neighborhood or any other outlet that accepts UPS return packages for processing.
How does a UPS Return Label work?
As part of an eCommerce business in all verticals, you must make the reverse logistics process work for you instead of being a liability. A well-planned returns operation can enhance your bottom line.
With tools to improve management and reintegration of returned goods, UPS return helps you reduce waste, streamline your practices, and steady your profit stream.
UPS return labels help improve customer satisfaction by efficiently managing your returns and enabling your customer to prepare for quick and easy returns. The UPS return label's barcode and readable text feature permit a seamless transition of package handling between automated machines and UPS workers.
The barcode of UPS return labels is trackable, just like shipping labels. This allows you and your customer to track the package's journey back home through the UPS tracking tool. It also gives you the freedom to authorize any refunds to the customer once your package has hit designated milestones in its return journey.
To meet customer satisfaction, businesses must incorporate efficient, responsive, and convenient returns. UPS return labels cater to all industries by offering their expertise in reverse logistics operations that can be customized from their portfolio of return shipping.
How can you use UPS Return Labels?
Like most return services, UPS return labels offer you options to generate and share the return labels with your customer.
UPS Returns offers multiple options for generating a return label, which can be included in either the original shipment or in a separate correspondence to your customer.
1) Label Included
The UPS Print Return Label directs the flow of processes required to generate return labels to be added to the original shipment package or sent to your customer.
2) Print at Home
The UPS Electronic Return Label permits the generation and sharing of UPS return labels to your customers via email.
3) Print by UPS
The UPS Print and Mail Return Label facilitate the generation and mailing of the return label by UPS to your customer.
4) From your Website
UPS Returns Technology is a part of the UPS Developer Kit Shipping API for businesses and the UPS Ready plug-in. This feature allows customers to visit your website and request a return, at which point your website, email, or both will offer a UPS return label.
5) Chauffeured Sticker
UPS Returns Plus is a service where the UPS driver carries the UPS return label to your customer at the time of collection, which the customer can then affix to the package.
What services facilitate the need for UPS return labels?
UPS has an array of return services that require UPS return labels. UPS Returns, UPS Returns Plus, UPS Returns Exchange, and Reverse Logistics are the primary facilities for returns.
These services operate through UPS WorldShip, UPS Internet Shipping, UPS Campus-Ship, UPS Developer Kit Shipping API, and UPS Ready third-party software as and where available.
UPS returns labels service is aligned to small, enterprise-sized, and middle-market businesses with high volume or complex needs in returns operations. More interesting, UPS return labels serve packages in over 135 countries.
Now, let's understand the various UPS return shipping services:
1) UPS Returns
UPS Returns allows you to process individual as well as multiple pieces in returns. Offering package trackability through the UPS website, this service allows the use of pre-printed return labels. Labels can be included in the shipment, electronic UPS return labels, and print and mail return labels.
With the ability to create and send UPS return labels for international shipping, UPS Returns links shipment information to the service or warehouse operations. This service comes with the perk of post-delivery billing.
2) UPS Returns Plus
UPS Returns Plus is similar to UPS returns with a few bonuses. This service also allows you to process individual and multiple pieces in returns while offering package trackability through the UPS website.
UPS Returns Plus also allows the use of preprinted return labels included in the shipment, electronic UPS return labels, and print and mail return labels. UPS Returns Plus offers collection from the customer’s location, upto three collection attempts by UPS, Saturday collection, and Saturday delivery.
This service can create and send UPS return labels for international shipping. UPS Returns Plus links information on shipment to the service or warehouse operations. This service comes with the perk of post-delivery billing.
3) UPS Returns Exchange
UPS Returns Exchange offers shipment trackability on the UPS website. This service provides post-delivery billing. With the ability to offer prepaid return labels for single or multiple shipment pieces, UPS Returns Exchange also links the information to service or warehouse operations.
With more returns-friendly options, UPS Returns Exchange picks up goods from the customer’s location and offers a single collection option by UPS.
It repackages returned goods by the driver and furnishes information about collection time to the customer by phone or email. The service provides simultaneous collection and delivery and offers Saturday Delivery and pick-up.
4) Reverse Logistics
A piped-down operation by UPS, Reverse Logistics services are more streamlined. It offers a signature feature of testing, repairing, replacing, or refurbishing returned products in this mode.
While it offers trackability on the UPS website and processes single or multiple pieced returns, Reverse Logistics only offers Electronic UPS Return Labels to the customer.
But, it fulfills several other return requisites such as linking shipment information to service or warehouse operations, and post-delivery billing. It also provides collection of returned goods from the customer’s location, with a single collection attempt. Repackaging of goods by the UPS driver and sending alerts to a customer regarding collection time are also included.
Value-added services associated with UPS return labels
UPS return labels come with the option of multiple add-on features at extra cost. These are thoughtfully designed to enhance customer interaction with your business and their return experience.
1) Pickup Attempts
Under the 1 UPS Pickup Attempt option, the UPS driver will attempt to collect the package once. If the package is not collection-ready, The UPS driver will hand over a UPS return label at the customer’s location, which your customer can affix to the package and complete returns later.
Per the 3 UPS Pickup Attempts, the UPS driver will attempt pickup over three business days. Failure to pick up the package will result in the return of the UPS return label to UPS.
2) UPS Developer Kit Shipping API
With this state-of-the-art API, UPS allows you to integrate web-based shipping capabilities into your enterprise’s applications.
3) UPS Quantum View Notify
This returns unique feature developed by UPS aims to improve customer communication by alerting customers of completed deliveries and package collections.
4) UPS Ready Programme
UPS supplies the UPS Ready Programme ready to plug in using approved service providers for businesses looking for a ready framework to integrate into their business applications.
5) UPS Post-Sales Logistics
UPS’ Field Stocking Locations, or FSLs and Tech Service locations, diagnose, test, and screen ports or units of your returned goods to deem the viability of repair. Post this, UPS determines if the goods can be returned, refurbished, or recycled.
This intervention offered by UPS limits reaction time and helps you plan the return processes better. With this feature, you can reduce the costs of recalling products, executing replacement warranties, and recycling and disposing of goods.
The Cost of UPS Return Label
The price of UPS Return Labels varies for UPS Return and UPS Return Plus. There are three ranges for UPS Return. The printed return labels cost 0.94 Euros per parcel, while the electronic return label costs 1.30 Euros. The last category, prints and posts return labels, costs 3.65 Euros.
The return labels in UPS Return Plus cost according to the number of pickup attempts you schedule. For one-time pickup, the price is 5 Euros per package, and for three pickups the cost is 8 Euros per parcel.
UPS Return Label with WorldShip
WorldShip is a Window-based global shipping software for managing high order volumes. It also provides retailers access to small packages and UPS’s freight services. Merchants using the WorldShip software can also generate UPS return labels.
The process of creating the return label is easy. Here are the steps you can follow:
- The return labels are formulated from the Services tab in the software. Once you give the customer’s ID, their information is automatically presented.
- Next, give information on the email address, reference number, and package weight.
- Verify the chosen UPS service, billing, and shipper’s information.
- Next, select the Options tab and select the return service. You can either select UPS Print or Electronic return label.
- Once all the information has been entered, you can proceed to Process the shipment step.
Lastly, you can print the return label once it is generated. Alternatively, UPS will mail it to your customer if you select the Electronic label option.
Conclusion
UPS Return Labels optimizes standard return operations through innovative interventions to help you save time, money, and labor. UPS has build integrable APIs to enable convenient reverse logistics operations that are customizable or ready for use. UPS return labels facilitate a streamlined and hassle-free returns experience for you and your customer.
FAQ's
1) How do I create a return label for UPS?
Choose ‘Create a Shipment’ on the UPS website under the shipping tab. Enter your data under ‘Ship From’ and your customer’s address under ‘Ship To.’ The UPS Return Label will be generated along with your Shipping Label. In case of an alternate return shipping address, the UPS website will prompt you to enter the same.
2) How do I return a UPS package?
UPS packages can be dropped off at a UPS location, scheduled for a pick up by a UPS driver, or handed over to the UPS driver on your route.
3) Can UPS mail a return label?
The UPS Print and Mail Return Label facilitate the generation and mailing of the return label by UPS to your customer.