USPS Offers Box-Free Returns at the Post Office

A longtime EcommerceBytes reader spotted free polybag envelopes at his local post office this week that the USPS was making available to customers wishing to return items to merchants without the need to package them inside a box or bag

In response to EcommerceBytes’ inquiry this week asking if it was still testing the program, or if it was being rolled out to all post offices, a USPS spokesperson provided the following statement:

“The Postal Service is rolling out Packageless Returns capabilities for brands and companies that want to improve the return experience for their customers, and for residential customer convenience. For eligible return items, polybags will be made available to customers at participating locations, eliminating the need for a shipping box or label.

“These polybagged items will enter the mailstream directly without additional packaging, fees or consolidation. Items that are liquid, fragile, perishable or potentially hazardous cannot be accepted at self-service, and cannot be shipped using a polybag.”

Asked if it would apply surcharges for irregular packages (which went into effect this month) to items placed in the USPS-supplied polybags for returns, the spokesperson said USPS Returns products were exempt from Nonstandard Fees. The spokesperson added, “More details about participating locations and eligibility requirements will be coming soon.”