Correct returns with shipping labels: 5 tips for perfect returns with parcel labels

It's not uncommon for a package to arrive with contents you don't like: Clothes don't fit, items are faulty or damaged, colours look different from the photo - there are many reasons for returns. With most major mail-order companies, returns with shipping labels are usually quite straightforward. If you know a few basic tips and tricks, you will have no problem sending back items with a parcel label.

Returns at Amazon - the uncomplicated way to return goods

Amazon is by far one of the largest online retailers in the world. Numerous retailers offer their products on this platform - sometimes with very different return conditions. To make returns even easier for Amazon customers, Amazon updated its returns conditions in October 2022.

Two major changes are coming to all traders and customers:

All traders with a German return address must provide pre-franked shipping labels for returns.
Customers will also be able to return items without a parcel

Simplified returns processes with shipping labels

From now on, retailers with a German return address must give their customers the option of returning items with a pre-franked label. If you do not provide such a label, you must refund the price without requiring the return of the items.

In addition, Amazon items may now - at least at DHL branches - also be handed in unpackaged. However, the customer must have the original packaging of the goods ready. The shipping service provider will then take care of the package form.

Amazon says it wants to make the returns process even easier for its customers. In future, customers will therefore be able to return goods without having to pay for them. This is to apply throughout Germany, which is why all retailers with German addresses will be bound by the new regulations. At the same time, pre-franked parcel labels are also intended to reduce the effort of traders.

However, certain traders and products are exempt from these regulations. Exceptions apply in particular to products that cost more than 500 EUR. Here, the return may still be made via manual applications.

Pleasing for customers - traders suspicious

Despite the restrictions, some traders fear abuse of the new regulations. It has also been questioned whether Amazon is allowed to introduce these regulations via mandatory shipping labels or whether it is using them to exploit its position on the market. For most customers, at any rate, the new regulation is initially welcome news.

Briefly on our own behalf: our label offer for corporate customer

How returns work with the largest parcel service providers

Most major parcel service providers offer various return options. Among them is usually always an option through provided parcel labels. This is intended to make the process as uncomplicated and convenient as possible for traders, customers and also private parcels.

DHL returns - simple with address label

DHL basically offers two return options:

Return using a return label or return slip
Return with the help of a QR code

For the return shipment, the goods must generally be packed in original printed packaging. If a return form was supplied, it must be enclosed with the goods. Here, for example, a reason for return is stated. Then the package is sealed and the shipping label for the return is affixed. If the box is the original box in which the goods were originally sent, the old shipping label must be removed or made completely unrecognisable. This prevents any confusion. The parcel is then handed in at a DHL branch, a Pack station or to the delivery agent. Alternatively, you can have the parcel collected from your home for a fee. If no return label was provided, you will usually find a QR code. In this case, you do not have to print out or stick on anything, but simply have the code scanned at the branch. They will take care of the address label.

If, on the other hand, no return label is provided, you will have to contact the retailer to clarify the address and costs. Bring your parcel to the branch as a private parcel and use a suitably stamped parcel label for shipping.

The Hermes return

With Hermes, you basically have the following options for returning goods:

Return using the enclosed return label: Simply stick the appropriate label on the parcel and hand it in at a Hermes parcel shop.

Returns via online form: You have received a returns link, use it to create a return label, fill out the form and stick the shipping label on the parcel. The parcel is delivered to a Hermes parcel shop.

Return by QR code: You take the parcel and the code to a Hermes parcel shop, have the code scanned and then print the corresponding parcel label.

Return as a private parcel: If the sender has not provided any of these options, contact the retailer directly to clarify the address and costs. Then have a parcel label printed out and send the return as a private parcel to a Hermes parcel shop.

Return with parcel label with other service providers

You will also usually receive a return label or a QR code from other shipping service providers. As a rule, the return procedure is similar with most providers. To be on the safe side, you should read the return policy of the retailer you ordered from.

5 general tips for returns with address labels

Many retailers and shipping companies handle returns in a similar way - but there are often different options. Often you will receive shipping labels with the delivery of the goods - but sometimes you have to take care of an address label yourself or ask the shipping service provider for one. To help you find the best possible solution quickly, here are five general tips for returns:

First of all, check whether there is a return slip - this makes it particularly easy to return the goods. Do you have a QR code instead? This also allows for an uncomplicated return!

Read through the retailer's return conditions. You can find them on their website or Amazon profile.

Amazon merchants are now required to offer free returns. Don't fall for false excuses.

In the case of a private package with an address label, you may have to pay in advance. Make sure you clarify whether the retailer will cover the costs before you send the goods. Especially if you are sending an expensive parcel, it is worthwhile to get a written confirmation that the costs will be covered before you send a private parcel.

Keep proof of the return shipment of the items until the retailer has confirmed receipt of the return.

Sustainability in shipping returns

The issue of sustainability is also becoming increasingly important in shipping. Returns in particular are often criticised. If items are easy to return, there is always the danger that customers will order more than they actually want, knowing that half of the items will be returned anyway. This creates unnecessary transport distances. However, retailers and customers can now also pay attention to sustainability when it comes to returns.

Auf Händlerseite ist vor allem die Art der Retoure relevant. Auch unkomplizierte Retoure kann umweltfreundlicher gestaltet werden - beispielsweise indem digitale Retourportale Etiketten und Aufkleber ersetzen. Wird die Ware zudem nach Rückversand wieder verkauft, anstatt weggeworfen, unterstützt dies ebenfalls einen nachhaltigen Kreislauf. Lokale Versandstellen, Spediteure und Systemstellen ermöglichen ebenfalls einen umweltschonenderen Umgang. Können Kunden Pakete beispielsweise fußläufig abgeben, spart dies zumindest einen Teil des Transportwegs.

Kunden können wiederum insbesondere darauf achten, nicht mehr zu bestellen als notwendig. Anstatt ein Kleidungsstück in vier Farben und jeweils drei verschiedenen Größen zu bestellen, können Sie sich beispielsweise vor Bestellung auf ein Stück festlegen und nur dieses zuhause anprobieren. Passt oder gefällt es Ihnen nicht, können Sie es später immer noch zurückschicken. Möchten Sie es hingegen behalten, haben Sie keine überflüssigen Waren hin und her transportieren lassen.

Fazit - so gehen Sie bei Retouren vor

Retouren sind heutzutage überwiegend unkompliziert zu erledigen. Die meisten Versandhändler bieten bequeme Optionen über Versandetiketten und QR-Codes an. Amazon verpflichtet mittlerweile sogar jeden Händler mit deutscher Retouradresse dazu, einen kostenlos Rückversand anzubieten. Das ermöglicht Kunden noch mehr Flexibilität beim Einkaufen. Wer auf die Umwelt Rücksicht nehmen möchte, bemüht sich dennoch um möglichst wenig Transportweg und lokal orientierte Rücksendesysteme.