Return Labels

Most carriers support what is called a Return Label which allows a customer to send something back to the original shipper. This may also be called a Call Tag.

Return labels usually have these attributes:

  • You are not charged until the label is used
  • You cannot void the label as it is assumed you gave it to a user that might use it in the future
  • It usually shipped from the consumer to a business
  • In e-commerce it is often sent with each shipment
  • Ability to schedule pickup on customer’s behalf

Some carriers like UPS and FedEx will optionally email a return label to your customer on your behalf. UPS and FedEx do not send emails when using their developer/test enviornment (RocketShipIt's test parameter = true).

Note: Return Services are only available in selected countries. Check with your shipping carrier if your country is supported.

API Examples#

Carriers that Support Return Labels#

Stamps.com Pay-On-Use Returns (POUR)#

Traditionaly USPS/Stamps.com didn't support traditional pay-on-use return labels like UPS/FedEx. They now offer this but it has some requirements.

  • Activated on a customer level. You must make sure your Stamps.com account has POUR enabled.
  • Customers are required to maintain a minimum balance of $200 in their account at all times. Auto-Purchase program is automatically enabled for this purpose.

There are two types:

  • Paired (return label is automatically printed with shipping label)
  • On-Demand (single return label is printed as needed)

Supported Services:

  • First-Class
  • Priority Mail
  • Parcel Select Return Services

Sample Labels#

UPS Return Label:#

UPS Return Label

FedEx Return Label:#

FedEx Return Label

Screenshot of Canada Post PDF Return Label:#

Canada Post Return Label

USPS EMRS Return PDF Label#

USPS EMRS Return PDF Label