Nicolae Bochis · October 18th, 2023 · 7 min read When shopping on Amazon, there will be times when you won’t be satisfied with your purchase and wish to return it. If you’ve ever had to return an Amazon package, you know that the process can be confusing. Luckily, returning an Amazon package via UPS is more straightforward than using the postal service. In this article, we’ll show you how to return your package using UPS, but that’s not all. We’ll also give you some tips on how to use Amazon hub lockers, Kohl’s stores, and Whole Foods Market to return your Amazon package for free.
Returning Amazon Packages through UPS
Returning an Amazon package via UPS is one of the easiest return options as UPS makes the whole process easy. Its return service is free for some clothing items, damaged products, and items sent by mistake. UPS also packages and labels the products for you.
There are two ways to use UPS to return your Amazon order. You can either take it to one of its stores or have a UPS driver come to your house and pick up the package. Remember that most Amazon returns via UPS are free of charge, but if you choose the pick-up method, you’ll have to pay a fee.
Returning an Amazon Purchase With UPS
When you decide to return an item to Amazon, there are several steps to complete. According to Amazon’s return policy, you have 30 days from the date of purchase to return it. Their online return center will guide you through the return process.
1. Go to the Amazon website or Amazon app.
2. Log into your Amazon account.
3. From the Amazon home screen, go to your Orders.
4. Find the order you want to return and select Return or replace Item. You can find this option right next to the selected order.
5. Amazon will ask you for a reason for returning the item. Choose the appropriate one from the list that pops up. On this page, also pick the refund method.
6. Find the return method section and choose the UPS Drop-off or UPS Pickup options.
7. Press Submit to complete the return.
Once you submit the return, you can see the Print and Label Instructions. This step is optional; you should click on that button only if you want to print the shipping label yourself. It’ll take you to a new page from which you can print the label directly. If you can’t print the shipping label, UPS will do it for free.
Choosing the UPS Drop-off Method
If you take your package to the nearest UPS store, you only have to take the item to them. You don’t need to pack it or print the label. UPS can do that for you. But if you want to save time, you can pack it in the box you received, print the label, and attach it to the box.
Check your email before you go to the UPS store to return the package. UPS will send you a return shipping code to show to their employee when you arrive at their store.
Choosing the UPS Pickup Method
If you choose the Pickup Method, the Amazon website should tell you when you can expect the UPS driver to come to your house and take the return package. You must pack the item yourself, but you won’t need to print and attach the return label. UPS can do this for you.
Do note that not all Amazon items are eligible for the UPS pickup return option.
Amazon QR Code Explained
Amazon QR code is a new feature that can be very helpful if you live near a UPS store.
If the item you’re returning is eligible for a no-box-no-label return, you must choose the Drop-off return method during your return process on Amazon’s website. Amazon will email you a QR code that you can show to the UPS employee in the store. They will scan the QR code and confirm the return of the item. That’s it. You won’t have to worry about packing or labeling the item yourself. However, the QR code doesn’t work if you choose the pick-up return option.
UPS is not the only service that uses an Amazon QR code to confirm the return of a package. You can use it for all in-store returns at Amazon physical stores and hubs, Kohl’s stores, and some Whole Foods Markets. If you want other services that accept Amazon returns, continue reading.
Other Drop Off Locations for Amazon Return Packages
You will see other options besides UPS when you choose your shipping method. They are all great alternatives if you don’t have a UPS store near you.
Return the Package to Kohl’s
When you start the Amazon return process, instead of UPS, you can choose Kohl’s drop-off. You’ll receive a QR code that you need to present at Kohl’s. After they scan it, they will pack, label, and ship your Amazon product. Their service is free, too. You may even get lucky and receive a Kohl’s coupon after you make your Amazon returns there.
Head to Amazon’s Own Physical Stores or a Hub Locker
You can use their services to return your package if you live near an Amazon physical store or their hub locker. Stores such as Amazon Go, Amazon Fresh, and Amazon Style also need to scan the QR code to return an item. Not all items can be returned through the Amazon Store Dropoff option. If your package is not eligible, you’ll be offered other return methods.
Amazon Hub lockers are another great way to return your package. When you choose this option, Amazon will email you a dropoff code that you will insert into the locker’s touchscreen display. Just follow the instructions on the screen to drop off your package in the locker. Note that your return items must be properly packaged and boxed to use Amazon’s physical stores and the Hub locker.
Also, you should be aware that Amazon is closing some of its physical stores nationwide, and finding one near you can be challenging.
Whole Foods Market Accepts Amazon Returns
When you start the Amazon return process, you can select Whole Foods Market as a drop-off location. But be aware that only some of them accept the no-box free returns. For others, you’ll have to pack and label the package yourself. You can also choose the preferred store, but if the ones near you are not listed, those store locations aren’t eligible for returns.
Again, Amazon will email you the QR code you must show Whole Foods Market employees to return your package. The returns are made at the store’s access point, either at a return kiosk or a customer service desk.
Try Out DoorDash Service to Return Amazon Orders
DoorDash is now offering a new feature: package returns. That means you can request a Dasher to come to your house and pick up the Amazon package for return. They offer to take your package to the nearest UPS, FedEx, USPS, or physical store. But they won’t take your package to the lockers. Their service is not free, and your return item has to be packed, sealed, and labeled properly.
Continue Shopping on Amazon Worry-Free
UPS is an excellent option for returns, especially if you need to return a large or heavy item. You can schedule a pickup online or by calling UPS. You may be eligible for free return shipping if you have an Amazon Prime membership. Be sure to keep your UPS package tracking number to track your return’s status. Have you used UPS to return an Amazon package? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
