Have you ever received a package by mistake or simply didn’t want it once it arrived?
Can you simply return a USPS package to the sender?! We looked into it and this is what we found…
Can A USPS Package Be Returned To Sender?
Yes, a USPS package can be returned to sender. To return a package to sender without paying any fees, you can write ‘return to sender’ on the package and hand it over to your local USPS driver. Make sure the package or envelope were not opened and in the exact condition it arrived.
You can return mail via USPS through a variety of services. Which way you do it depends on the kind of mail you’ve received and the mail class used to send it to you.
This article takes a look at USPS return services and issues: what they are, how to do it, and where to find the information.
Can You Refuse A Package And Return To Sender?
If you’ve received a package not intended for you, USPS advise you to simply put it back in the “mailstream.” This means leaving in a Collection Box or other mail receptacle. Make sure you mark the envelopes or packages clearly with “not at this address.”
There is no fee for doing this, nor for returning the mail directly to the post office. It’s actually a common occurrence when people move and their mail is delivered to their previous address.
USPS advise that if you receive mail for someone who has not previously lived at your address (hat you know of), then hand the mail back to your mail person. Don’t mark the packages in any way.
USPS also advise that it is unlawful to destroy mail; the correct response is to return it unmarked (if wrongly addressed) or marked with “not at this address” (if correctly addressed but the recipient has moved).
Can You Refuse A Package You Did Order?
USPS offer a service called USPS Package Intercept. This service allows the sender or recipient to request that the destination Post Office hold the item for you or have it returned to sender.
It’s important to remember that your package must be eligible for the service. Most domestic mailings with a tracking or extra services barcode are eligible for Package Intercept.
Items not eligible for Parcel Intercept include: USPS Marketing Mail products and periodicals, items addressed to a Commercial Mailing Receiving Agency, items redirected to a PO Box, and nonmailable items or items with surface-only transportation markings.
There is also a size limit on Package Intercept items.
USPS have a handy barcode checking bar where you can submit your tracking code to see if you’re eligible for Intercept.
If you’re eligible, you can make a request through your online account. You’ll receive an estimated total (fee plus postage). If your parcel is intercepted successfully, you’ll be charged the fee through your credit card, and your package will be redirected to the original sender or held at the local Post Office for pickup.
Read Next: How to Find Out Who Sent You an Amazon Package
What If I’m Returning Something I Bought But No Longer Want?
Most large commercial companies provide a parcel return service along with the items you buy. USPS offer Parcel Return Service (or PRS) to merchants so they can give you a return option at their expense.
All of the return information (including tracking codes) is visible on the label format. All you need to do if fix the return label to your package and hand it to a mailperson, collection box or post office.
You can then use the barcode to confirm that the merchant has received your return.
When you purchase items that include a PRS service, you’ll find either a return label in the shipment box, instructions to print your own, or instructions to use a return tool on the merchant website.
Want to learn more about USPS? Check out our related posts to learn if USPS buys back unused stamps, does USPS ask for ID, and can a USPS tracking number be fake?
Conclusion..
USPS packages and mail can be returned to senders. However, how you do this is dependant on the mail, the mail service, and the reason it’s been sent to you.
You’ll find instructions for commercial returns on the websites you made the purchase, and misaddressed USPS mail can simply be returned to the Post Office.