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Before taking your Amazon return to UPS, consider using a free drop-off location instead. Find out how to return your Amazon purchase for free at Staples.
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While I’m a big fan of shopping online, not every item I buy works out. Sometimes, it can be challenging to decide whether a product will fit you or if it will be the ideal product for your needs. When you receive something that isn’t a fantastic find, you’ll have to decide whether to keep or return it.
I recently had an experience returning something purchased through Amazon, and the return process was simple and fast. I was able to save time and money. Find out how you can save time and money using one of Amazon’s free return options.
You can drop off Amazon returns at Staples
I recently received an Amazon item that didn’t fit the product description. So I decided to return it. I noticed that one available return option was to drop off the item at Staples. I logged into my Amazon account and began the return process. After selecting Staples as my drop-off location, I was sent a QR code and was told to bring the item and the QR code to a Staples store.
A couple of days later, I walked into my local Staples store to make the return. I pulled up the QR code on my phone and handed the worker the product I intended to return. The employee scanned my QR code, packed the item, and handed me a receipt. The entire return process took less than two minutes. The best part was it cost me nothing. I’m a big fan of free!
You don’t have to package your return when you choose Staples for your Amazon return drop-off point. Staples takes care of it all and ships it for you. If you’re short on time and don’t want to struggle with packing tape (this is a universal problem, right?!), you may want to consider this return method the next time you need to return something you bought on Amazon.
Amazon offers several free return options
Staples isn’t the only free drop-off return option available to Amazon customers. Kohl’s is another retailer that has partnered with Amazon to accept returns. When you take your item to Kohl’s, an employee will scan your QR code and pack and ship your return. It’s easy and quick.
Amazon customers also have the option to drop off returns at Amazon Hub lockers. If you have a locker near your home, this could be another free return alternative to explore. You’ll be sent a drop-off code that you can use when you arrive at the Amazon Hub locker. However, with this return option, you’ll be responsible for packing and labeling your package.
Amazon has been charging some customers $1 for UPS returns. This fee doesn’t apply to all returns, but you may be charged a fee when using UPS if other free return options are available in your area. If you want to keep more money in your checking account, you may want to give one of the free return options a try. When you initiate a return through your Amazon account, you’ll be shown all available free drop-off options.
Consider the cost of returns when shopping online
Before you shop online, you should review the retailer’s return policy. Some companies offer free returns by mail, but that’s not always the case. As living costs rise, some brands are now passing the return shipping costs on to the customers. Every bit of money spent on extra fees impacts your personal finances, so it’s a good idea to review potential shipping fees before placing an order. Knowing what to expect can help you avoid costly surprises.
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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon.com. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
