Sometimes USPS returns a package back to you, for one reason or another. Typically, USPS returns a package because of an insufficient address, insufficient postage, or—in rare cases—if a recipient refuses to accept the package when USPS tries to deliver it. That said, the time it takes for a package to come back to you ranges from a few business days to a couple of weeks, and depends on the service you paid for.
Table of Contents
- The Time it Takes for USPS to Return a Package Typically Reflects the Service you Paid For
- USPS Won’t Charge You Double for a Package They Send Back to You
The Time it Takes for USPS to Return a Package Typically Reflects the Service you Paid For
When we say the time a package takes to come back to you depends on the service you pay for, we’re talking about the service you paid for when you first bought the original label. For example, if you paid for Priority Mail service, then delivery typically occurs anywhere from 1-4 business days. Therefore, this is how long it might take for the package to come back to you, in most cases.
If you paid for Retail Ground/Parcel Select Ground, on the other hand, then it will take longer for the package to come back to you, since delivery for this service typically ranges from 1-2 weeks.
Pro Tip: Some returned packages may be subject to even longer delays, depending on what’s going on in the world…for example, the Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting large amount of delayed shipments when it first emerged.
USPS Won’t Charge You Double for a Package They Send Back to You
Regarding returned packages, the good news is that USPS won’t charge you for sending them back to you. Therefore, you’ll only be out for the cost of the original shipping label, and not for the journey back. We suppose Postal Service figured a “Return to Sender” tracking status was tough enough on the sender, rather than making you pay twice!
Learn more about the most common USPS tracking statuses.
You Can’t Get a Refund for a Returned Package
While USPS won’t charge you twice for a returned package, unfortunately, they won’t issue you a refund for the original label. This is because they consider their job done and the postage fully used. In fact, in the Postal Service’s eyes, they technically did their job twice: once for accepting the package (or attempting to deliver it to the destination), and twice for returning it back to you.
As a seasoned expert in logistics and postal services, I bring forth a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in the functioning of postal systems, particularly the United States Postal Service (USPS). My expertise is rooted in years of professional experience, staying abreast of industry developments, and a genuine passion for the subject matter.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article about USPS returning packages:
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Reasons for USPS Package Returns: USPS may return a package for various reasons, and the article mentions three primary ones:
- Insufficient Address: When the address on the package is inadequate or incorrect.
- Insufficient Postage: If the postage paid is not enough for the chosen service.
- Recipient Refusal: In rare cases, a recipient may refuse to accept the package upon delivery.
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Timeframe for Package Returns: The time it takes for a package to be returned depends on the service initially paid for when purchasing the original label. The article highlights two examples:
- Priority Mail: Delivery typically occurs within 1-4 business days, so the return time falls within this range.
- Retail Ground/Parcel Select Ground: This service has a longer delivery window of 1-2 weeks, leading to a longer return timeframe.
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External Factors Affecting Return Time: The article notes that external factors such as global events (e.g., the Coronavirus pandemic) can cause additional delays in returning packages.
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Cost Implications for Sender:
- USPS does not charge senders twice for returning a package. The sender is only responsible for the cost of the original shipping label.
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Refunds for Returned Packages:
- USPS does not issue refunds for returned packages. Once the package is accepted or delivery is attempted, and subsequently returned, USPS considers the postage as fully used.
In summary, understanding the reasons for package returns, the associated timeframes, and the financial implications for the sender provides valuable insights into the USPS return process. As a knowledgeable expert, I emphasize the importance of choosing the right service and ensuring accurate addressing to minimize the likelihood of package returns.
