How to Make a Return Label? – Easy Steps for Efficient Returns

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Return labels are essential tools for managing product returns, which are crucial for customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. These labels are standardised and rely heavily on clear guidelines and protocols, maintaining uniformity and efficiency in handling returns.

This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to creating return labels tailored to meet the needs of various shipping services like FedEx, Australia Post, and New Zealand Post.

What Are Return Labels?

Return labels are a type of shipping label used by customers to return purchased goods to the sender or retailer. These labels contain all the information necessary for the package to be returned to the correct address. This information often comprises the return address, the customer’s address, an order number, and a barcode that can be scanned by postal services to streamline the process.

How to Create a Return Label?

Each shipping service has its own set of procedures for creating return labels. Understanding these can help ensure your domestic returns are processed smoothly and efficiently.

Let’s explore how carriers like FedEx, Australia Post, and New Post manage the return parcels.

How to Create a FedEx Return Label?

To create a FedEx Return service label, follow these steps.

Access FedEx Online Tools: Log in to your FedEx account via the website or mobile app.
Enter Shipment Details: Click on ‘Create a Shipment’ and fill in the recipient’s address, package weight, dimensions, and any special handling instructions.
Choose a Shipping Service: Pick the most suitable FedEx shipping option, like FedEx Ground or Express, based on your delivery needs.
Review and Confirm: Verify all entered details for accuracy. If everything is correct, confirm and proceed to label creation.
Generate the Label: Once confirmed, the system will automatically create a return label using the provided information. Review the label before finalising.
Save or Email the Label: After generating the label, you can either save it for printing later or email it to yourself or others for immediate printing.

How to Create an Australia Post Return Label?

Follow these steps to create a return label with Australia Post.

Visit the Australia Post Website: Go to Australia Post’s website and sign in to your account.
Initiate a New Return: Select ‘+ New’ and choose the ‘Return’ option from the left-hand menu.
Verify Return Details: Confirm your return information linked to your account, and specify where the returned item will be shipped.
Select Sender Information: If your account has numerous business profiles, choose the suitable sender from the drop-down menu.
Enter Sender Details: Provide information about the person or business initiating the return.
Add Sender References: Include any additional references you would like to appear on the return label.
Fill in Parcel Details: Enter the relevant information about the returning parcel.
Choose Shipping Method: Pick your preferred shipping option for the return.
Decide on Label Printing: Choose how to print the label. If opting to email it to the sender, ensure the email address is accurate, as no failure notification is sent. Alternatively, you can print the label immediately to attach or email yourself for later use.
Create and Finalise the Return: Click ‘Create return’ to generate the label. The return will then appear on the Returns page for future reference.

How to Create a New Zealand Post Return Label?

Follow these steps to generate a return label with NZ Post.

Log In to NZ Post: Sign in to your NZ Post account. If you don’t have an account, create one.
Choose Return Label: Select the ‘Create a Return Label’ option in your account dashboard.
Input Parcel Information: Provide the parcel details, including its weight, dimensions, and the return address.
Select Service Type: Choose the return service that meets your needs, such as Courier or Economy.
Pay for the Label: Pay for the label online, with costs depending on the service type and parcel size.
Download and Print: After payment, download and print the return label. You can also provide the label via email.

How to Provide a Return Label?

There are two ways to provide return labels.

Pre-Printed Return Labels
Digital Distribution of Return Labels

Pre-Printed Labels

In the Original Shipment: Include a pre-printed return label in the original shipment package. This allows customers to conveniently use the label if they need to return the product.
With the Replacement Item: If a return involves an exchange, include a pre-printed return label with the replacement item.

Digital Distribution

Email a Prepaid Return Shipping Label: Purchase a return label from courier services and email the PDF to the customer. This method is cost-effective as it allows for a refund if the return label is not used within 24 hours.
QR Code: Provide a QR code for customers preferring not to print label at home. The code can be scanned at a drop-off location or post office where the postage labels are printed by staff.
Downloadable Link: Provide a link on your website or customer portal where customers can generate and print their own return label.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the effective use of return labels is crucial for streamlining the return process, enhancing customer satisfaction, and maintaining operational efficiency. This article has outlined the specific procedures to create return labels tailored to the needs of various carriers, including FedEx, Australia Post, and New Zealand Post. Companies can foster a positive customer experience and manage returns more effectively by simplifying the return process and ensuring clear, straightforward procedures.