How do I pack a parcel for return? You may find this useful
Tips
9 February 2024
Any customer ordering goods online has the right to return them. Depending on the shop's terms and conditions, the withdrawal period may vary, but it is a minimum of 14 days. How do I pack a parcel for return so that it arrives safely from the sender back at the shop?
What should I pack the package in for return?
The answer is very simple - in the same in which it was sent, as long as the packaging is of good quality and the goods are properly protected. When unpacking online orders, care should be taken not to damage the carton, envelope or foil. For returns, therefore, you will need:
- original packaging;
- adhesive tape;
- filling (preferably the same one that was inside).
Occasionally, a cardboard box will be damaged or discarded before a decision is made to return it. This is when it is best to find packaging of the right size. An envelope, foil pack or cardboard box will come in handy.
Packing a package for return step by step
How do I return a package so that it is not damaged in transit? First of all, the ordered item must be placed in the packaging intact. Products must be returned with their original tags and protection. Once they have been placed inside, care should be taken to fill them.
Scrapers, paper or bubble wrap are placed inside so that the goods do not move around the packaging and are protected from damage. They reduce the free spaces in the carton, so that the items are better cushioned. Once the product is safely resting in the package, it needs to be sealed.
Both the cardboard box and the envelopes are best secured with tape. It is worth choosing the paper option as it is more environmentally friendly. Many packages, such as foil packets, already have an adhesive element, so you only need to remove the protection from the package. A return label or code should be stuck on top of the packaging. It all depends on how the return postage is implemented.
If the shop uses the InPost Quick Returns option, then all you need to do is register your parcel on the dedicated website or in the InPost Mobile app. Otherwise, you can send the parcel yourself via the Quick Shippers service or by sending with the InPost Mobile app. In the first case, you fill in the shipper's form with the shop's details and your own, and then print out the waybill.
The label must be printed in good quality and glued so that it is completely visible to the courier. It is a good idea to cover it with transparent tape so that the ink does not smudge, for example due to contact with damp air. If you use the InPost app, you will only receive a sending code, which should be written in a visible place on the cardboard or foil.
Sometimes you still need a form from the shop's website in order to return a parcel. Before you decide to send your order back, be sure to read the rules set out in the seller's terms and conditions. They may require you to put an additional document in the parcel, which you will find on the website. There you will also find instructions on how to send your package back according to the shop's instructions.
Some companies have agreements with carriers that process returns at no cost to the customer. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to read the shop's terms and conditions.
What mistakes to avoid when packing a parcel for return?
The main mistake to be avoided is to miss the withdrawal deadline. After this, a return will not be possible at all. When packing, care should be taken to ensure that the goods have no possibility of being damaged during transport.
For example, when sending back a white T-shirt without a protective film in the box, it is not worth putting coloured fillers that could discolour the fabric. It is also worth taking care of the box when it is opened so that you have something to send the goods back in. The packaging chosen by the manufacturer is certainly the best recommended type for the item.
Remember to seal the parcel properly and position the return label prominently. All this so that the carton does not open and the courier has no problem scanning the tracking code. Now you probably no longer have any doubts about how to make a parcel return to an online shop or sales platform.
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