Seller Provided Return Labels - Carrier?
Summary: teenytrinkets is exploring options for providing return labels for items from Canadian buyers, considering cost-saving alternatives to Canada Post. They question the feasibility of using courier services for returns and how to manage package information when buyers don’t respond. recped responded that they prefer using Canada Post and arranging for pickup if using a private carrier. pjcdn2005 suggested using a return label from Canada Post, which flipistics expanded on, stating that they've set it up so buyers can generate labels through a link, although it's likely at counter rates with no discounts. The conversation revolves around managing prepaid return labels without implementing eBay shipping.
I've done this before for my US INADs (USPS is pretty cheap and easy for my tiny items being returned to a US address) but I've never done a Canadian INAD as a seller.
When trying to save money, can you do a partner/courier return - instead of Canada Post? (In most cases, shipping is almost half the cost).
If so, is there any "rules" regarding how close the courier needs to be for the buyer to be able to do a drop off? Or can they just arrange for a home pickup? And how do you send a label to someone who may not be responding to messages about the size and weight of the package? Of course you can assume it's the same as the one sent, but a lot of buyers throw out original packaging. Then they might send in a huge box, and you're charged extra shipping after the fact.
I'd be curious to know how other sellers manage their prepaid return labels, when they don't use eBay shipping.
3 comments
pjcdn2005
·2 years agoI think that you can go to Canada Post, buy a specific 'return label' and then give a code to the buyer so that they can print it. Disclaimer, I haven't actually tried this but I'm sure that someone here mentioned doing that.
flipistics
·2 years agoYou can actually set it up through Canada Post so that you just give the buyer a link. They put in the package details and it gives them a label (or code if they prefer) and charges you. Unfortunately I'm pretty sure you get charged counter rates with no discounts. I haven't had to use it since I've set it up, so I'm not positive.
recped
·2 years agoI've never had a domestic return so never faced the situation, I would probably just use Canada Post.
In any event I would never use a service that required the buyer to do anything but slap a label on a package an d at most drop it off at a post office.
If I was using a private carrier I would be arranging pick-up from the buyers location.