Why the enormous increase in seller funded return label costs?
This has gotten out of control. I am receiving returns via UPS ground from buyers with a consistent charge of $14.23 for each label. These are pre-approved labels and the package weight is 2-5 oz each. It has happened on virtually all returns the past two weeks. The outbound shipping cost only $3.85 - $4.30. After giving the customer the automatic refund we are hit with the $14.23 return label charge. USPS would be 1/3 of that. Note that the transaction is usually less than $20, thus we not only give the refund and absorb the outbound shipping, now we are out an outrageous return label charge.
Interestingly, the UPS return packages weight says 1 lb (instead of 4 oz). The package is a small envelope size. These are all domestic returns and the label price is the same regardless of the customers return location. I cannot find a method to appeal or reach out to Seller Support for clarification. Surely, this is an Amazon oversight. Any chance I could get some help from Amazon forum seller support?
62 replies
Seller_DdmPiA1p1S2Wu
That is odd that you are getting returns under 1 lb by UPS. Usually returns under 1 lb are sent by USPS and items over 1 lb go by UPS. Does the USPS deliver to your address? If not, that's the only thing I can think of as to why your under 1 lb. returns would be coming by UPS.
Regarding the $14.23 additional charge for each return, are you in a remote area? This sounds like a Remote Area Surcharge. If you aren't sure, you can check the UPS DAS & Remote Area spreadsheet file to see. Or, you can tell me your ZIP code and I'll check.
Seller_f4a7xAPCCSMqD
Other sellers were posting about it here, and it looks like @KJ_Amazon is trying to look into it.
Seller_BtArZQXueXNii
I have the same problem. Shipping and returns for USPS. Today, I received two returns via UPS at $12.01 shipping each! What the heck?! @KJ_Amazon
Case ID: 14770276801
Seller_WUGHZdIiUuYMJ
We are having a similar issue. All of the return labels that UPS provides have doubled or tripled over the last six months. We are filing Safe-T claims for all of them with a relatively high success rate.
Seller_aUbEyzlSSnsDJ
UPS and amazon are in bed together. As soon as UPS enacted the new contract, they laid off workers and raised prices.
Amazon is not our friendly partner.
We think amazon is moving to no return refunds. No more return shipping you just lose your product. It is amazon most delightful move to further delight scammers. So only high profit companies will be the only ones to survive.
Seller_JPMo6wCZLFhTD
We are filing Safe-T claims for each one with "Overcharged for the return label" as the reason. Most have been granted with ~50% refund of the shipping charge.
We state in the claim: "Excessive charge (USD 12.61) for the UPS return label, more than double the normal cost. Customer returned the 2 lb item in our original packaging (photo attached) so package size is not an issue. Please refund."
Seller_hLH0bAcCwYcos
If you set up a PO Box with the USPS for returns, ALL your returns SHOULD be shipped USPS. SInce UPS doesn't deliver to USPS PO Boxes. That will save you money on items under 1lb, but will cause postage to go up on larger returns where UPS would be cheaper.
Seller_2srXkS44rN39i
My local post office might have sidestepped that. I think someone at the counter was mentioning that if you put the address as the post office street address and then "suite" box number, they will get it delivered to your PO box. UPS already delivers smartpost/surepost items to the post office, so its not like they have to make a seperate trip.
Seller_YvPJcV8cv0Kiu
Oh. Goodie... I will have to look into this since i have noticed (returns coming in from UPS) - we DO NOT SHIP ANYTHING UPS. - Most of the Returns of late, are literally just liars saying its not as described, yet its 100% THE actual item shown. (Amazon, needs to regulate) this much better. They are shooting commercials about how considerate they are towards the planet, I have to chuckle everytime.
- USPS shipping with Ground Advantage w Insurance has actually caught a snare of mail fraud. (directly thru usps)
- Most likely people are going into UPS Stores to do the returns.
