What is Parcel Return Service?
Parcel Return Service (PRS) is one of several USPS Return Services options that allows consumers to return merchandise to merchants without paying postage. It benefits the merchant by providing an inexpensive return method so they can offer free return to their customers.
Parcel Return Service is only available through a Negotiated Service Agreement (NSA) (709.1.0). Please contact a USPS Sales Representative for additional details.
Parcel Return Service Features
- You need only affix the label and drop off parcels at any Postal Service™ facility. Parcel drop off can be done by:
- Handing it to a mailperson
- Placing it in a Collection Box or any location designated by the Postal Service for the receipt of mail
- Scheduling a Package Pickup.
- Consumers can use barcode number to confirm when the Merchant has retrieved the package.
- Merchants can electronically monitor the status of returned parcels.
- Low cost return service for Merchants
- Quicker return to Merchants
- Participating merchants will be able to schedule collection at their convenience
- 2 categories to further provide discounts to merchants:
- Parcel Return Delivery Unit (Parcel RDU)
- Parcel Return Sectional Center Facilities (Parcel RSCF)
- You no longer have to bring returns to their local Post Office but will have the option to schedule a pickup.
How is Parcel Return Service Used?
Becoming a participant
A merchant or agent that wishes to participate can fill out the enrollment form located under the Parcel Return Service header at https://www.usps.com/business/return-services.htm or follow these instructions.
Affixing the PRS label with postage
If a Parcel Return Services (PRS) label is used on a package, the Postal Service will charge the merchant the appropriate PRS price, regardless of any additional postage that may be applied to the package. The merchant is already paying for the postage, so there is no need to affix postage to the parcel.
Parcel Return Service (PRS) applies to parcels that are picked up in bulk by authorized permit holders or their agents. Permit holders guarantee payment of postage for all parcels mailed with a PRS label. By providing an approved PRS label to its customers, the merchant or other party designates the permit holder identified on the label as their agent for receipt of mail bearing that label, and authorizes the USPS to provide that mail to the permit holder or its designee.
Label format examples
The following are Parcel Return Service (PRS) label format examples. Elements found on the label include:
- Legend identifies the service offering.
- Parcel Return Services Barcode is used for sorting and manifesting.
- Address of the desired pick-up location of either the RDU (Return Delivery Units) or the RSCF (Return Sectional Center Facilities).
- Mailer Identification identifies the shipper or agent.
e. Sample UPS Mail Innovations 56935 Parcel Return Service label
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Call Tag Return Service
- Call Tag Return Service is a return tag (label) option. Consumers shipping packages back to their retailer may receive return labels delivered by the Postal Service™.
- This option allows permit holders to request electronically an applicable USPS® return label for their permit, to be generated and delivered by USPS to their customer (end-user). The customer using the return label can return their package without paying a fee or going to a retail postal unit for mailing.
