This guide covers the three ways you can create return labels for outbound shipments purchased in Shippo.
Create a return label at the same time as the outbound label
The quickest way to create a return label is to add it while creating your outbound label:
- Select the order you want a return label for from the Orders page.
- Click Package options in the sidebar.
- Select Create a Return Label.
- Continue with your label purchase.
| Note: Return labels created during the outbound purchase flow use the same carrier and service level as the outbound label. International return labels aren't available through Shippo. |
Create a return label at a later time
You can also create a return label after you've already purchased the outbound label.
To create a return label later:
- From the Shipments page or Orders page, click the dropdown menu on your shipment or order and select Create Return Label.
- Enter the package dimensions and weight.
- Click Next.
- Click Create return label.
- Download and print.
| Note: When you create a return label after the outbound label has been purchased, you can modify the shipment details, like weight, dimensions, signature confirmation, or hazardous materials, and choose a different carrier and service level. Return labels are listed on the Shipments page after purchase with Return noted in the Tag column. |
Automated return labels
To automate your return labels, set up default return label preferences on the Labels page in your Shippo account:
- Go to the Labels page by clicking Settings, then Labels & packing slips in the left navigation panel.
- Scroll to the Return Label Options section.
- Check Auto-create return labels for outbound shipments.
- Click Save.
This automatically creates a pay-on-use return label for every outbound label you purchase.
Additional information about return labels
- Return labels are pay-on-use, meaning you won't be billed for the return label unless the carrier scans it. You don't need to request a refund for an unused one.
- Clicking Download Label after purchasing an outbound label, with Create a return label selected in the order details, downloads both labels together for printing.
- Both the outbound and return label are listed on the Shipments page.
- When you create a return label during the outbound purchase flow, the recipient and sender addresses from the outbound label are automatically swapped, and the same package information, carrier, and service level are used.