How do you pack a parcel for return? You might find this useful

Every customer who orders goods online is entitled to return them. Depending on the shop’s terms and conditions, the withdrawal period may vary, but it is at least 14 days. How should you pack a parcel for return to ensure it arrives safely back at the shop from the sender?

What should I use to pack a parcel for return?

The answer is very simple – in the same packaging in which it was sent, provided the packaging is of good quality and the goods are properly secured. When unpacking online orders, take care not to damage the box, envelope or plastic wrap. You will therefore need the following for returns:

• original packaging;
• adhesive tape;
• filling (preferably the same one that was inside).

Sometimes the cardboard box gets damaged or is thrown away before you’ve decided to return the item. In that case, it’s best to find a package of the right size. An envelope, a plastic bag or a cardboard box will do the trick.

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A step-by-step guide to packing a parcel for return

How do I return a parcel so that it isn’t damaged in transit? First, place the item you ordered back into its original packaging, ensuring it remains intact. Products must be returned with their original tags and security seals. Once you’ve placed them inside, make sure the parcel is properly padded.

Packing paper, tissue paper or bubble wrap is placed inside to prevent the goods from shifting around inside the packaging and to protect them from damage. These materials reduce the empty spaces in the box, thereby providing better cushioning for the items. Once the product is securely in place inside the parcel, it needs to be sealed.

Both cardboard boxes and envelopes are best secured with tape. It’s worth choosing the paper option, as it’s more environmentally friendly. Many types of packaging, such as plastic-lined envelopes, already have an adhesive strip, so you simply need to peel off the protective film. A return label or code should be affixed to the top of the parcel. It all depends on how the return is being processed.

If the shop uses the InPost Quick Returns service, all you need to do is register your parcel on the dedicated webpage or via the InPost Mobile app. Otherwise, you can post the parcel yourself using the Quick Post service or via the InPost Mobile app. In the first case, you fill in the dispatch form with the shop’s details and your own, and then print the consignment note.

The label must be printed clearly and affixed so that it is fully visible to the courier. It is a good idea to cover it with transparent tape to prevent the ink from smudging, for example, due to contact with damp air. If you’re using the InPost app, you’ll only receive a tracking code, which you should write in a visible place on the box or wrapping film.

Sometimes, you’ll also need a form from the shop’s website to return a parcel. Before you decide to return your order, be sure to read the rules set out in the seller’s terms and conditions. They may require you to include an additional document in the parcel, which you can find on their website. There you will also find instructions on how to return the parcel in accordance with the shop’s guidelines.

Some companies have contracts with carriers who handle 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 should you avoid when packing a parcel for return?

The main mistake to avoid is missing the deadline for withdrawing from the contract. Once this deadline has passed, a return will no longer be possible. When packing the goods, please ensure that they cannot be damaged during transport.

For example, when returning a white T-shirt without its protective film in a cardboard box, it is not advisable to include coloured packing materials, as these could stain the fabric. It is also worth taking care of the box when opening it, 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 in question.

Remember to seal the parcel properly and ensure the return label is clearly visible. This is to ensure that the box doesn’t open and that the courier has no trouble scanning the tracking code. By now, you should have no doubts about how to return a parcel to an online shop or e-commerce platform.