UPS offers simplified Web-based returns service

From...

By Dan Verton

(IDG) -- United Parcel Service (UPS) has unveiled a Web-based service designed to make it easier to return shipped merchandise this post-holiday season: the UPS Electronic Return Label.

IDG.net INFOCENTER PCWorld.com home Free daily newsletters PCWorld.com: Week in Reviews TechInformer Visit an IDG site Choose a site: IDG.net CIO Computerworld Darwin Dummies.com GamePro.com The Industry Standard ITWorld.com InfoWorld.com JavaWorld LinuxWorld Macworld Online Network World Fusion PC World Publish.com UnixInsider IDG.net search

Atlanta-based UPS announced the availability of the new service Wednesday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year. The service is being offered to companies that currently use UPS's PC-based OnLine WorldShip software and will allow those companies to e-mail shipping labels directly to customers who need to return merchandise.

Electronic Return Labels are sent to customers via e-mail and can then be printed on a regular sheet of paper and affixed to the package for return shipping via UPS. The e-mail also gives the customer a link to listings and maps of the nearest UPS drop-off location, a tracking number to check the status of the package, and a receipt.

The new service brings the total number of return shipping options for UPS customers to eight, said Laurie Mallis, a spokesperson for UPS. "This is the simplest and quickest way to return items," she said. At 75 cents per transaction, excluding the shipping cost itself, the Electronic Return Label is also a low-cost option for return shipping, said Mallis.