How to return a parcel

We know that sometimes you receive things that aren’t quite right. Luckily, returns are easy with Sendle! Simply return a parcel via a drop off location near you!

Find a nearby drop off point
Sendle parcel returns in Australia

Steps for parcel returns

Not all sellers offer returns - check their website to find out before proceeding to these steps.
illustration of a printed shipping label

Step 1:
Print your return label

If you don't have a return label yet, you can request one from the sender. (Some senders even include them in orders!)

illustration of a packed Sendle parcel

Step 2:
Prepare your parcel

Attach your label and make sure everything is packed and closed securely.

illustration of a parcel drop off

Step 3:
Drop off your parcel

Drop your return parcel at any drop off point from our national network of locations.

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Step 4:
Track your return parcel

Sendle tracked returns lets both you and the sender know of any shipping updates.

Parcel returns FAQs

 

Can I cancel my return?

Once it’s sent, you can’t cancel a return. However, if you have a label but you haven’t used it yet – you don’t have to! The sender isn’t charged until it’s dropped off and scanned.


How long are return labels valid?

In most cases, the return labels are valid until they are scanned at drop off – so it’s a good idea to ask your sender for some guidance about how long they’ll accept returns for.


Are parcel returns covered by Sendle Cover?

Unfortunately, Cover and Extra Cover don't apply to parcel returns.


Can parcel returns be sent to a different address?

No. Return labels use the sender and recipient addresses from the original parcel, so they will always come back to the address they were sent from.


Can I create a return for international parcels?

Not at the moment. For now, only domestic parcels can be returned.


How long will it take to arrive?

Depends on the route and the distance! Once the parcel is on its way to the sender, they’ll be able to track the delivery from their Sendle dashboard to make sure it reaches them.

Print your return label

You can request a return label from the person or business who sent you the parcel. Check their return policy first, which most businesses list on their website. The return policy will answer your questions on the process and refunds.

Make sure you check the original parcel – some senders include shipping return labels with their orders (and, it’ll be printed on label stock so you won't even need tape).

Then all you need to do is print the return label and attach it to the parcel.

Prepare your return parcel to sender

Now that you’ve printed a clear and smudge-free barcode on your label (these have to be printed, and should not be hand-written!), it’s time to prepare your parcel for shipping.

As much as possible, place the return item back in its original packaging. Otherwise, you can refer to the Sendle parcel guide to ensure a secure return journey. You want to make sure that your parcel reaches the sender so that you can get the right item back!

Find a drop off location

Enter your suburb or postcode to find your nearest drop off point.

Make sure you drop off your parcel close to where it was delivered (because your parcel needs to travel back the same way it came).

Learn more about drop off
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How to drop off parcel returns

Drop off your return parcel at your nearest drop off point from our national network of locations. After dropping off, you can’t cancel a return parcel. However, if you have a label but you haven’t used it yet – you don’t have to! The sender isn’t charged until it’s scanned.

Some sellers offer free returns, and some will ask you to pay shipping to them, but you won’t be asked to pay anything when you drop your parcel off.

Learn more about Sendle Drop Off

Sendle tracked returns

Once you have the updated reference number from the return label, you can easily find updates on the  Sendle parcel tracking page. Check your parcel updates anytime, anywhere to make sure that it safely gets from point A to point B.

Your parcel tracking number can be found in confirmation or notification emails you’ve received after it’s scanned at the drop off location. The parcel tracking number is also shared with the sendery so they can keep track of the shipment progress via the Sendle tracking tool. You’ll both be notified when the parcel completes its journey. Need more help with parcel tracking? Check our support article to learn more.

Tip: You can find your parcel reference number for tracking in the email subject line for easy access!

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Parcel returns for senders

Watch how easy it is to organise parcel returns through the Sendle dashboard

Sendle makes returning parcels to senders a breeze. The sender can easily generate a return label for their customer right from the Sendle order in just a few clicks.

Read about creating and receiving returns.