Do Amazon Drivers Take Returns In 2026? (Full Guide)

If you‘ve ever ordered something from Amazon that you needed to return, you may have wondered – can I just hand this to the Amazon driver when they deliver my next order?

It‘s a reasonable question, but unfortunately the answer is typically no – Amazon drivers themselves do not take returns in most cases. However, Amazon does provide many convenient return options to choose from.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll overview all of the ways you can return Amazon orders in 2024, including returning via UPS, USPS, Amazon Hub Lockers, Amazon Stores, Whole Foods, Kohl‘s, and more.

Where Can I Return Amazon Orders?

When you request a return on Amazon, they will provide you with a list of return options based on your location and the item you are returning. Here are the main places you can bring Amazon returns:

UPS

One of the most popular Amazon return methods is via UPS. When you request a return on Amazon, you‘ll have the choice to print a UPS return label and drop off the item at a UPS location, or you can choose to have UPS come pick up the return from your home.

To use a UPS drop-off location:

• Select the UPS option when requesting your return on Amazon.
• Amazon will email you a UPS return label. Print this out.
• Box up your return and affix the printed UPS return label.
• Take your package to any UPS store or drop-off location. Show them the printed label.
• UPS will accept the return and get it back to Amazon.

If you want UPS to come pick up the return from your home:

• Choose the "UPS Pickup" option when requesting your Amazon return.
• Amazon will allow you to select a pickup date.
• Box up your item, print the UPS return label, and affix it.
• Leave the package out on the scheduled pickup date. UPS will come get it.

USPS

You can also return Amazon orders via USPS. To do this:

• Request your return on Amazon and select the USPS return option.
• Amazon will email you a USPS return shipping label. Print this out.
• Carefully package up your return item and tape the printed USPS label to the box.
• Drop off your package at any USPS blue collection box or post office.
• USPS will deliver your Amazon return back to their returns facility.

Returning via USPS can take a bit longer than UPS but is a low cost option.

Amazon Hub Lockers

Amazon has partnered with various retailers to install Amazon Hub Lockers in their stores. These are automated self-service kiosks where you can easily drop off Amazon returns.

To return an item at an Amazon Hub Locker:

• The item has to be under 18 x 14 x 12 inches in size. Larger items cannot be returned at the lockers.
• Initiate your Amazon return request online and select Hub Locker dropoff.
• Amazon will email you a barcode. Print this out or save to your phone.
• Find your nearest Amazon Hub Locker location on Amazon‘s site.
• Bring your packaged return and the barcode to the Hub Locker kiosk.
• Scan your barcode and the locker will open so you can insert your package.
• Amazon will retrieve the return from that locker and process it.

This is one of the quickest and most convenient Amazon return methods, provided you live near a Hub Locker.

Amazon Physical Stores

If you happen to live near an Amazon physical store, like Amazon Books or Amazon 4-star, you can easily return eligible items there within 30 days of delivery.

To return at an Amazon store:

• Use Amazon‘s store finder to locate your closest option.
• Initiate the return process on Amazon and select in-store drop off.
• You‘ll receive an email confirmation with a QR code. Print this or save to your phone.
• Bring your item in its original packaging and the QR code to the Amazon store.
• At the returns counter, show them your QR code.
• Provided your item qualifies, they will accept the return at the store for processing.

This is one of the most convenient ways to return Amazon orders, if you live near one of their brick-and-mortar stores. Some larger items like TVs may not qualify though, so check restrictions first.

Whole Foods

Since Amazon owns Whole Foods, you can conveniently return Amazon orders at any Whole Foods Market as well. Whole Foods has Amazon Hub Lockers installed, so the return process works the same:

• Request your Amazon return and select Whole Foods dropoff.
• Wait for Amazon to email you the locker return barcode.
• Bring your packaged return item and barcode to any Whole Foods.
• Scan your barcode at the Amazon Locker kiosk.
• Place your package into the locker and you‘re done!

This makes Whole Foods a handy option for Amazon returns if you live nearby.

Kohl‘s

Kohl‘s department stores are now accepting Amazon returns as part of a partnership between the companies. Returning at Kohl‘s is easy:

• When requesting your Amazon return, choose Kohl‘s as the return method.
• Amazon will email you a QR code. You can print this or save to your phone.
• Bring your return item and QR code to any Kohl‘s store.
• At the Customer Service desk, show them your QR code.
• They will accept the Amazon return, pack and ship it out for you at no cost.

Kohl‘s is one of the most convenient ways to return Amazon orders because you don‘t have to box or ship the item yourself.

Return Method	Pros	Cons
UPS	Convenient drop-off locations, can schedule at-home pickup	Need to box/label item yourself
USPS	Low cost return shipping	Slower than other options
Amazon Hub Locker	Quick and easy dropoff	Item size limits, location limits
Amazon Store	Same-day in-person return	Not all items eligible, location limits
Whole Foods	Utilizes Amazon Lockers	Location limits
Kohl‘s	Free, boxed and shipped for you	Location limits

Tips for Successful Amazon Returns

To ensure your Amazon returns are processed quickly and smoothly, keep these tips in mind:

• Start soon – Initiate your Amazon return within 30 days of delivery for fastest processing. The deadline is generally 30-90 days from delivery depending on the item.

• Locate paperwork – Have your Amazon order invoice or gift receipt handy when starting your return to provide necessary details.

• Follow instructions – Carefully follow all steps provided after requesting your return, including printing labels, etc.

• Re-use original packaging – If possible, re-pack your item in its original manufacturer‘s packaging and shipping box.

• Seal securely – Use quality shipping tape when sealing your return boxes to keep the package intact during transit.

• Get tracking – Keep the tracking number handy in case you need to follow up on your return status.

• Inspect at dropoff – Some return centers may open and inspect the item before accepting, so understand policies.

• Keep receipt – If you drop off in-person, keep your receipt/paperwork in case any issues arise later.

Can You Return Amazon Orders to UPS or USPS Without a Label?

If you missed the window to print your Amazon return label, or are unable to do so, you may be wondering if you can just drop off your unpackaged return anyway.

Unfortunately, UPS and USPS locations typically will not accept Amazon return packages without a prepaid label attached. The barcode label lets them know the item is an Amazon return and routes it back properly for processing.

Your best option is to contact Amazon‘s customer service and ask them to resend your return shipping label. You can then print and affix that label before dropping off the package.

If you cannot get an Amazon label reprinted for any reason, you may have to just ship the item yourself back to the Amazon returns facility, at your own shipping expense. Amazon provides addresses you can ship to here.

Can You Return Amazon Orders With Just an Invoice?

Similarly, Amazon return locations typically expect you to bring a package with an Amazon-issued return shipping label attached to it. Just showing them your invoice or order confirmation is generally not enough.

However, if you for some reason lost or cannot access your return label, a few options exist:

• Amazon Stores – If returning in-person at an Amazon store, they may accept a return with just the invoice shown digitally or printed.

• Kohl‘s – For returns done at Kohl‘s, they may accept just the QR code or invoice to initiate the return in their system.

• USPS – The post office may accept an Amazon return without labeling if you ship it yourself to the Amazon returns center address. You‘d pay postage.

• UPS – As a last resort, UPS might also ship a package to Amazon returns if you can show the invoice, but you‘d need to pay shipping costs.

So in limited cases, solely having your Amazon order invoice, receipt, or QR code may suffice. But it‘s always best to get Amazon return labels to make the process smoother.

Can You Return Amazon Orders If the Item Is Defective?

Yes, if an item arrives defective, damaged, or not as described, Amazon will always accept a return – even outside the normal return window.

To return a defective Amazon order:

• Start the return request and select the "defective or does not work" reason code.
• Answer a few quick questions about what‘s wrong with the item.
• Amazon will provide a prepaid return label so you can easily send back the defective product.

You can alternatively choose to get a replacement item shipped to you first, before having to return the defective one.

Amazon‘s policies appropriately allow for quick and simple returns in cases where the item itself is flawed or incorrectly described on their marketplace. As long as you provide details on the issue, they will make it right.

One exception – Amazon may not offer prepaid returns for very large defective items that would be costly to ship back, like big screen TVs. You‘d have to coordinate shipping in those cases.

Can You Return Opened Amazon Orders?

Even if you‘ve opened or tried out an item, Amazon will generally still accept returns and provide refunds on opened merchandise. There are just a few guidelines:

• The item must be in new, re-sellable condition. It can‘t have any damage or significant wear and tear.

• All original parts, accessories, tags, and packaging should be included if possible. The more complete the return, the better.

• If you‘ve handled food, beauty, health or baby products, they cannot be returned once opened.

• Digital items, services, gift cards, and more also cannot be returned once purchased or redeemed.

• Return timeframe is typically shorter for opened items – often just 14-30 days.

So you can definitely return opened Amazon goods, you just want to make sure you do so quickly and have all included parts so Amazon can resell the item. The less time it‘s been opened, the better.

Do Amazon Drivers Take Returns from Businesses?

If you are an Amazon Business customer, the return process works very similarly to regular Amazon returns. However, there are a few key differences for business returns:

• Return eligibility window may be shorter for businesses – often just 30 days.

• Inventory and documentation requirements may be stricter for business returns.

• Certain business-specific items like foodservice products may have return restrictions.

• Prepaid return labels for oversized items may not be available. Businesses may have to self-ship larger returns.

• Businesses cannot return items to Amazon stores or locations – only UPS and other mail returns.

Most importantly, Amazon drivers themselves do not pick up or accept returns from Amazon business customers. You‘ll need to use prepaid labels or schedule pickups through UPS, USPS, or another courier.

Amazon wants to ensure business returns are tightly controlled and tracked, so drivers doing pickups are not able to take returns from companies. Follow your standard Amazon return procedures for businesses.

Do Amazon Drivers Take Returns for Amazon Warehouse?

Amazon Warehouse deals offers discounted open-box and used items shipped and sold directly from Amazon. Return policies for Amazon Warehouse purchases are different:

• You only have 30 days to start a return on Amazon Warehouse items.

• If the item is defective, you can get a full refund. For any other reason, only partial refunds are provided.

• Return shipping labels are not prepaid – customers have to pay to ship Warehouse returns back.

• Amazon drivers will not pick up Amazon Warehouse returns. You must ship them yourself to Amazon.

So for Amazon Warehouse orders, you have a shorter window to return, need to pay for return shipping, and do not have the option for drivers to take returns from you.

This allows Amazon to resell open-box goods at a discount, while limiting losses on returns. Be sure you want to keep any Amazon Warehouse purchase, as the return process is a bit more restrictive.

Can You Return Amazon Orders at an Amazon Counter Location?

Amazon Counter was a return program that allowed customers to bring Amazon returns to participating businesses like GNC, Stage Stores, and other local retailers. However, Amazon shut down their Counter return network in 2021, so this is no longer an option for returns.

When it existed, Amazon Counter worked similar to Kohl‘s – you brought your packaged item and QR code to the partner stores and they handled the rest. But now that locations like GNC and Stage no longer accept Amazon returns, you‘ll have to choose from one of the other return methods discussed above.

If you happen to find any lingering Amazon Counter signage at a retail store, it is outdated and they will likely no longer take Amazon returns. The program was discontinued last year.

Can You Return Amazon Orders at UPS Access Points?

UPS Access Points are local businesses that accept UPS package deliveries for pickup and also allow you to drop off UPS shipments. These include small stores like convenience shops, pharmacies, and hardware stores.

Technically, UPS Access Points are supposed to accept Amazon returns as long as you have a UPS return label attached. However, experiences vary by location. Some UPS Access Points may:

• Accept the Amazon return package without issue.
• Attempt to charge you additional fees to return it.
• Refuse to take the Amazon return at all.

Because policies are inconsistent, it‘s best to call your nearest UPS Access Points ahead and see if they will take Amazon returns with UPS labels before assuming it will be accepted. Confirm there are no additional fees as well.

An official UPS store location will always take Amazon returns with a UPS label. But third-party UPS Access Points have more variable policies. Check before visiting.

Key Takeaways

• In most cases, Amazon drivers themselves cannot take returns or pickups. But Amazon provides many return options.

• Popular Amazon return destinations include UPS, USPS, Amazon Lockers, Amazon Stores, Whole Foods, and Kohl‘s.

• To return efficiently, follow all Amazon directions and pack items securely in their original manufacturer‘s boxes.

• Opened, damaged, and defective Amazon orders can typically still be returned as long as items are in resellable condition.

• Amazon drivers do not take returns from businesses. Follow standard procedues of printing prepaid labels and shipping via UPS/USPS.

• Make sure to start any returns within Amazon‘s 30-90 day timeframe to avoid issues.

So while you can‘t hand that Amazon return to the delivery driver, rest assured that Amazon provides convenient ways to complete returns both via shipping and local drop-off points. Just select your preferred return method during the online process and follow all instructions.