Fulfillment Lexicon

Return Label

Return Label is a shipping label used to send a product back to a brand or its warehouse, either included in the box, emailed on request, or generated through a returns portal.

Topic: Returns Entry RTN-225

Why it matters for ecommerce brands

Many brands use pay-on-use labels, where postage is billed only if the label is scanned. Deciding who pays for return shipping is a major lever on return cost and return rate.

Common questions

Should I include a return label in every package?
It is convenient for customers, but it can raise return rates and you lose the chance to require a reason or offer an exchange first. Many brands instead issue labels on request through a returns portal.

Cite this entry

"Return Label." Fulfillment Lexicon, last reviewed October 16, 2026. https://fulfillment.wiki/glossary/return-label/

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