Overview

Amazon obliges sellers who ship orders themselves to supply prepaid return labels generated through its integrated carrier program. The service automatically selects UPS or USPS based on the item’s weight and dimensions, and the shipping charge is deducted only after the buyer actually ships the product back. Sellers must understand these mechanics to control return expenses and stay compliant with Amazon’s seller‑fulfilled return rules.

Key Points

• Carrier choice limited to UPS or USPS — Returns are routed through either United Parcel Service or the United States Postal Service; no third‑party carriers are permitted.
• Weight determines carrier assignment — Items under 1 lb are routed to USPS First‑Class Mail, while packages from 1 lb up to 150 lb are assigned to UPS Ground.
• Cost deducted post‑shipment — Amazon records the label cost but bills the seller’s account only when the customer scans the label and ships the package.
• Strict size and weight caps — Labels are not generated for parcels exceeding 150 lb, longer than 108 in, or larger than 165 in when length plus girth are combined.
• Carrier terms become binding — By opting into the prepaid label program, sellers automatically accept the contractual terms of the selected carrier for each return.
• Unused labels incur no charge — If a buyer initiates a return but never ships the item, the seller is not billed for the generated label.

How the Prepaid Return Label System Works

1. Return request triggers label creation — When a buyer clicks “Return” on a seller‑fulfilled order, Amazon’s backend evaluates the product’s weight and dimensions and instantly produces a prepaid label. Example: A 0.8‑lb kitchen gadget generates a USPS First‑Class label within seconds.
2. Carrier selection based on thresholds — The system compares the item’s weight against the 1‑lb cutoff; items above the cutoff are assigned to UPS Ground. Example: A 3‑lb Bluetooth speaker receives a UPS label automatically.