Q for Online Shoppers in the US re: Zappos and Nordstrom Returns, USPS - YouLookFab Forum

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Q for Online Shoppers in the US re: Zappos and Nordstrom Returns, USPS

Emily

Veteran

I have a few questions for US based online shoppers...

I am planning a trip to the states in a couple of weeks. I'll be arriving on Saturday and heading home late Sunday. I plan to have a couple of things shipped to a depot just across the Canada/US border.

Best case, I will try on/decide at the hotel on Saturday night and pop the rejects in the mail on Sunday.
(Found a post office en route that is open Sunday: https://tools.usps.com/go/POLo.....;&amp

So, questions:
1. Is this a viable plan?
2. How do returns from Nordstrom/Zappos work - is a label provided in the package, or will I need to print one off after the fact? If I need to print a label, could I do it from home in advance in case, to avoid having to use the business centre at the hotel?
3. What is the difference between "retail" and "lobby" hours at the post office?
4. Anything other tips re: the USPS?

Worst case, if I need to return anything, I figure I can drop it in the mail from Canada and eat the return shipping cost; but if I can take advantage of sweet, sweet free return shipping, so much the better...

Shopping

17 replies

Latest reply was from Jessica

abc

Veteran

Someone else can chime in with the specifics, but in my experience, the online retailers don't usually ship using the USPS. They use UPS or FedEx and most include the prepaid label inside the original box. You throw in the box whatever you want to return, slap on the label they provided, then drop it at one of their drop off points. Might be worth checking into UPS drop off locations.

Good luck and happy shopping!

ETA: I do the same thing you're doing because I moved to Mexico a few years ago. I find that I do best when I order online ahead of time so the packages are waiting for me when I arrive in the USA. That gives me ample time to try on the items (and allows some cushion in case of delivery delays). Then I box up and return whatever I don't want while I am there with a few days to spare. I think you might run into a problem if you are trying to ship a UPS box on a Sunday, but you can check online to see if there are any drop off points open on the weekends.

Echo

Veteran

In my experience, Nordies includes the prepaid shipping label in the box; Zappos allows you to print the label from your account. I know from experience that you can get return labels from Zappos and it is okay if you never use them. I have received items I was sure I was going to return and then changed my mind after the laels were printed, so I would imagine you could print them at home just in case. Zappos usually ships UPS, although I think they give you the option of returning vias USPS. My Nordies orders have all had USPS return labels.

Anonymous

Nordstrom provides a return label, but most Nordstrom items come in boxes, even if it's just one item. You won't be able to put those boxes in a drop box. You literally need to hand the package over to a postal worker.

With Zappos, you need to log into your account, specify the order you want to return, print out the label and wait for an email to come that you then print out and include with your order. To my knowledge, Zappos only accepts returns via UPS nowadays.

In short, I don't think your plan will work. You won't be able to drop the Nordstrom order in a US Postal Box. "Lobby hours" refer literally to just the lobby of a post office, where people can access their P.O. boxes. "Retail" refers to the counter where there are actual postal workers there to weigh packages, sell stamps, etc.

And like I said, Zappos does its free returns via UPS now. And I'm not sure if you can print out return labels before you actually receive the package.

ETA: I just looked at the post office you linked to. I'm really surprised it has Sunday retail hours listed. The U.S. Postal Service is not known for that kind of service. I mean, in my 37 years as a U.S. citizen, I've never heard of a federal business being open on a Sunday. I'd call ahead and verify this.

abc

Veteran

I should have been more clear, sorry! I was imagining a UPS drop off point, usually I end up using a place like Mail Boxes ETC or a UPS office location, where you walk in with the box and hand it to a person behind the counter, as Anne mentioned. You can find these locations on http://www.ups.com or http://www.usps.com for US postal service.

I still think you can do it, you just have to plan it very well like I mentioned. Have the stuff delivered to your location so it is there early in your trip, if not waiting on you when you arrive, then package up what you don't want and return it ASAP to a walk in location of the carrier (meaning usually M-F business hours).

Another thing to keep in mind, wherever you ship the stuff, they might need to sign for the package. I have run into that issue too - if you address the package to yourself and you are not there to sign sometimes they won't allow it to be delivered. So be careful how you address the packages (in the Ship To section of the retailer's website). If you are going to be at a hotel, call ahead and ask them if they will accept it (I always do this and they always say it's no problem, just make sure it has the word GUEST on the box with your name, or get the name of someone who is at the hotel front desk to receive it for you). It just takes a little legwork but it is do-able in my experience.

Good luck!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Nordstrom includes a return label inside the package. I don't know about Zappos, since I haven't ordered from them before.

If you have to return something from Zappos, chances are that you'll have to print out your own return label (I've had to do this with Amazon). It's easy to do though.

I'd be concerned more about the shipping back on a Sunday aspect - seems my orders mostly come via UPS (brown truck). What I do is go to a nearby UPS Store and drop off return boxes.

That said - there is a Nordstrom Rack store quite close to me, and I found out that they'll accept returns from Nordstrom or Nordstrom dot com, so the last time I needed to return something, I just returned it to the local Nordstrom Rack store. It was easy, painless and simple. Is this an option for you? Is there a Nordstrom store anywhere near where you'll be staying or maybe en route back?

Oh, and usually when I've had to print out a return label (such is the case with Amazon, and might be for Zappos), I have to log into my account, indicate which items are being returned and it generates the label for me. I haven't had to wait for a confirmation e-mail though.

Hmm...if you were leaving on a Monday, I'd say this was a feasible plan, but I'm worried about finding the appropriate UPS Store location on a Sunday. Perhaps look for a UPS Store in the area you'll be and give them a call or send them an e-mail? I'm pretty sure UPS will accept parcels for you too.

I did a quick search and found these:

http://www.theupsstore.com/pag.....only=false

Good luck!

Emily

Veteran

Thanks guys for the responses - this information is really useful.

abc - Thanks for sharing your experience and tips! There is a depot just over the border that I've received packages at before, so I'll use that service again. Good point re: UPS/Fedex for shipping; I had assumed USPS, but I will take a second look.

Echo - It is great to know that I should be able to print a label in advance. Thanks!

Anne - Really appreciate the nordstrom/zappos return specifics. I thought the Sunday hours were too good to be true and will definitely confirm. Like I said, worst case, I pay for return shipping from Canada when I am home - it'll still be cheaper than brokerage fees/duty via FiftyOne

VelvetyChocolate - Yes, the Sunday mailing is my main concern as well! I've located a couple of UPS drop boxes in the area so I think I might be okay if return is via UPS, but I will definitely get that straight before I go.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I think the Sunday logistics are the hardest part of what you plan. Drop boxes are not very big, so if you ordered, say, boots, this plan may not work.

One possibility is to have your hotel send them. Many nice hotels will do this for you. If you are not staying at a nice hotel, find one and ask them.

Anonymous

Yeah, UPS drop boxes usually have size limits and they aren't very generous. I wouldn't count on just dropping something off.

Kristin L

Veteran

I recently had to return something to Zappos. I had to print out the label online and they clearly stated not to drop the box in a drop box. They do have an option where you can print out a USPS form.

Diana

Veteran

As the others have already mentioned, nordies' returns are by USPS and Zappos by UPS. In my experience, the boxes won't fit in the drop box (although I've never tried UPS, since I live down the street from the UPS store.) However, if the thing you're returning is small (like just a top or something) you can bring a padded envelope and ship it back that way, in which case it will fit in the box. Doesn't work for shoes though!

Another thought: maybe the hotel would be willing to give your package (the USPS one anyway) to the letter carrier for you the next day? They probably have a mail room that is staffed all day, in which case someone can just give your package to the letter carrier when he or she arrives on monday.

unfrumped

Veteran

I thought Nordies' returns were UPS at first, so I took them there.

First time no comment whatsoever, so I was still in the weeds.

Then DH dropped one off at UPS for me and the guy told him, by the way, these are for USPS, but he took it anyway. They may have some kind of arrangement for when that happens.

Not suggesting you make a habit of it, but in a pinch it may be that UPS does not care.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Emily, when i shipped Zappos and Nordstrom orders to the hotel in US I was facing a
problem how to ship them back as I did not have a car and could not lag those 8 boxes in a bus.
What I found is that you cna arrange to pick up your shipments from your hotel. it costs $5 for UPS and you can do it online. For USPS it is a free service you need to book online as well.
So if you are staying in a hotel (not motel) you can do it this way. In this case it does not matter if you leave on Sunday because they can pick them up the folowing day. Just talk to a receptionist in the hotel and make sure she puts your boxes in the mail room with the note to ship them.
You can print labels for Zappos in the hotel as well from your online account, Nordstrom has their USPS label included in the box but oyu can also print it online.

cciele

Veteran

FYI, the UPS Store will take USPS prepaid packages for you (or get you set up with a USPS paid label if needed). I find it's great I can drop off both UPS and USPS boxes in one stop!

Emily

Veteran

To follow up -

My returns were both to Nordstrom via USPS, and there is a USPS open until 5 on Saturday in a mall near the shipping depot I shipped to. Tried on the items in the mall restroom (a little weird, but hey!), packed up in the food court, and shipped back without incident.

thanks again

rae

(website)

Veteran

Nordies uses USPS and includes the label inside. The USPS retail hours are when you can go to the counter and pay for the package, while the lobby hours are when you can use a smaller drop-box for pre-printed postage. In my area, the post office is closed Sundays.

Zappos uses UPS and does NOT include the label; you have to print those out yourself. You'd have to go to a separate UPS shipping location to ship this.

HOWEVER, there are some independent shipping places that are authorized shippers for USPS, UPS, and Fedex all in one. These are sometimes even open on Sundays and will give you a receipt proving that you gave them your package to ship (in case the delivery gets lost).

abc

Veteran

Emily, I am so glad it worked out for you. Now you have it down pat so next time will be easier.

Jessica

Member

I am very, very familiar with the Zappos returns and shipping.

We can do returns through UPS as well as USPS. They normally ship through UPS unless it's going to a PO Box or Hawaii/Alaska/APOs.

It doesn't come with a return label as it covers the cost of the return and they need to know what is being returned.