Pitney Bowes has announced along with PackageHub, the second-largest franchise system of retail shipping stores in the US. the launch of a returns drop-off network. The network enables no-box and no-label returns at nearly 1,000 convenient locations, with hundreds more launching soon across the US. Pitney Bowes suggests this network will be available at no additional cost to retailers or consumers. Ecommerce brands who already use Pitney Bowes returns service and platform partners will immediately have access to the drop-off network. No additional integration is required. This launch augments the existing network of 30,000 postal locations where currently Pitney Bowes offers no-label returns.
Gregg Zegras, EVP and President, Global Ecommerce at Pitney Bowes says, “Ecommerce returns are among the fastest-growing costs for retailers. Costs that are sure to increase given the historic levels of online shopping we’ve seen this holiday.”
“We have the longest-standing eCommerce returns service in the industry. With the launch of this network with our partner, PackageHub, we have access to their network of premium drop-off locations. This is the most comprehensive returns service, capable of lowering the cost of returns while simultaneously improving the consumer experience.”
“By aligning with Pitney Bowes, we are poised to deliver a premium returns experience to both merchants and consumers through PackageHub Returns. This ensures a mutually beneficial outcome,” said Brandon Gale, CEO of PackageHub. “The Pitney Bowes’ returns approach seamlessly complements our strategic vision. We eagerly welcome them in the PackageHub family. We believe this partnership offers an incredible value-add to our ever-increasing network of PackageHub store owners.”
Reduced exceptions during processing
No-label returns using a QR code have shown up to a 30% reduction in exceptions versus packages labelled by consumers. Every exception can streamline the return processing costs for the retailer and expedite customer refunds.
Reduction of fraud
No-box returns reduce the likelihood of incorrect or invalid items being returned—often a tactic employed by fraudsters. According to Pitney Bowes most recent BOXpoll retailer survey almost 40% of online retailers say returns fraud is one of their top challenges.
Increased consumer convenience
With the growth of online shopping since the COVID pandemic, consumers increasingly see returns drop-off locations as a convenience. Especially for one-third of consumers who do not have a place to securely leave packages at home for carrier pickup.
Enterprise Times: What this means for business
Pitney Bowes suggests this fast-expanding network will offer a convenient returns service across the US. Furthermore, the additional hundreds of locations will be available at no additional cost to retailers or consumers. Brands who already use Pitney Bowes returns service and its platform partners will immediately have access to the drop-off network, with no additional integration required.
Both parties suggest the new returns drop-off network is a win-win for retailers and consumers. At this stage, it is still uncertain of the business model on which this expanded service is based on. One can only assume that both companies expect to benefit from the economies of scale generated by the expanded network. If providing this network provides a more positive user experience for customers returning goods, then both consumers or retailers will benefit.
