Free Return Label Maker & Generator

Create return shipping labels to include with orders or email to customers — completely free. This return label generator works for UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL. Need a prepaid return label or a return label template? Enter addresses below, swap sender and recipient with one click, and download a print-ready PDF in seconds.

How it works:Your business address goes in the “To” field (packages come back to you). The customer’s address goes in the “From” field. Use the Swap Addresses button to instantly reverse any outbound label into a return label.
From (Sender)
To (Recipient)
Package Details
Label Options

Encodes the Reference Number above as a real, scannable code. Not a carrier tracking barcode — use for your own order IDs, SKUs, or RMA numbers.

Label Preview

SHIPPING LABEL
From:
Sender address
Ship To:
Recipient address
Enter reference # to generate barcode
REF-000000
shippinglabel.co
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How it works: We format the label with your barcode/QR. Buy postage from your carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL) — they add the tracking barcode at drop-off.

Watch: swap & print a return label (17 seconds)

One click swaps the addresses on an outbound label — then print. The whole flow, one take.

How to Create a Return Shipping Label

1

Enter your business address

Type your warehouse or return center address in the "To" (recipient) field. This is where packages will be shipped back to.

2

Enter your customer's address

Add the customer's address in the "From" (sender) field — or use the Swap button to reverse an existing outbound label instantly.

3

Download and send

Choose your carrier format, download the PDF, and either include it in the outbound package or email the PDF to your customer.

Return Labels by Carrier

Our return label maker generates the formatted label document — you purchase the actual return postage separately through your carrier. Here’s how each carrier handles prepaid return labels:

USPS Return Labels

USPS offers several return options: Ground Advantage Return, Priority Mail Return, and Priority Mail Express Return. Purchase postage through USPS Click-N-Ship or Pirate Ship, then use our generator to format the label. USPS Ground Advantage is the cheapest option for packages under 15.99 oz.

UPS Return Labels

UPS return labels work through UPS Print Return Label or Electronic Return Label (ERL). Format the label address layout here, then purchase UPS postage through UPS.com or a third-party platform like ShipStation. UPS Ground is cost-effective for heavier return packages.

FedEx Return Labels

FedEx supports FedEx Ground Return and FedEx Express return options. Create the formatted return label here and pair it with FedEx postage purchased through FedEx Ship Manager or a shipping platform. FedEx Ground is typically the best value for standard return shipments.

DHL Return Labels

DHL return labels are primarily used for international returns. Use our generator to create the formatted label, then coordinate return postage through DHL.com or your freight broker. DHL is most cost-effective for international e-commerce returns.

Prepaid Return Label vs. Return Label Template

Prepaid Return Label

A prepaid return label is a return label where the seller has already paid the postage. The customer just drops the package off — no payment needed on their end. This is standard for:

  • ✓ E-commerce stores with a free returns policy
  • ✓ Warranty returns where you're covering the cost
  • ✓ Subscription boxes with prepaid return envelopes
  • ✓ Marketplaces like eBay, Poshmark where seller pays return shipping

Workflow: Buy postage on Pirate Ship or USPS.com, then format the label here.

Return Label Template

A return label template is the formatted label document with the correct carrier layout, address fields, and barcode zones — without postage pre-attached. Use it to:

  • ✓ Give customers the label format to take to a post office
  • ✓ Include in the box when the customer pays return shipping
  • ✓ Use as the base for printing postage elsewhere
  • ✓ Office or internal returns with hand-applied postage

This tool generates a return label template — postage is purchased separately from your carrier.

Can't Print a Return Label? Where to Get One Printed

No printer is the most common return problem, and you have more options than it seems. These are for someone returning a package with a label the seller or carrier already created.

1. Show a QR code instead

Many retailers let you choose a QR code instead of a printable label when you start the return. You show the code on your phone and staff print the label for you — normally at no charge, because the return is already paid for.

  • USPS — Label Broker QR codes are scanned and printed at the Post Office counter.
  • UPS — The UPS Store can print a label from a UPS return QR code.
  • FedEx — FedEx Office and participating FedEx locations print labels from a FedEx QR code.
  • Amazon — most Amazon returns offer a QR code, and Amazon shows which drop-off points accept it for each return.

The QR option usually has to be picked when you start the return, so check the retailer's returns page or your return email for a “QR code” or “no printer” choice.

2. Print it somewhere else

  • Public libraries usually offer low-cost printing.
  • Print counters at FedEx Office, The UPS Store, Staples and Office Depot print a PDF for a small per-page fee.
  • A friend's or work printer — the label just needs to print clear, black and full size.

More ideas in our guide to printing a shipping label without a printer.

3. Ask the seller

If none of that works, ask the seller to mail you a printed label. Many will, especially for warranty returns.

Returning something? Use the real label the seller or carrier gave you. A label you make yourself — here or anywhere else — does not include paid postage.

Who Needs a Return Label Maker

eBay & Poshmark Sellers

Include a prepaid return label with every shipment to meet marketplace return policies and protect your seller rating.

E-Commerce Stores

Email a return label PDF to customers after a return request. Faster than mailing a physical label and reduces back-and-forth.

Subscription Boxes

Add a return label to every box for easy product exchanges or sample returns. Keep the label template saved for batch printing.

Warranty & B2B

Send customers a return label for defective products. Include it in the original shipment or email it on demand.

Return Label FAQ

How do I create a return shipping label?
Enter the customer's address in the 'From' field and your business address in the 'To' field. This creates a label the customer attaches to the package to send it back to you. Use the Swap button to instantly reverse any existing outbound label. Download as PDF and either print it yourself or email it to the customer.
What is a prepaid return label?
A prepaid return label is a return shipping label where the seller has already paid the postage. The customer just drops the package off at a carrier location — they don't pay anything. You create the label format here, then purchase postage through USPS.com, UPS.com, Pirate Ship, or your shipping platform. The two steps together create a complete prepaid return label.
How do I make a return label for UPS?
Enter addresses above (your address in 'To', customer's address in 'From'), select UPS as the carrier, and download the formatted PDF. Then purchase UPS return postage through UPS.com (UPS Print Return Label) or through a platform like Pirate Ship. Attach the purchased postage to the formatted label, or use the carrier portal to generate a complete prepaid label.
Can I email a return label to my customer?
Yes — download the label as a PDF and attach it to an email. The customer prints it, attaches it to their package, and drops it off. This is the most common workflow for e-commerce stores. For even more convenience, use a platform that sends the label link directly to the customer via SMS.
Should I include return labels with every shipment?
It depends on how often you get returns. A label in the box makes returning easy, and an easy return policy can make shoppers more willing to buy. The trade-off: a prepaid label bought in advance costs money even if it is never used, unless your carrier offers pay-on-use return labels. Many sellers put return instructions in every box and send a label only when a customer asks for one.
Does the customer pay for return shipping?
That depends on your return policy. With a prepaid return label, you (the seller) cover postage costs. With a return label template only, the customer pays at the post office or carrier location. Both options are supported — this tool creates the label format. Postage is purchased separately through your carrier or a discounted shipping platform like Pirate Ship.
What if I can't print a return label?
Choose a QR-code return if the retailer offers one — you show the code and USPS, UPS or FedEx staff print the label for you. Otherwise print the PDF at a public library or an office print counter, or ask the seller to mail you a printed label.
Where can I get a return label printed?
At a Post Office if you have a USPS Label Broker QR code, at The UPS Store or FedEx Office with that carrier's QR code, or from a PDF at a public library or an office supply store's print counter. Printing from a prepaid return QR code is normally free; print stores charge a small per-page fee.
What's the difference between a return label and a return address label?
A return shipping label contains full carrier routing information, barcodes, and service type — it's used to ship a package back. A return address label is a simple sticker with just your address, used on envelopes and packages for the sender's return address. For return shipping, you need a return shipping label. For simple sender info, use our Address Label Maker.
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