Mail Manners

[matanai]

Is it kosher if, when doing returns on Amazon/Ebay, you return the item in the original envelope and just write "RETURN TO SENDER" on it?

(I bought the wrong memory card, I need to exchange it and I don't have anything else to send it in... and I don't want to pay for postage)

Comments

[kittencuffs]

It's risky to do it that way.

Also, sometimes the post office won't accept things marked that way if they've obviously been opened.

[crustyshoes]

Honestly, I'd suck it up and pay for the postage. It wont be too expensive and then you actually have proof that you sent it. If you just write "return to sender" you may end up without a refund. I'd keep it in the same envelope and put new address stickers over top. Is that possible to do?

[foxhack]

Um. Sure! If you don't mind the item getting there in like, oh, two or three months. Return to Sender packages or letters can take that long to be returned. :(

[p0rcelain_girl]

Nope. I am a postal service guru and doing it that way:

1. Is more likely to end up as a lost package than any other method
2. Does not count as a returned item Amazon/Ebay-wise (a DC number is generally required, esp. if it was bought from a seller through one of those sites)
3. Constitutes mail fraud if the package has been opened, and, silly as it sounds, is a serious federal crime, haha.

Just turn the envelope inside-out (unless it is a priority mailer; those can only be used to re-mail priority, which is more expensive) and pay for the postage through Paypal if you have an account/printer/know how much the package weighs (it should be on the label it came to you with). It's cheaper than paying for it through the PO itself.

/someone who buys/sells too much online.