UPS, the world’s largest shipping carrier, is engaging in a five-month pilot program with the US Postal Service on returns for Internet retail purchases.
UPS Returns Flexible Access allows consumers, using a special package label, to return items shipped via UPS by placing them in their own mailboxes for USPS pickup or dropping them at the post office or in postal collection boxes.
The labels will be pre-paid by the retailer, who will decide whether to absorb the cost or charge back their customer. A UPS driver will pick the package up from the local post office and return it via the UPS ground network.
Berlin, WI-based Buyseasons Inc., which operates Buycostumes.com, an online seller of costumes and party supplies, is among the preselected Internet retailers participating in the pilot.
The company’s participation in the pilot program is “about getting an array of options to make [customers’] end-to-end experience with us more efficient,” said Terry Rowinski, VP of operations at Buyseasons. “It will be a win-win for both sides.”
