Amazon Drop-Off Options Compared: UPS, Kohl's, USPS & Lockers (2025)

Amazon offers multiple drop-off locations for returns, each with different benefits, requirements, and experiences. This comprehensive guide compares all major options so you can choose the best method for your situation.

Overview of Amazon Return Drop-Off Options

Amazon has expanded return options significantly. Here are the main drop-off locations:

1. UPS Store - Most common, QR code option
2. Kohl's - No packaging, $5 coupon bonus
3. USPS - Traditional mail-in option
4. Amazon Lockers - Automated, 24/7 access
5. Whole Foods - Combine with shopping
6. FedEx - For certain items
7. Staples - Limited locations

Option 1: UPS Store Drop-Off

UPS Store is Amazon's most popular return drop-off location, with over 5,000 locations nationwide.

How It Works

1. Start return on Amazon
2. Select "UPS Store" as drop-off location
3. Get QR code on your phone
4. Take item to any UPS Store
5. Show QR code (no box or label needed!)
6. Get instant confirmation

Pros

• ✅ Widely available - Over 5,000 locations
• ✅ No packaging required - UPS handles it
• ✅ QR code option - No printer needed
• ✅ Fast processing - Usually 2-3 days for refund
• ✅ Accepts large items - No size restrictions
• ✅ Professional service - Trained staff

Cons

• ❌ Wait times - Can be 10-30 minutes during peak hours
• ❌ Location dependent - May not be close to you
• ❌ Weekend crowds - Saturdays are busiest
• ❌ Parking challenges - Some locations have limited parking

Time Investment

• Drive time: 10-20 minutes (varies by location)
• Wait time: 10-30 minutes (varies by time of day)
• Processing time: 2-5 minutes
• Total: 22-55 minutes per return

Cost

• Return fee: Free (Amazon covers it)
• Gas: $2-5
• Wear on car: $3-8
• Total cost: $5-13 (your time not included)

Best For

• Standard-sized items
• When UPS Store is convenient
• When you want reliable service
• When you have time to wait

Worst Times to Go

• Saturday mornings (10 AM - 2 PM)
• Weekday lunch hours (12-1 PM)
• First week of January (holiday returns)
• End of month (business returns)

Option 2: Kohl's Drop-Off

Kohl's has partnered with Amazon to offer completely box-free returns with a bonus incentive.

How It Works

1. Start return on Amazon
2. Select "Kohl's Drop-Off"
3. Get QR code
4. Take item to Kohl's (no box needed)
5. Show QR code at Amazon Returns counter
6. Get $5 Kohl's Cash coupon
7. Instant processing

Pros

• ✅ No packaging required - Completely box-free
• ✅ $5 Kohl's Cash bonus - Every return earns coupon
• ✅ Fast processing - Usually 2-3 days for refund
• ✅ Large items accepted - No size restrictions
• ✅ Dedicated counter - Amazon Returns area
• ✅ Combine with shopping - You're at Kohl's anyway

Cons

• ❌ Limited locations - 1,100+ stores (fewer than UPS)
• ❌ Store hours - Not 24/7 (typically 9 AM - 9 PM)
• ❌ May have lines - Especially weekends
• ❌ Must visit store - Can't use drop box

Time Investment

• Drive time: 10-20 minutes
• Wait time: 5-15 minutes
• Processing time: 2-5 minutes
• Total: 17-40 minutes

Cost

• Return fee: Free
• Gas: $2-5
• Wear on car: $3-8
• Bonus: $5 Kohl's Cash (reduces effective cost)
• Total cost: $0-8 (after coupon value)

Best For

• Large or awkward items
• When you want the $5 bonus
• When Kohl's is convenient
• When you shop at Kohl's anyway
• Multiple returns (earn multiple coupons)

Kohl's Locations

Kohl's has over 1,100 locations, primarily in:

• Suburban areas
• Shopping centers
• Near major highways
• Most major metro areas

Option 3: USPS Drop-Off

USPS is the traditional mail-in return option, available at post offices and blue collection boxes.

How It Works

1. Start return on Amazon
2. Select "USPS" as carrier
3. Print return label
4. Package item yourself
5. Affix label to package
6. Drop at post office or blue box
7. Track return

Pros

• ✅ Widely available - Post offices everywhere
• ✅ Blue collection boxes - 24/7 drop-off option
• ✅ Familiar process - Most people know how
• ✅ Free for prepaid - No additional cost
• ✅ Tracking included - USPS tracking number

Cons

• ❌ Packaging required - You must box item
• ❌ Label printing needed - Must print at home
• ❌ Long lines - Post offices can be very busy
• ❌ Slower processing - Usually 5-7 days for refund
• ❌ Size limitations - For blue box drops
• ❌ Weight restrictions - For blue box drops

Time Investment

• Packaging: 10-20 minutes
• Label printing: 5-10 minutes
• Drive time: 10-20 minutes
• Wait time: 15-45 minutes (post office lines)
• Processing: 2-5 minutes
• Total: 42-100 minutes

Cost

• Return fee: Free
• Packaging materials: $2-10 (if buying boxes)
• Gas: $2-5
• Wear on car: $3-8
• Total cost: $7-23

Best For

• Small items that fit in blue box
• When post office is very close
• When you have packaging materials
• When you don't mind slower processing

Worst Times for Post Office

• Saturday mornings (9-11 AM)
• Lunch hours (12-1 PM)
• First of month (bills, packages)
• Holiday seasons (November-December)

Option 4: Amazon Lockers

Amazon Lockers are automated kiosks located in various retail locations, offering 24/7 return access.

How It Works

1. Start return on Amazon
2. Select "Amazon Locker"
3. Choose nearby locker location
4. Get return code
5. Visit locker location
6. Enter code to open locker
7. Place item in locker
8. Close door
9. Get confirmation

Pros

• ✅ 24/7 access - Available anytime
• ✅ No lines - Completely automated
• ✅ Fast - 2-5 minute process
• ✅ No human interaction - Privacy
• ✅ Multiple locations - Whole Foods, 7-Eleven, etc.

Cons

• ❌ Size limitations - Must fit in locker compartment
• ❌ Packaging may be required - Depends on item
• ❌ Not for all items - Large items excluded
• ❌ Location dependent - May not be close
• ❌ No assistance - If something goes wrong

Time Investment

• Drive time: 5-15 minutes
• Locker process: 2-5 minutes
• Total: 7-20 minutes

Cost

• Return fee: Free
• Gas: $2-5
• Wear on car: $3-8
• Total cost: $5-13

Best For

• Small to medium items
• When you want 24/7 access
• When locker is very close
• When you prefer automation
• Quick, simple returns

Locker Locations

Amazon Lockers are found at:

• Whole Foods stores
• 7-Eleven locations
• GNC stores
• Rite Aid locations
• Apartment buildings
• College campuses
• Office buildings

Option 5: Whole Foods Drop-Off

Whole Foods (owned by Amazon) accepts returns at customer service desks.

How It Works

1. Start return on Amazon
2. Select "Whole Foods Drop-Off"
3. Get QR code
4. Visit Whole Foods customer service
5. Show QR code
6. They process return
7. Get confirmation

Pros

• ✅ No packaging required - They handle it
• ✅ Combine with shopping - You're there anyway
• ✅ Fast processing - Usually 2-3 days
• ✅ Large items accepted - No size limits
• ✅ QR code option - No printer needed

Cons

• ❌ Limited locations - Only Whole Foods stores
• ❌ Store hours - Not 24/7
• ❌ May have lines - Customer service can be busy
• ❌ Location dependent - May not be close

Time Investment

• Drive time: 10-20 minutes
• Wait time: 5-15 minutes
• Processing: 2-5 minutes
• Total: 17-40 minutes

Cost

• Return fee: Free
• Gas: $2-5
• Wear on car: $3-8
• Total cost: $5-13

Best For

• When you shop at Whole Foods
• When you want to combine errands
• When Whole Foods is convenient
• Large items
• No packaging returns

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

| Factor | UPS Store | Kohl's | USPS | Amazon Locker | Whole Foods | |--------|-----------|--------|------|---------------|-------------| | Locations | 5,000+ | 1,100+ | 30,000+ | 2,000+ | 500+ | | Packaging Needed | No | No | Yes | Sometimes | No | | Printer Needed | No (QR code) | No (QR code) | Yes | No | No (QR code) | | Wait Time | 10-30 min | 5-15 min | 15-45 min | 0 min | 5-15 min | | Total Time | 22-55 min | 17-40 min | 42-100 min | 7-20 min | 17-40 min | | Size Limits | No | No | Yes (blue box) | Yes | No | | 24/7 Access | No | No | Yes (blue box) | Yes | No | | Refund Speed | 2-3 days | 2-3 days | 5-7 days | 2-3 days | 2-3 days | | Bonus | None | $5 coupon | None | None | None | | Best For | Standard items | Large items | Small items | Small items | Combine shopping |

Detailed Time Breakdown

UPS Store Return

• Preparation: 0 minutes (no packaging)
• Drive to store: 10-20 minutes
• Parking: 1-3 minutes
• Wait in line: 10-30 minutes
• Processing: 2-5 minutes
• Drive home: 10-20 minutes
• Total: 33-78 minutes

Kohl's Return

• Preparation: 0 minutes (no packaging)
• Drive to store: 10-20 minutes
• Parking: 1-3 minutes
• Wait in line: 5-15 minutes
• Processing: 2-5 minutes
• Drive home: 10-20 minutes
• Total: 28-63 minutes

USPS Return

• Packaging item: 10-20 minutes
• Printing label: 5-10 minutes
• Affixing label: 2-5 minutes
• Drive to post office: 10-20 minutes
• Parking: 1-3 minutes
• Wait in line: 15-45 minutes
• Processing: 2-5 minutes
• Drive home: 10-20 minutes
• Total: 55-128 minutes

Amazon Locker Return

• Preparation: 0-10 minutes (if packaging needed)
• Drive to locker: 5-15 minutes
• Parking: 1-2 minutes
• Locker process: 2-5 minutes
• Drive home: 5-15 minutes
• Total: 13-47 minutes

Cost Analysis

Hidden Costs of Each Method

UPS Store:

• Gas: $2-5
• Wear on car: $3-8
• Time value (30 min @ $20/hr): $10
• Total: $15-23

Kohl's:

• Gas: $2-5
• Wear on car: $3-8
• Time value (25 min @ $20/hr): $8
• Minus $5 coupon: -$5
• Total: $8-16

USPS:

• Packaging: $2-10
• Gas: $2-5
• Wear on car: $3-8
• Time value (60 min @ $20/hr): $20
• Total: $27-43

Amazon Locker:

• Gas: $2-5
• Wear on car: $3-8
• Time value (15 min @ $20/hr): $5
• Total: $10-18

Best Options by Situation

Best for Large Items

1. Kohl's - No size limits, no packaging
2. UPS Store - No size limits, professional handling
3. Whole Foods - No size limits

Best for Small Items

1. Amazon Locker - Fast, automated, 24/7
2. USPS Blue Box - 24/7, no lines
3. UPS Store - Reliable, fast

Best for Speed

1. Amazon Locker - 7-20 minutes total
2. Kohl's - 17-40 minutes total
3. UPS Store - 22-55 minutes total

Best for Convenience

1. Kohl's - $5 bonus, no packaging
2. Whole Foods - Combine with shopping
3. Amazon Locker - 24/7 access

Best for Cost Savings

1. Kohl's - $5 coupon reduces cost
2. Amazon Locker - Fastest = lowest time cost
3. USPS Blue Box - If very close

Best for No Packaging

1. Kohl's - Completely box-free
2. Whole Foods - No packaging needed
3. UPS Store - QR code = no packaging

The Alternative: Return Pickup Service

All these options require you to leave home. There's another option:

Return Pickup Services

How it works:

1. Book online or via text (1 minute)
2. Leave item on porch
3. We pick up, package, label, and drop off
4. You get photo proof

Benefits:

• ✅ No driving required
• ✅ No waiting in lines
• ✅ No packaging needed
• ✅ We handle everything
• ✅ Works with your schedule

Cost: $15-25 per return

When it makes sense:

• Multiple returns (save hours)
• No car or transportation
• Busy schedule
• Bad weather
• Value time over cost

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: Large Furniture Item

Item: Large desk that doesn't fit in car easily

Best option: Kohl's or pickup service

• Kohl's: No packaging, accepts large items
• Pickup service: We have appropriate vehicle

Scenario 2: Small Electronics, Locker Nearby

Item: Small phone case, locker 3 minutes away

Best option: Amazon Locker

• Fast, automated, no lines
• Perfect for small items

Scenario 3: Multiple Returns, Busy Schedule

Situation: 5 items to return, work long hours

Best option: Pickup service or batch at Kohl's

• Pickup: We handle all 5 at once
• Kohl's: Do all 5 in one trip, get $25 in coupons

Scenario 4: No Car, Apartment Living

Situation: No transportation, multiple returns

Best option: Pickup service

• We come to you
• No transportation needed
• Handle everything

Tips for Each Method

UPS Store Tips

• Go weekday mornings (9-10 AM) for shortest lines
• Avoid Saturdays if possible
• Have QR code ready before entering
• Take screenshot of QR code as backup

Kohl's Tips

• Combine with shopping to maximize value
• Go during weekdays for shorter lines
• Save multiple returns for one trip (multiple coupons)
• Check store hours before going

USPS Tips

• Use blue collection box for prepaid returns (no lines)
• Avoid post office if possible (long lines)
• Package securely (handling can be rough)
• Print label clearly

Amazon Locker Tips

• Check item size before selecting locker
• Have return code ready
• Take photo of confirmation screen
• Test locker door before leaving

The Bottom Line

Each Amazon drop-off option has pros and cons:

• UPS Store: Most locations, reliable, but can have wait times
• Kohl's: Best bonus ($5), no packaging, but fewer locations
• USPS: Everywhere, but requires packaging and has long lines
• Amazon Locker: Fastest, 24/7, but size limitations
• Whole Foods: Combine shopping, but limited locations

Choose based on:

• Item size
• Location convenience
• Time available
• Packaging preferences
• Bonus preferences

Or skip them all and use a pickup service—we come to you, handle everything, and save you hours of time.

Ready to skip the drop-off lines? Learn how Returnful works or text us at 469-790-7579 for same-day pickup.

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Not sure which drop-off option is best? Text us at 469-790-7579 and we'll help you choose, or handle it for you with our pickup service.