The Best Way To Handle Returns If You Don't Own a Printer

Not owning a printer shouldn't stop you from making returns. In fact, printer-free returns are often easier and faster than traditional printed-label returns. This guide covers the absolute best strategies for handling returns when you don't own a printer, from the easiest methods to backup plans when things don't go as expected.

Why Printer-Free Returns Are Actually Better

Before we dive into methods, it's worth understanding why printer-free returns can be superior:

Advantages

• Faster: No time spent printing, cutting, and attaching labels
• Less error-prone: Staff handles label application
• More convenient: Everything on your phone
• No packaging stress: Many locations handle packaging
• Mobile-first: Designed for how people actually shop today

The Reality

Over 60% of people under 35 don't own printers, and retailers have adapted. Printer-free returns aren't a workaround—they're often the preferred method.

Method 1: QR Code Returns (Best Overall)

QR code returns are the gold standard for printer-free returns. They're fast, easy, and available for most major retailers.

How QR Code Returns Work

The process is beautifully simple:

1. Start return online or in app
2. Select QR code return option
3. Receive QR code (via app, email, or text)
4. Bring item to participating location
5. Show QR code to staff
6. They handle everything else

Where QR Codes Work Best

Amazon returns:

• Kohl's: Best option—no packaging, $5 bonus, super easy
• Whole Foods: Great if you shop there anyway
• UPS Store: Some locations, may need packaging
• Amazon Lockers: For smaller items

Other retailers:

• Check return options—many now offer QR codes
• Often available through mobile apps
• Growing number of locations

Why QR Codes Are Best

• Zero printing: Everything digital
• No packaging needed: At many locations
• Faster than printed labels: Staff handles it
• Less room for error: Professional application
• Mobile-friendly: Everything on your phone

Pro Tips for QR Code Returns

1. Screenshot the QR code: In case your phone dies or loses service
2. Charge your phone: Before heading to drop-off
3. Know your order number: Backup if QR code has issues
4. Check location hours: Before you go
5. Bring ID: Some locations require it

Method 2: Mobile App Returns

Most major retailers have mobile apps with return features that eliminate printing needs.

Amazon Mobile App

Features:

• Generate QR codes
• View return options
• Find drop-off locations
• Track return status
• Access all return methods

Best for: People who shop Amazon frequently and want everything in one place.

Retailer Apps

Common features:

• Return initiation
• QR code generation
• Store locators
• Return tracking
• Digital receipts

Check your retailer's app—many have added robust return features.

Advantages of App Returns

• Everything in one place: No switching between email and websites
• Push notifications: Updates on return status
• Location services: Find nearest drop-off
• Offline access: Some features work offline
• Consistent experience: Same app for shopping and returns

Method 3: Show Label on Phone Screen

Even when a printed label is "required," you can often show it on your phone instead.

How It Works

1. Access return label on your phone (email, website, app)
2. Make sure barcode is clear (zoom in if needed)
3. Show to staff member
4. They scan from your screen or enter manually

When This Works

Best for:

• Small to medium packages
• Prepaid returns
• Locations with helpful staff
• Standard return labels

May not work for:

• Large packages (label needs to be attached)
• Self-service drop boxes
• Some automated systems
• International returns

Tips for Phone Screen Labels

1. Increase brightness: Makes barcode easier to scan
2. Zoom in: So barcode fills screen
3. Clean screen: Smudges can interfere with scanning
4. Have backup: Order number in case scanning fails
5. Test first: Try zooming before you go

Method 4: Return Pickup Services

Pickup services handle everything, including any printing that might be needed.

How Pickup Services Work

1. Schedule pickup (online, app, or text)
2. Leave package ready (or they help package)
3. Driver picks up from your door
4. Service handles printing (if label needed)
5. Service drops off at carrier
6. You get confirmation with photo proof

What They Handle

• Label printing: If needed
• Packaging: If you need help
• Drop-off: At the right carrier location
• Tracking: You get updates
• Proof: Photo confirmation of drop-off

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Cost: Typically $10-25 per return

Time saved:

• No driving to drop-off: 15-30 minutes
• No waiting in line: 10-25 minutes
• No packaging stress: 5-10 minutes
• No printing issues: 5-10 minutes

Total time saved: 35-75 minutes per return

Worth it if: Your time is worth more than $15-20/hour, or you have multiple returns.

Best For

• Busy professionals: Time is valuable
• Multiple returns: Batch them together
• People with mobility issues: No need to leave home
• Bad weather: Don't want to go out
• Remote locations: Far from drop-off points

Method 5: Library or Office Supply Printing

If you absolutely must print, you can do it without owning a printer.

Public Libraries

Advantages:

• Usually cheapest option (10-25 cents per page)
• Free computer access
• Helpful staff
• Available in most communities

How to use:

1. Find your local library
2. Use their computers
3. Access return label (email, website)
4. Print
5. Pay small fee

Office Supply Stores

Staples, Office Depot, etc.:

• Printing services available
• Usually $0.10-0.25 per page
• Can email document to store
• Staff assistance

How to use:

1. Email label PDF to store's print center
2. Or bring on USB drive
3. Or access from your phone
4. Staff prints it
5. Pay and attach to package

Shipping Stores

UPS Store, FedEx Office:

• Can print labels for you
• Often included with services
• May charge small fee if just printing
• Very convenient

Method 6: Return to Physical Store

Many online purchases can be returned to physical stores without any label.

How Store Returns Work

1. Bring item to store (with receipt or order number)
2. Go to customer service or returns desk
3. Show order confirmation (on phone is fine)
4. They process return
5. Get refund or store credit

Advantages

• No label needed: Store handles it
• Immediate refund: Usually processed on the spot
• No shipping: Item stays at store
• Can exchange: Often easier than online exchange

Which Retailers Allow This

Common options:

• Target
• Walmart
• Best Buy
• Macy's
• Nordstrom
• Many others

Check retailer policy—policies vary, and some items must be returned by mail.

Choosing the Best Method for You

Decision Framework

Ask yourself:

1. What retailer? (Different retailers have different options)
2. How many returns? (Multiple returns favor pickup services)
3. How far to drop-off? (Far = pickup service advantage)
4. Do you have time? (Busy = pickup service)
5. Is item packaged? (Unpackaged = QR code advantage)
6. What's your budget? (Free = QR code/store return, Paid = pickup service)

Quick Decision Guide

Fastest overall: QR code at Kohl's/Whole Foods (Amazon) or store return Most convenient: Return pickup service Cheapest: QR code returns or store returns (free) Best for multiple returns: Pickup service (batch them) Best backup plan: Library printing or show label on phone

Common Scenarios and Solutions

Scenario 1: Amazon Return, No Printer, Live Near Kohl's

Best method: QR code return at Kohl's

• No printer needed
• No packaging needed
• Get $5 Kohl's Cash
• Super fast and easy

Scenario 2: Multiple Returns, Busy Schedule

Best method: Return pickup service

• Schedule one pickup for all returns
• Service handles everything
• Saves significant time
• Worth the cost for time savings

Scenario 3: Single Return, Tight Budget

Best method: QR code return or show label on phone

• Free options
• Use what's available
• May need to package yourself
• Still no printer needed

Scenario 4: Return Must Be Mailed, No Printer Access

Best method: Library printing or pickup service

• Library is cheapest ($0.10-0.25)
• Pickup service is most convenient
• Choose based on budget vs. convenience

Tips for Success

General Tips

1. Check options first: Before starting return, see what's available
2. Use mobile apps: Often have best printer-free options
3. Screenshot QR codes: Backup in case phone issues
4. Charge your phone: Before heading out
5. Know order numbers: Backup if QR code fails
6. Bring ID: Some locations require it
7. Check location hours: Before you go

For QR Code Returns

• Screenshot the code
• Increase phone brightness
• Clean phone screen
• Have order number ready
• Know location hours

For Pickup Services

• Package items securely
• Leave in accessible location
• Include all original items
• Note any special instructions
• Be available during pickup window

The Bottom Line

Not owning a printer is no longer a barrier to returns. QR code returns are the best overall solution—they're free, fast, and often don't require packaging. For multiple returns or when time is valuable, pickup services are worth the cost. And when all else fails, libraries and office supply stores can print labels for pennies.

The key is knowing your options and choosing the method that fits your situation. With so many printer-free options available, there's no reason to let a lack of printer stop you from making returns.

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