The Smart Way to Handle Multiple Returns at Once

You have 5 returns sitting in your closet. Each one needs packaging, a label, and a trip to a different drop-off location. The thought of handling them all is overwhelming. Sound familiar?

You're not alone. The average online shopper accumulates 3-5 returns before dealing with them. But there's a smart way to handle multiple returns that saves time, money, and stress.

Here's your complete guide to batching returns efficiently.

The Problem with Multiple Returns

Why Multiple Returns Are Overwhelming

• Different retailers: Each has different policies
• Different carriers: UPS, USPS, FedEx, stores
• Different deadlines: Hard to track all of them
• Different packaging: Some need boxes, some don't
• Different locations: Multiple trips required
• Time consuming: 60-90 minutes per return

Total time for 5 returns: 5-7.5 hours if done separately

The Cost of Multiple Returns

If you handle 5 returns separately:

• 5 trips × 30 minutes driving = 2.5 hours driving
• 5 trips × $3 gas = $15 in gas
• 5 trips × wear and tear = $65+ in vehicle costs
• 5 trips × 20 minutes waiting = 1.7 hours waiting

Total cost: $80+ and 5+ hours of your time

Strategy 1: Batch by Carrier

Group returns by carrier to minimize trips.

How It Works

1. Sort returns by carrier:

   • UPS returns: Group together
   • USPS returns: Group together
   • FedEx returns: Group together
   • Store returns: Group together

2. Make one trip per carrier:

   • One trip to UPS Store (all UPS returns)
   • One trip to post office (all USPS returns)
   • One trip to FedEx Office (all FedEx returns)
   • One trip to stores (all store returns)

3. Time saved:

   • Instead of 5 separate trips: 3-4 trips
   • Saves 1-2 hours of driving
   • Saves $6-10 in gas

Example

5 returns:

• 2 Amazon (UPS)
• 1 Target (store)
• 1 Best Buy (UPS)
• 1 random retailer (USPS)

Batched:

• Trip 1: UPS Store (2 Amazon + 1 Best Buy = 3 returns)
• Trip 2: Target store (1 return)
• Trip 3: Post office (1 return)

Result: 3 trips instead of 5. Saves 2 trips and 1 hour.

Strategy 2: Batch by Location

Group returns by drop-off location, even if different carriers.

How It Works

Some locations accept multiple carriers:

• UPS Store: UPS only
• FedEx Office: FedEx only
• Post office: USPS only
• Some stores: Multiple carriers (rare)

But: You can still batch by proximity:

• If UPS Store and Target are in same shopping center: Do both in one trip
• If post office and FedEx are close: Do both in one trip

Example

5 returns:

• 2 UPS returns
• 2 USPS returns
• 1 Target return

Locations:

• UPS Store: 5 miles away
• Post office: 6 miles away (near UPS Store)
• Target: 8 miles away (different direction)

Batched:

• Trip 1: UPS Store + Post office (same area, 2 stops)
• Trip 2: Target (separate trip)

Result: 2 trips instead of 3. Saves 1 trip.

Strategy 3: Create a Returns System

Set up a system to handle returns efficiently.

Step 1: Designate a Returns Area

Create a dedicated space for returns:

• Closet shelf: Designated for returns
• Box in corner: "Returns" box
• Bag by door: Returns bag

Benefits:

• Items don't get lost
• Easy to see what needs returning
• Reminds you to handle them

Step 2: Track Deadlines

Keep a list of return deadlines:

• Calendar: Set reminders
• Notes app: List with dates
• Sticky notes: On items themselves

Format:

• Item: Blue shirt
• Retailer: Amazon
• Deadline: Jan 31
• Carrier: UPS

Step 3: Batch Weekly

Set aside one day per week for returns:

• Saturday morning: Returns day
• Same time: Every week
• Habit: Makes it routine

Benefits:

• Less overwhelming (weekly vs. as-needed)
• More efficient (batch processing)
• Less likely to miss deadlines

Step 4: Prepare in Advance

Before your returns day:

• Start all returns online: Get labels/QR codes ready
• Print labels: If needed (or get QR codes)
• Gather packaging: If needed
• Package items: Night before
• Make list: What goes where

Benefits:

• Faster on returns day
• Less stress
• More organized

Strategy 4: Use Return Pickup Services

The ultimate solution for multiple returns: let someone else handle them all.

How It Works

Return pickup services like Returnful:

• Handle all returns: Regardless of retailer or carrier
• Come to you: One pickup for all items
• We organize: We sort by carrier/location
• We package: If needed
• We print labels: All of them
• We drop off: At the right locations
• You get confirmation: Photo proof for each

Your part: 1 minute to book. List all items. That's it.

Benefits for Multiple Returns

Time savings:

• Your time: 1 minute to book
• Our time: We handle everything
• Total saved: 5+ hours for 5 returns

Cost savings:

• 5 returns × $20 = $100
• vs. DIY: $80+ in costs + 5+ hours
• ROI: Saves money if your time is worth $4+/hour

Stress reduction:

• No organizing
• No packaging
• No driving
• No waiting in lines
• No tracking deadlines

When Pickup Services Make Sense for Multiple Returns

• 3+ returns: More efficient to batch
• Different carriers: We handle all of them
• Different deadlines: We track them
• No time: We handle everything
• No car: We come to you
• Value your time: Worth $15-25 per return

Strategy 5: Organize by Deadline

Prioritize returns by deadline to avoid missing any.

How It Works

1. List all returns: With deadlines
2. Sort by deadline: Soonest first
3. Handle urgent first: Within 5 days
4. Batch others: Weekly

Example

5 returns:

• Item A: Deadline Jan 20 (urgent - 2 days)
• Item B: Deadline Jan 25 (soon - 7 days)
• Item C: Deadline Jan 30 (okay - 12 days)
• Item D: Deadline Feb 5 (fine - 18 days)
• Item E: Deadline Feb 10 (plenty of time - 23 days)

Strategy:

• This week: Return A and B (urgent)
• Next week: Return C, D, E (batch together)

Result: Never miss a deadline, efficient batching.

Strategy 6: Use Retailer Apps

Many retailer apps make batching easier.

Amazon App

• See all orders: In one place
• Start multiple returns: Easily
• Get QR codes: For all
• Find drop-off: With maps
• Track all: In one app

Target App

• See all orders: In one place
• Start returns: Easily
• Get QR codes: For store returns
• Track all: In one app

General Tips

• Use one app: If possible (Amazon handles many retailers)
• Screenshot QR codes: Backup
• Organize by app: Group returns by retailer

Strategy 7: Create a Returns Checklist

Use a checklist to stay organized.

Returns Checklist Template

For each return:

• [ ] Item identified
• [ ] Return started online
• [ ] Label/QR code obtained
• [ ] Packaging gathered (if needed)
• [ ] Item packaged (if needed)
• [ ] Deadline noted
• [ ] Drop-off location identified
• [ ] Returned
• [ ] Confirmation received
• [ ] Refund tracked

Benefits:

• Nothing forgotten
• Clear progress
• Less stress

Real-World Examples

Example 1: 5 Returns, Different Carriers

Returns:

• 2 Amazon (UPS)
• 1 Target (store)
• 1 Best Buy (UPS)
• 1 random (USPS)

DIY Strategy:

• Batch by carrier: 3 trips
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Cost: $50+

Pickup Service:

• One booking: All 5 returns
• Time: 1 minute
• Cost: $100 (5 × $20)
• Saves: 2-3 hours, eliminates stress

Example 2: 3 Returns, Same Carrier

Returns:

• 3 Amazon (all UPS)

DIY Strategy:

• One trip to UPS Store
• Time: 45-60 minutes
• Cost: $15-20

Pickup Service:

• One booking: All 3 returns
• Time: 1 minute
• Cost: $60 (3 × $20)
• Saves: 45-60 minutes, eliminates hassle

Example 3: 10 Returns, Mixed Everything

Returns:

• 5 Amazon (UPS)
• 2 Target (store)
• 2 Best Buy (UPS)
• 1 random (USPS)

DIY Strategy:

• Multiple trips, complex organization
• Time: 8-10 hours
• Cost: $150+

Pickup Service:

• One booking: All 10 returns
• Time: 2 minutes
• Cost: $200 (10 × $20)
• Saves: 8-10 hours, eliminates all stress

The Bottom Line

Multiple returns don't have to be overwhelming.

Smart strategies:

1. Batch by carrier: Minimize trips
2. Batch by location: Group nearby stops
3. Create a system: Designated area, weekly routine
4. Organize by deadline: Never miss one
5. Use retailer apps: Easier management
6. Create checklists: Stay organized
7. Use pickup services: Ultimate solution

Time savings:

• DIY batching: Saves 1-2 hours vs. separate trips
• Pickup services: Saves 5+ hours for multiple returns

Cost comparison:

• DIY: $50-150+ for 5 returns (time + costs)
• Pickup services: $75-125 for 5 returns
• ROI: Saves money if your time is worth $4+/hour

The ultimate solution: Return pickup services that handle all your returns in one booking. No organizing. No packaging. No driving. No stress. Just list all items, and we handle everything.

Ready to batch your returns efficiently? Learn how Returnful works or text us at 469-790-7579.

---

Have multiple returns? Text us at 469-790-7579 and we'll handle them all in one pickup.