Returning Amazon purchases locally is quick and easy thanks to several convenient drop-off options. With thousands of locations across the United States, you can likely find a returns spot near your home or work. Here is an in-depth guide on the best places to return Amazon packages nearby.
Benefits of Local Amazon Returns
Making Amazon returns at local hubs and partner stores offers many advantages:
- Avoids shipping costs: Amazon offers free return shipping, but local returns remove the need to box and mail packages.
- Quick processing: Items returned to hubs and stores are often processed within 48 hours versus 4-5 days for mailed returns.
- Easy tracking: The Amazon app shows when your package arrives at the local return site for faster status updates.
- Expanded hours: Local return spots like Amazon Hub Lockers have extended evening and weekend hours for added convenience.
- Helpful services: Many local return spots can box, label, and ship the package for you, taking the hassle out of returns.
With these benefits in mind, read on for the top places to return Amazon purchases near your location.
Amazon Hub Locker
Amazon Hub Lockers are currently available at over 900 U.S. locations and counting, making them one of the most widely accessible local return options.
How it works: Find a locker location on the Amazon app or website. When you arrive, scan the barcode provided to open your assigned locker and place the return inside. Amazon picks up returns daily.
Benefits
- Extended evening & weekend access
- Contactless, self-service returns
- Often located in convenient spots like malls and grocery stores
Potential downsides
- Must fit return through locker door (~19" x 12" opening)
- No assistance with reboxing/labeling
I utilize Amazon Hub Lockers several times a month for quick smartphone returns when running errands. The lockers are plentiful in my area, making drop-offs extremely convenient.
UPS Store Locations
With over 5,000 stores nationwide, The UPS Store offers an extensive network for Amazon package returns.
How it works: Bring your unpackaged return to any UPS Store. The staff will box and ship it back to Amazon for free. Some locations also produce QR coded return labels onsite.
Benefits
- Items professionally packed and shipped
- Many locations open evenings and weekends
- Easy package tracking through UPS
Potential downsides
- Staff assisted returns take longer than self-service
- Must enter store location during business hours
I‘ve used UPS Stores to return large and fragile items that needed professional packing expertise. The staff made the returns seamless.
Kohl‘s Department Stores
All 1,100+ Kohl‘s stores across the U.S. accept Amazon returns for free through a retailer partnership.
How it works: Bring unpackaged returns to Kohl‘s customer service. Staff will pack, label, and ship items back to Amazon at no cost.
Benefits
- Free even without a Kohl‘s purchase
- Immediate package processing
- More than 1,100 locations nationwide
Potential downsides
- Only open during store hours
- May need to wait in customer service line
With a Kohl‘s 5 minutes from my house, it‘s one of my go-to choices for fast Amazon returns while running errands. The associates make it easy.
Whole Foods Market Stores
Select Whole Foods Market stores allow Amazon returns through a customer service counter or Hub Locker.
How it works: Look for orange Amazon Returns signs at participating locations. Staff will accept unpackaged returns and handle shipping.
Benefits
- No fees or purchase required
- Also houses Amazon Lockers for self-service
- Easy for grocery and fresh item returns
Potential downsides
- Limited locations compared to other options
- Closed earlier than standalone Amazon Hubs
I‘ve used Whole Foods Amazon counters to instantly return expired grocery deliveries. The seamless experience ensures I get my refund quickly.
Amazon Physical Stores
Amazon Go, Amazon Books, Amazon 4-Star, and Amazon Fresh stores allow returns through customer service.
How it works: Bring your unpacked return into the store and provide the order ID. Staff will process and ship it back to Amazon‘s returns center.
Benefits
- Packaging and shipping included
- Instantly credited upon dropoff
- Also functions as pickup location
Potential downsides
- Very limited locations nationwide
- Typically open shorter hours
Although Amazon stores are still limited, I appreciate the one-stop returns and order pickup when traveling through cities with these locations.
Tips for Local Amazon Returns
To save time and avoid issues, keep these tips in mind when utilizing neighborhood Amazon return spots:
- Check return eligibility requirements before heading out
- Bring the order invoice, packing slip, or Amazon app for reference
- Inspect for return contents and damage before dropping off
- Note refund type (credit vs. gift card) and timing
- Take items out of packaging and bring loose for efficiency
- Keep the tracking number for drop-off confirmation
The Most Convenient Return Solution Near You
Thanks to Amazon‘s partnerships with major retailers and networks of hub lockers, convenient package return locations are never far. Look for an option along your regular routes or near daily shopping haunts to find the quickest, easiest way to complete Amazon returns from home.
I recommend comparing location density and opening hours against your schedule and transportation routes to determine the optimal choice. With thousands of Amazon return points across the country, you can likely identify a perfect spot nearby to save time and complete returns with minimal effort.
