What does return service requested mean on mail
When you see "Return Service Requested" on a piece of mail, it means that the sender has requested that the mail carrier return the item to them if it cannot be delivered to the intended recipient.
Here are some common scenarios where you might see "Return Service Requested" on a piece of mail:
- Undeliverable mail: If the mail carrier is unable to deliver the mail to the intended recipient because the address is incorrect, incomplete, or the recipient has moved away, they will return the mail to the sender with a "Return Service Requested" notation.
- Refused mail: If the recipient refuses to accept the mail, the carrier will return it to the sender with a "Return Service Requested" notation.
- Insufficient postage: If the mail does not have sufficient postage, the carrier will return it to the sender with a "Return Service Requested" notation.
- Mail that cannot be delivered: If the mail is damaged, torn, or otherwise cannot be delivered, the carrier will return it to the sender with a "Return Service Requested" notation.
When a piece of mail is returned to the sender with a "Return Service Requested" notation, it usually means that the sender will need to correct the issue (e.g., update the address) and resend the mail. The sender may also need to pay additional postage or fees to resend the mail.
It's worth noting that "Return Service Requested" is not the same as "Return to Sender" (RTS), which is a specific type of mail service that allows the sender to request that the mail carrier return undeliverable mail to them without the need for a specific notation.