What is return mail fee
The return mail fee, also known as the return postage fee or return shipping fee, is a charge imposed by a postal service or courier company when a package or mailpiece is returned to the sender due to various reasons such as:
- Refusal to accept delivery
- Insufficient address or incorrect address
- Package not claimed or not collected
- Package damaged or opened
- Package not delivered due to various reasons (e.g., weather, road conditions, etc.)
The return mail fee is typically charged to the sender, and it covers the cost of transporting the package back to the sender. The fee can vary depending on the postal service, courier company, or country, but it's usually a flat rate or a percentage of the original shipping cost.
In the United States, for example, the United States Postal Service (USPS) charges a return mail fee of $15.50 for domestic returns and $25.50 for international returns. Private courier companies like UPS and FedEx may also charge a return mail fee, which can range from $10 to $50 or more, depending on the service and package details.
The return mail fee is usually deducted from the sender's account or added to the sender's bill. In some cases, the sender may also be responsible for paying any additional fees, such as customs duties or taxes, if the package was returned due to non-compliance with customs regulations.
It's essential for senders to check with the postal service or courier company for their specific return mail fee policies and procedures to avoid any unexpected costs or delays.