Royal Mail has launched the Labels to Go returns service at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK where customers will be able to use their smartphones to print free returns labels. This is in addition to the service being available at the 1200 Royal Mail Customer Service Posts – this means there are now more than 12,700 locations nationwide the service is available.

When using the service the customer sets up the return on the Royal Mail returns portal or via the retailer’s website. They will then receive a confirmation email with a QR code on it. At the service location the QR code is scanned and the label is printed to be stuck on the parcel. It is now also available for returning items purchased through Amazon and customers should choose the Royal Mail drop off option.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail said “A clear, easy-to-use returns option should be part of a retailer’s range of delivery options. It helps build customer confidence, relationships and sales. Royal Mail’s Delivery Matters 2018 research revealed Royal Mail is the number one preferred and trusted returns provider for online shoppers and we are increasingly trying to offer the most convenient service to our customers.”

A spokesperson for Post Office added, “With a trusted network of more than 11,500 Post Office branches, thousands of which are open from early in the morning until later in the evening and around 4,000 open on Sunday, we are uniquely placed to offer real convenience to online shoppers. As we head into the busy Christmas shopping period, we are delighted to be able to make it even easier for customers to return items; they won’t need to worry about trying to print off labels ahead of time, they can simply do it there and then in any of our branches.”