retourlabel

Retourlabel is a shipping label provided to a customer to facilitate the return of a purchased item. It is typically prepaid or partially prepaid by the seller and can be generated digitally or printed and included with the original shipment. The label identifies the destination, the carrier, and often includes tracking information, helping both the customer and the retailer manage the return process.

In practice, a retailer or marketplace issues the return label after a customer initiates a return request. The label contains the return address, a tracking number, and sometimes a reason-for-return code. The customer attaches the label to the parcel and hands it over to a carrier or arranges a carrier pickup, enabling the parcel to be routed back to the seller or fulfillment center.

Return labels come in several formats, including prepaid labels mailed to the customer, printable labels emailed as a PDF, or digital/QR-code based labels that can be scanned at a drop-off point. Some systems provide label generation directly within an online account, streamlining the process for both sides of the transaction.

Benefits of retourlabels include simplified returns, improved customer experience, and enhanced visibility into reverse logistics. For retailers, standardized return labeling supports faster refunds or exchanges, better inventory control, and data collection on return reasons and patterns.

Regional terminology varies. In German-speaking regions, the term retourlabel is common, with variants such as Rücksendeetikett. For international returns, labels may require customs information and must comply with carrier regulations.

See also: return shipping, reverse logistics, e-commerce returns.