How To Return Items Without Printing Anything

You need to return something, but you don't have a printer—or your printer is out of ink, broken, or you simply don't want to deal with it. Good news: you don't need a printer for most returns anymore. Modern return processes have evolved to accommodate the growing number of people who don't own printers. This comprehensive guide covers all the ways you can return items without ever touching a printer.

Why Printer-Free Returns Matter

According to recent surveys, over 60% of millennials and Gen Z don't own a working printer. Even among older generations, many people have printers that are perpetually out of ink or simply don't work when needed. The good news is that retailers and carriers have recognized this trend and created multiple solutions.

QR Code Returns: The Modern Solution

QR code returns are the most common printer-free return method. Instead of printing a label, you get a QR code on your phone that the drop-off location scans.

How QR Code Returns Work

1. Initiate return through the retailer's website or app
2. Select QR code return option (if available)
3. Receive QR code on your phone (via app, email, or text)
4. Bring item to participating location (unpackaged in many cases)
5. Show QR code to staff member
6. They scan it and handle packaging and shipping
7. You're done—no printing, no packaging, no hassle

Retailers Offering QR Code Returns

Amazon:

• Kohl's drop-off (no packaging needed)
• Whole Foods drop-off (no packaging needed)
• UPS Store (may need packaging)
• Amazon Lockers (for smaller items)

Other major retailers:

• Many now offer QR code options
• Check return instructions for QR code availability
• Often available through mobile apps

Advantages of QR Code Returns

• No printer needed: Everything is digital
• No packaging required: Many locations handle it
• Faster process: No label printing or attachment
• Less room for error: Staff handles the details
• Mobile-friendly: Everything on your phone

Mobile App Returns

Many retailers have mobile apps that make printer-free returns easy:

Amazon Mobile App

Features:

• Generate QR codes directly in app
• View return status
• Track returns
• Access return labels (if you do want to print later)
• Find drop-off locations

How to use:

1. Open Amazon app
2. Go to "Your Orders"
3. Select item to return
4. Choose return method
5. Get QR code or instructions
6. Follow prompts

Retailer Apps

Many major retailers offer:

• Mobile return initiation
• QR code generation
• Store locator for returns
• Return tracking
• Digital receipts

Check your retailer's app for return features—many have added printer-free options in recent years.

Label-Free Return Locations

Some locations accept returns without any label or QR code—they handle everything:

Kohl's Amazon Returns

How it works:

1. Initiate return on Amazon
2. Select Kohl's as return method
3. Get QR code (or sometimes just show order number)
4. Bring item to Kohl's (unpackaged)
5. Show QR code at customer service
6. Kohl's packages and ships
7. You get $5 Kohl's Cash bonus

No printer, no packaging, no label—Kohl's handles everything.

Whole Foods Amazon Returns

Similar to Kohl's:

1. Select Whole Foods return option
2. Get QR code
3. Bring item to Whole Foods
4. Show QR code
5. They handle the rest

Convenient if you shop at Whole Foods anyway.

UPS Store (Some Locations)

Some UPS Stores offer:

• QR code scanning
• Packaging services
• Label printing on-site
• Full-service returns

Call ahead to confirm your local UPS Store offers these services.

Using Your Phone Screen

Even if a return requires a label, you often don't need to print it:

Show Label on Phone

Many locations accept:

• Label displayed on phone screen
• Staff can scan from your phone
• Or manually enter information
• Works for most standard returns

How to do it:

1. Access return label on phone (email, app, website)
2. Zoom in so barcode is clear
3. Show to staff member
4. They scan or enter manually

When This Works

Best for:

• Small packages
• Standard returns
• Locations with helpful staff
• Prepaid returns

May not work for:

• Large packages (label needs to be attached)
• Self-service drop boxes
• Some automated systems
• International returns

Library and Office Supply Store Printing

If you absolutely need a printed label, you can print without owning a printer:

Public Libraries

Most libraries offer:

• Computer access with printers
• Usually low cost (10-25 cents per page)
• Staff assistance available
• Free computer use

How to use:

1. Find your local library
2. Use their computers
3. Access your return label (email, website)
4. Print label
5. Pay printing fee

Office Supply Stores

Staples, Office Depot, etc.:

• Printing services available
• Usually $0.10-0.25 per page
• Can email document to store
• Staff can help

How to use:

1. Email label to store's print center
2. Or bring on USB drive
3. Or access from your phone
4. Staff prints it for you
5. Pay and go

Shipping Stores

UPS Store, FedEx Office, etc.:

• Can print labels for you
• Often included with shipping services
• May charge small fee if just printing
• Very convenient

Return Pickup Services

Some services handle the entire return process, including printing:

How Pickup Services Work

1. Schedule pickup (online or app)
2. Leave package ready (or they help package)
3. Driver picks up from your location
4. Service prints label (if needed)
5. Service drops off at carrier
6. You get confirmation

What They Handle

• Label printing
• Packaging (if needed)
• Drop-off at carrier
• Tracking
• Photo proof of drop-off

Cost

• Typically $10-25 per return
• May have membership options
• Worth it if you value your time
• Especially good for multiple returns

Retailer-Specific Printer-Free Options

Different retailers offer different printer-free return methods:

Amazon

Options:

• QR code at Kohl's
• QR code at Whole Foods
• QR code at UPS Store
• Amazon Locker (QR code)
• Show label on phone at many locations

Target

Options:

• Return to store (no label needed)
• Mobile app returns
• Some QR code options

Walmart

Options:

• Return to store
• Mobile app options
• Some label-free methods

Best Buy

Options:

• Return to store
• Mobile app
• Some online return options

Check each retailer's return policy for current printer-free options.

International Returns Without Printing

International returns can be trickier, but options exist:

Options

• Return to store (if retailer has local stores)
• Mobile app returns (if available in your country)
• Pickup services (if available)
• Email label to local print shop (if label required)

Note: International returns often have stricter requirements, so check with retailer first.

What to Do If You Must Print

If you absolutely need a printed label and don't have a printer:

Quick Solutions

1. Ask a neighbor or friend: Many people are happy to help
2. Use work printer: If your workplace allows (check policy first)
3. Library: Usually cheapest option
4. Office supply store: Fast and convenient
5. Shipping store: Can print and attach for you

Planning Ahead

For future returns:

• Save labels as PDFs on phone
• Email labels to yourself
• Use cloud storage
• Keep return info accessible

Tips for Printer-Free Returns

Best Practices

1. Check return options first: See what's available before starting
2. Use mobile apps: Often have best printer-free options
3. Choose QR code when available: Easiest method
4. Save QR codes: Screenshot in case phone dies
5. Know drop-off locations: Find participating locations nearby
6. Have order number ready: Sometimes needed as backup
7. Charge your phone: QR codes need working phone

What to Bring

For QR code returns:

• Item to return
• Phone with QR code
• Order number (backup)
• ID (sometimes required)

For label-on-phone returns:

• Item (packaged)
• Phone with label visible
• Order number
• ID

Common Issues and Solutions

QR Code Won't Scan

Solutions:

• Increase phone brightness
• Clean phone screen
• Zoom in on QR code
• Show order number as backup
• Staff can often enter manually

Phone Dies or No Service

Solutions:

• Screenshot QR code beforehand
• Save to photos
• Write down order number
• Some locations can look up by order number

Location Doesn't Accept Phone Labels

Solutions:

• Ask if they can scan from phone
• Use nearby library to print
• Try different location
• Contact retailer for alternatives

The Future of Printer-Free Returns

The trend is clearly toward printer-free returns:

Growing Options

• More retailers adding QR code options
• More locations accepting mobile labels
• Better mobile apps
• More pickup services

What to Expect

• Even more printer-free options
• Better mobile experiences
• More locations accepting digital returns
• Simplified return processes

The Bottom Line

You don't need a printer for most returns anymore. QR code returns, mobile apps, and label-free drop-off locations make it easy to return items without printing anything. The key is knowing your options and choosing the method that works best for your situation.

Whether you use QR codes at Kohl's, show labels on your phone, or use a pickup service, there's a printer-free solution for almost every return. The days of needing a printer for returns are largely behind us.

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