The Safest Way to Drop Off Returns Without Waiting in Line

Waiting in line at UPS or the post office is the worst part of returns. But there are ways to drop off returns safely without waiting. Here's your complete guide to skip the lines.

Why Lines Are a Problem

The Time Cost

Average wait times:

• Post offices: 20-45 minutes (worst)
• UPS Stores (peak): 15-30 minutes
• FedEx Office (peak): 10-20 minutes
• Stores (peak): 10-15 minutes

That's 10-45 minutes of your life spent waiting.

The Stress Cost

Waiting in lines causes:

• Stress and frustration
• Wasted time
• Physical discomfort (standing)
• Exposure to crowds (especially during flu season)

The Safety Concerns

During busy times:

• Crowded spaces
• Close contact with others
• Longer exposure time
• Higher risk of illness transmission

Solution 1: Use Drop Boxes (Fastest & Safest)

Drop Boxes Are Your Best Friend

Available for:

• UPS: Drop boxes at many locations
• USPS: Blue collection boxes everywhere
• FedEx: Drop boxes at many locations

Benefits:

• Zero wait time: No lines at all
• 24/7 access: Drop off anytime
• No human contact: Completely contactless
• Fast: 2-5 minutes total
• Safe: No crowds, no close contact

How to Use Drop Boxes

Step 1: Get prepaid label

• Start return online
• Get prepaid return label
• Print label (or use mobile if accepted)

Step 2: Package item

• Box item securely
• Attach label
• Make sure it fits in box

Step 3: Find drop box

• Use carrier locator
• Find nearest drop box
• Check pickup times

Step 4: Drop off

• Open box
• Place package inside
• Close box
• Done!

Time required: 2-5 minutes

Wait time: 0 minutes

Safety: Maximum (no contact)

Where to Find Drop Boxes

UPS:

• UPS Store locations
• Many businesses (CVS, Michaels, etc.)
• Use UPS locator to find

USPS:

• Blue collection boxes everywhere
• Post offices (outside)
• Use USPS locator to find

FedEx:

• FedEx Office locations
• Many businesses (Walgreens, Dollar General, etc.)
• Use FedEx locator to find

Solution 2: Go at Off-Peak Times

Best Times to Avoid Lines

Weekday mornings (9-10 AM):

• Wait time: 2-10 minutes
• Crowds: Minimal
• Best option: If you can go during work hours

Mid-afternoon (2-3 PM):

• Wait time: 5-15 minutes
• Crowds: Light
• Good option: If you have flexible schedule

Tuesday-Thursday:

• Wait time: 5-15 minutes
• Crowds: Lighter than Monday/Friday
• Best days: Avoid Monday (weekend backlog) and Friday (weekend rush)

Worst Times (Avoid These)

Saturday mornings:

• Wait time: 20-45 minutes
• Crowds: Maximum
• Worst time: Everyone's doing weekend errands

Lunch hour (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM):

• Wait time: 15-30 minutes
• Crowds: Heavy
• Avoid: Very busy

After work (4-6 PM):

• Wait time: 15-30 minutes
• Crowds: Heavy
• Avoid: Everyone's doing after-work errands

First week of January:

• Wait time: 30-60 minutes
• Crowds: Maximum
• Worst time: Holiday return rush

Solution 3: Use Alternative Locations

Less Crowded Options

UPS Access Points:

• CVS, Michaels, Advance Auto Parts
• Usually less crowded than UPS Stores
• Wait time: 2-10 minutes
• Crowds: Lighter

Amazon Lockers:

• Whole Foods, 7-Eleven, GNC
• No lines at all
• Wait time: 0 minutes
• Crowds: None

Kohl's (for Amazon):

• Dedicated return counter
• Usually faster than UPS Stores
• Wait time: 5-15 minutes
• Crowds: Lighter

Whole Foods (for Amazon):

• Less crowded than carrier stores
• Wait time: 3-10 minutes
• Crowds: Lighter

How to Find Alternative Locations

Use retailer apps:

• Amazon app: Shows all options with maps
• Target app: Shows store locations
• Walmart app: Shows store locations

Use carrier locators:

• UPS locator: Find Access Points
• USPS locator: Find collection boxes
• FedEx locator: Find drop boxes

Solution 4: Use Self-Service Options

Self-Service Kiosks

Available at:

• Some UPS Stores
• Some FedEx Offices
• Some post offices

Benefits:

• Faster: Usually 5-10 minutes
• Less contact: Self-service
• Available 24/7: At some locations

How to use:

• Follow on-screen instructions
• Scan label or enter tracking
• Print receipt
• Done!

Time required: 5-10 minutes

Wait time: 0-5 minutes (for kiosk)

Mobile Options

QR codes:

• Show on phone at counter
• Faster processing
• Less contact

Mobile labels:

• Some locations accept mobile labels
• Show on phone
• Less contact

Solution 5: Use Return Pickup Services (Ultimate Solution)

Skip the Drop-Off Entirely

Return pickup services like Returnful:

• We come to you: No need to go anywhere
• We handle drop-off: We wait in line, not you
• We work around you: Schedule that fits your life
• You get photo proof: Peace of mind

Your part: 1 minute to book. That's it.

Benefits

Time:

• Your time: 1 minute to book
• Our time: We handle drop-off
• Total saved: 10-45 minutes per return

Safety:

• No crowds
• No close contact
• No exposure
• Maximum safety

Convenience:

• No need to leave home
• No need to find parking
• No need to wait in line
• Works in any weather

Stress:

• Zero stress
• Zero hassle
• Peace of mind

Cost Comparison

DIY with drop box:

• Time: 5-10 minutes (if close)
• Gas: $2-5
• Total: $2-5 + 5-10 minutes

DIY with line:

• Time: 30-60 minutes (with wait)
• Gas: $2-5
• Total: $2-5 + 30-60 minutes

Pickup service:

• Time: 1 minute to book
• Service fee: $20
• Total: $20 + 1 minute

ROI: Saves 25-55 minutes. Worth it if your time is worth $20+/hour.

Solution 6: Batch Returns

Make One Trip for Multiple Returns

How it works:

• Collect returns all month
• Process all at once
• Make one trip (or use pickup service)

Benefits:

• More efficient
• Saves time
• One wait instead of multiple

With pickup service:

• Book all returns at once
• We handle all of them
• One pickup, all returns
• Zero wait time for you

Solution 7: Use Store Returns

Many Retailers Allow In-Store Returns

Retailers with store returns:

• Target: Return online purchases to stores
• Walmart: Return online purchases to stores
• Best Buy: Return online purchases to stores

Benefits:

• Usually shorter lines than carrier stores
• Immediate refund
• No label needed
• Can combine with shopping

Wait time: 5-15 minutes typically

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Drop Box User

Situation:

• Has prepaid labels
• Lives near drop box
• Makes 8 returns per year

Strategy:

• Uses drop boxes
• 2-5 minutes per return
• Zero wait time
• Maximum safety

Time saved: 80-360 minutes per year (vs. lines)

Example 2: Off-Peak User

Situation:

• Flexible schedule
• Can go weekday mornings
• Makes 10 returns per year

Strategy:

• Goes at 9-10 AM weekdays
• 2-10 minute wait times
• Lighter crowds
• Safer

Time saved: 100-400 minutes per year (vs. peak times)

Example 3: Pickup Service User

Situation:

• Busy schedule
• Values time
• Makes 12 returns per year

Strategy:

• Uses pickup service
• 1 minute to book
• Zero wait time
• Maximum safety

Time saved: 120-540 minutes per year (vs. DIY with lines)

The Bottom Line

Ways to drop off returns without waiting:

1. Use drop boxes (best): Zero wait, maximum safety, 24/7 access
2. Go at off-peak times: Weekday mornings, mid-afternoon, Tuesday-Thursday
3. Use alternative locations: Access Points, Lockers, less crowded options
4. Use self-service: Kiosks, mobile options, less contact
5. Use pickup services (ultimate): We handle drop-off, zero wait for you
6. Batch returns: One trip, multiple returns
7. Use store returns: Usually shorter lines, immediate refund

Time savings:

• Drop boxes: 10-45 minutes saved per return
• Off-peak times: 5-30 minutes saved per return
• Pickup services: 25-55 minutes saved per return

Safety:

• Drop boxes: Maximum (no contact)
• Off-peak times: Better (lighter crowds)
• Pickup services: Maximum (no contact for you)

The ultimate solution: Return pickup services that handle drop-off for you. We wait in line, not you. You get zero wait time, maximum safety, and peace of mind.

Ready to skip the lines? Learn how Returnful works or text us at 469-790-7579.

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Tired of waiting in lines? Text us at 469-790-7579 and we'll handle the drop-off for you.