What To Do If Your Amazon Label Won't Scan at Drop-Off (2025 Guide)

Return label won't scan at the drop-off location? Don't panic. This guide shows you how to fix scanning issues and complete your return successfully.

Why Labels Won't Scan

Common Causes

Cause 1: Poor Print Quality

• Blurry barcode
• Low ink/toner
• Poor print quality
• Unreadable barcode

Cause 2: Damage

• Label damaged
• Smudged
• Torn
• Wrinkled

Cause 3: Lighting Issues

• Poor lighting
• Glare
• Shadows
• Scanner can't read

Cause 4: Scanner Issues

• Scanner problems
• Technical issues
• Equipment malfunction
• System problems

Immediate Solutions

Solution 1: Increase Brightness

If Using Phone:

• Increase screen brightness
• Maximum brightness
• Remove screen protector if needed
• Clean screen

Why:

• Better visibility
• Scanner can read
• Often fixes issue
• Quick solution

Solution 2: Try Different Angle

What to Do:

• Hold at different angle
• Try different positions
• Move closer/farther
• Adjust position

Why:

• May help scanner read
• Different angles work
• Often resolves
• Quick fix

Solution 3: Clean Screen/Label

If Using Phone:

• Clean phone screen
• Remove smudges
• Clear fingerprints
• Clean surface

If Using Printed Label:

• Clean label surface
• Remove smudges
• Smooth out wrinkles
• Fix damage if possible

Why:

• Clearer image
• Better scanning
• Often works
• Quick fix

Solution 4: Reprint Label

If Printed Label:

• Reprint label
• Better quality
• Clear print
• Fresh label

Steps:

1. Go to Your Orders
2. Click "Track Return"
3. Click "Print Return Label"
4. Reprint with better quality
5. Use new label

Why:

• Fresh print
• Better quality
• Often works
• Resolves issue

Store-Specific Solutions

At Kohl's

If QR Code Won't Scan:

• Increase phone brightness
• Try different angle
• Ask employee to try
• They can manually enter code

Manual Entry:

• Employee can enter code manually
• Still processes return
• Works fine
• No problem

What to Do:

• Ask for help
• Explain issue
• They'll assist
• Process continues

At UPS Store

If QR Code Won't Scan:

• Increase brightness
• Try different angle
• Ask employee to try
• They can manually enter

If Printed Label Won't Scan:

• Reprint label
• Better quality
• Try again
• Or they can manually enter tracking

What to Do:

• Ask for help
• Explain issue
• They'll assist
• Process continues

At Whole Foods

If QR Code Won't Scan:

• Increase brightness
• Try different angle
• Ask employee to try
• They can manually enter

What to Do:

• Ask for help
• Explain issue
• They'll assist
• Process continues

Alternative Solutions

Solution 1: Manual Entry

How It Works:

• Employee enters code manually
• Still processes return
• Works fine
• No problem

When Available:

• All store locations
• Standard procedure
• Always available
• Backup option

What to Do:

• Ask employee
• Provide code/number
• They enter manually
• Process continues

Solution 2: Get New QR Code

If QR Code Expired or Won't Work:

• Contact Amazon
• Request new QR code
• They'll provide
• Use new code

How to Contact:

• Chat (fastest)
• Phone: 1-888-280-4331
• Email support
• Explain situation

What They'll Do:

• Provide new QR code
• Regenerate code
• Help resolve
• Process continues

Solution 3: Switch Methods

If QR Code Won't Work:

• Cancel return (if possible)
• Start new return
• Choose different method
• Use printed label instead

Or:

• Use different drop-off location
• Try different store
• May work better
• Alternative solution

Solution 4: Use Pickup Service

If Scanning Too Problematic:

• Use return pickup service
• We handle everything
• No scanning issues
• Easy process

Benefits:

• No scanning stress
• We handle it
• Easy process
• Saves time

Prevention Tips

Tip 1: Print High Quality

Best Practice:

• High quality print
• Good ink/toner
• Clear barcode
• Good paper

Why:

• Better scanning
• Less issues
• Reliable
• Professional

Tip 2: Protect Label

Best Practice:

• Keep label safe
• Don't damage
• Protect from moisture
• Keep flat

Why:

• Prevents damage
• Better scanning
• Reliable
• Less issues

Tip 3: Charge Phone

Best Practice:

• Fully charge phone
• Before going to store
• Ensure brightness works
• Backup battery if needed

Why:

• Bright screen
• Better scanning
• Reliable
• Less issues

Tip 4: Take Screenshot

Best Practice:

• Screenshot QR code
• Backup copy
• Access offline
• Easy to show

Why:

• Backup if needed
• Easy access
• Reliable
• Less stress

What Store Employees Can Do

They Can Help

Options:

• Try scanning themselves
• Manual entry
• Help troubleshoot
• Contact Amazon if needed

Always Available:

• Store employees help
• Standard procedure
• Part of service
• No problem

What to Do:

• Ask for help
• Explain issue
• They'll assist
• Process continues

The Bottom Line

If label won't scan:

Immediate solutions:

• Increase brightness (phone)
• Try different angle
• Clean screen/label
• Reprint label (better quality)

Store solutions:

• Ask employee for help
• They can manually enter
• Try different scanner
• Contact Amazon if needed

Alternatives:

• Get new QR code from Amazon
• Switch return methods
• Use different location
• Use pickup service

Prevention:

• Print high quality
• Protect label
• Charge phone
• Take screenshot backup

Remember: Store employees can always help. They can manually enter codes, try different scanners, or contact Amazon. Don't panic—there's always a solution.

Having scanning issues? Text Returnful at 469-790-7579 and we'll handle your return—we know all the tricks and can complete your return successfully.

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Label won't scan? Don't worry. Text us at 469-790-7579 and we'll handle your return—we know how to fix all scanning issues.