A generous, easy returns policy is one of the most effective tools for building customer confidence — particularly for first-time buyers. Studies consistently show that customers are more likely to buy from stores where the returns process is clear and simple. Return labels are a key part of that equation.
The TheForge EasyPost Shipping plugin makes generating return labels as simple as generating outbound labels.
What Is a Return Label?
A return label is a pre-paid shipping label that the customer uses to send the product back to you. You absorb the shipping cost, but you gain significant advantages: controlled return flow, carrier account consolidation, and a professional customer experience.
Generating a Return Label
From any WooCommerce order screen where an outbound label exists, you’ll see a Generate Return Label button. Click it, select the carrier and service for the return (you might use a different service than the outbound — USPS First Class for lightweight returns, for example), and the plugin creates a pre-paid label addressed from the customer back to your store.
Sending the Return Label to the Customer
Once generated, you can:
- Email the label directly to the customer from the order screen
- Download the PDF and send it via your own email or helpdesk
- Include it in the original shipment — download and print alongside the outbound label
For high-value items or segments where return rates are low, including the return label in the box is a powerful trust signal even if most customers never use it.
Return Label Expiry
Return labels have an expiry date set by the carrier. Most are valid for 30–90 days. The plugin displays the expiry date on the order screen so you know when a label is no longer usable.
Cost Control
You see the cost of each return label before generating it — the same live rate you’d see for an outbound label. This lets you make informed decisions about when offering return labels makes financial sense (high-value orders, VIP customers) versus when you’d prefer to handle returns case-by-case.
Self-Service Returns (Coming Soon)
The roadmap for the EasyPost plugin includes a self-service return portal where customers can initiate a return from their My Account page without contacting support. Watch the plugin page for updates.
Questions about return label setup? Visit the ThePluginForge support page.