Amazon said U.S. customers can return many items for free, without needing a box, tape, or label, at thousands of drop-off locations nationwide.
The company updated its guidance on December 29, 2025, stating that most items shipped in the U.S. with a “FREE Returns” badge qualify for no-cost returns.
According to Amazon, four out of five U.S. customers have an eligible drop-off point within five miles of their home.
The company said options include Amazon physical stores, Whole Foods Market, Kohl’s, Staples, and participating UPS Store locations. At these sites, staff handle packing, labeling, and shipping once customers present a return QR code.
Amazon said customers choose a return option in their account, bring the item to the selected location, and do not need to supply packaging in most cases.
Available options depend on the item, seller, reason for return, and customer location. Some partner stores may also provide coupons during drop-off, according to Amazon.
The company added that Whole Foods Market stores feature dedicated returns counters or kiosks that can process returns in under a minute.
Amazon said more locations will be added over time as partnerships expand.
Why This Matters Today
You face growing volumes of online purchases and returns, especially after peak shopping periods.
Free, packaging-free returns reduce the steps needed to send items back and may shorten refund timelines.
For retailers and logistics partners, expanded drop-off networks distribute return traffic across more locations and shift packing work to staffed counters.
It also underscores how large e-commerce companies are integrating returns into everyday retail visits at grocery and office supply stores.
Our Key Takeaways:
- Amazon said most U.S. customers can return eligible items for free at nearby drop-off locations without bringing a box, tape, or label.
- The company reported that 80% of U.S. customers live within five miles of a participating return site, including Whole Foods Market, Kohl’s, Staples, and Amazon stores.
- Return options depend on item and location, and Amazon plans to continue expanding participating sites and in-store kiosk availability.
You may also want to check out some of our other tech news updates.
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