I've decided I don't want my order. What do I do?

Here is how to refuse or return a delivery through USPS, and the steps to protect your refund.

If the package has already been delivered

If your package has been delivered and you no longer want it, the process depends on whether you have opened it.

If you have not opened the package

Write 'Return to Sender' clearly on the outside of the package and bring it to your local Post Office. Because International Bridge uses USPS for final-mile delivery, returning an unopened package through USPS is straightforward. You should not need to pay return postage on a package you are refusing.

Before you hand it over, take these two steps to protect yourself:

  1. Ask for a receipt. Request that the Post Office give you proof that they accepted the package for return. This creates a record on your end.
  2. Make sure the package is scanned as 'refused.' Ask the postal worker to scan the package as 'refused' before you leave. This is important: refused packages do not always get scanned automatically, and if the package is lost in transit back to the retailer without a refused scan on record, the company may have no way to confirm it was returned, which can complicate or delay your refund.

Tip: Even if the package is scanned correctly at the Post Office, follow up with the retailer directly to let them know a return is on its way. This puts your refund request on record with them before the physical package arrives.

If you have already opened the package

Once a package has been opened, it is no longer eligible for the 'Return to Sender' process through USPS. You will need to follow the retailer's return policy directly, which typically involves printing a return label and shipping it back through the method they specify. Contact the company you ordered from for their specific return instructions.

If the package has not yet arrived

Unfortunately, once a package is in transit, International Bridge is not able to intercept or redirect it. The package will be delivered as addressed. At that point, you can refuse the delivery or return it as described above.

If you want to try to cancel the order before it ships, contact the retailer directly as soon as possible. They may be able to cancel the order at their end before it is handed over to us.

A note on return timelines

Once a returned package re-enters the USPS system, it is typically processed using the lowest-cost return method, which can be slow. It is common for returns to take several weeks to reach the original retailer. For more detail on why this happens and what to do about it, see our page on why it's taking so long for my package to return.

Need help with a return?

If you have questions about the status of a return or need assistance, our customer service team is here to help.

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