Where to Return Amazon Packages: Free Drop-Off Locations

Quick Summary: Amazon packages can be returned for free at multiple locations including Kohl’s, Whole Foods Market, The UPS Store, Staples, and Amazon physical stores. Most returns don’t require packaging or printed labels—just bring the item and a QR code from your Amazon account to any participating drop-off location.

Returns have become a massive part of online shopping. According to the National Retail Federation, total returns for the retail industry are projected to reach $849.9 billion in 2025, with an estimated 19.3% of online sales being returned. But here’s the good news—Amazon has made returning items easier than ever.

Gone are the days when returning something meant searching for boxes, tape, and printer ink. Now? Most Amazon returns can be completed with nothing but the item itself and a phone.

The Easiest Return Options: No Box Required

Amazon’s label-free, box-free return option has expanded significantly. This means eligible items can be returned without any packaging materials whatsoever.

The process works like this: initiate the return through Amazon’s Online Return Center, select a drop-off location that offers the box-free option, and Amazon generates a QR code. Bring the item and the QR code to the location. That’s it.

FedEx Office locations across the U.S. now offer this convenient return method. Other participating retailers include Whole Foods Market, The UPS Store, Kohl’s, and Staples, along with regional partners like Winn-Dixie, Save Mart, and Goodwill.

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Kohl’s: The Popular Return Hub

Kohl’s stores have become one of the most popular Amazon return destinations. Every Kohl’s location in the U.S. accepts Amazon returns through their dedicated “Return Drop @KOHL’S” service areas.

The process is straightforward. Begin the return on Amazon’s website, select Kohl’s as the drop-off location, and receive a QR code. Head to any Kohl’s store and show the QR code to an associate. Kohl’s packages and ships the item back to Amazon at no cost.

This option is completely free, with no packaging materials required. Just bring the item itself—no need to hunt for boxes or tape.

Whole Foods Market Locations

Whole Foods Market stores offer another convenient option for Amazon returns. These locations accept eligible returns during regular store hours, making it easy to drop off a package during a grocery run.

Like other participating retailers, Whole Foods doesn’t require customers to package items or print labels. The QR code system handles everything digitally.

The UPS Store Drop-Offs

The UPS Store locations nationwide accept Amazon returns. The process mirrors other drop-off options—generate a QR code through Amazon’s return center and bring the item to any participating UPS Store.

However, there’s a small catch. Amazon may charge a $1 fee if a UPS Store is selected but another free drop-off location was closer to the delivery address. This fee only applies in specific cases where alternative free options are available nearby.

For items eligible for UPS pickup, the carrier can collect the package directly from a residence. UPS will email a return shipping code ahead of pickup time.

Staples and Other Retail Partners

Staples stores also participate in Amazon’s returns network. The same box-free, label-free process applies at these locations during a regular shopping trip.

Regional partners expand coverage even further. Winn-Dixie, Save Mart, and select Goodwill locations accept Amazon returns in their respective areas. This expanding network means most customers have multiple return options within a short drive.

Amazon Physical Stores

Amazon’s own brick-and-mortar locations—including Amazon Fresh stores and Amazon Go outlets—accept returns. These stores offer the most integrated return experience since they’re directly operated by Amazon.

What About Items That Need Packaging?

Not all items qualify for the box-free return option. Larger items, certain electronics, or products in specific categories may require traditional packaging and shipping labels.

For these returns, Amazon provides printable prepaid shipping labels through the return center. Package the item securely and affix the label. These packages can be dropped at UPS locations, Amazon Locker+ sites, or handed to a UPS driver during pickup.

Finding the Nearest Return Location

Amazon’s return center automatically displays nearby drop-off options based on the delivery address. The interface shows distance and available return methods for each location.

The system prioritizes free options closest to the customer. When multiple free locations exist, customers can choose based on convenience—whether that means a store on the daily commute or one with extended hours.

Recent Changes and Consumer Refunds

Recent regulatory activity has impacted Amazon’s practices. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Amazon agreed to pay $2.5 billion in September 2025 to settle charges related to Prime subscription enrollments. The FTC secured this historic settlement after allegations that Amazon enrolled millions in Prime subscriptions without proper consent and made cancellation difficult.

As of January 2026, eligible consumers began receiving refunds through the settlement process. The FTC distributed these payments through checks and email notifications with claim instructions. Community discussions note that customers don’t need to take action if they received and deposited a check—the process is complete.

The FTC emphasizes that they won’t contact individuals by phone about these refunds. Any calls claiming to be from the FTC about Amazon refunds are scams and should be reported at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions