--- title: "Return label generation in Ingrid Returns" canonical: "https://ingrid-support.refined.site/space/KB/389120002/Return%20label%20generation%20in%20Ingrid%20Returns" format: markdown --- **Return Label Generation** is a powerful automation feature that instantly creates prepaid return shipping labels or QR codes when customers initiate returns through your platform. The moment a customer registers a return, the system automatically connects with major shipping carriers like UPS, DHL, PostNord, and GLS to generate professional shipping documentation and deliver it directly to your customer. This functionality integrates seamlessly with your existing returns process and connects to multiple carrier networks, giving you the flexibility to optimise shipping costs and service quality across different markets. **Key capabilities:** - **Automatic carrier integration:** Connects directly with major shipping carriers to generate authentic prepaid labels instantly, no manual intervention required - **Dual format support:** Provides both traditional printable PDF labels and modern QR codes for carrier drop-off locations, accommodating all customer preferences - **Instant delivery:** Labels automatically sent via email confirmation and displayed on the return status page within seconds of return registration - **Multi-carrier support:** Works with all major carriers including UPS, DHL, PostNord, GLS, and more, giving you flexibility and redundancy - **Smart carrier selection:** Automatically routes returns to the most appropriate carrier based on customer location, market, and your configured preferences - **Real-time tracking:** Every label includes tracking capabilities that automatically update return status as the package moves through the shipping network - **Market-specific optimisation:** Configure different carriers and service levels per market to balance cost, speed, and service quality - **Intelligent address routing:** Automatically directs returns to the correct warehouse or processing centre based on market or product type **Competitive advantages:** - Combined PDF and QR code support means you accommodate both traditional and modern customer preferences, unlike competitors offering only one format - Centralised carrier management eliminates the need to log into multiple carrier websites or manage credentials across different systems - Sophisticated market-based carrier routing enables cost optimisation that manual processes simply cannot achieve at scale - Automatic tracking synchronisation provides visibility that builds customer trust and reduces support inquiries --- ## Technical Architecture & Flow ### How it works from your customer’s perspective The return label generation process is designed to be completely transparent and effortless for your customers: 1. **Customer initiates return:** Your customer visits your returns portal, selects the items they want to return, and submits their return request through your website. 2. **Instant label generation:** The moment the return is registered, the system automatically determines which carrier to use based on the customer’s location, your market configuration, and available shipping options. Within seconds, the system connects to the carrier’s network. 3. **Automatic delivery:** The customer immediately receives an email confirmation with a prominent “GET RETURN LABEL” button. Simultaneously, their return status page is updated with both a scannable QR code and a “Print return label” button. The label is not attached to the email — the button takes the customer to the return status page, where the PDF and the QR code live. **Which email is this?** It is the *Customer prints label* template, which you can edit under `Returns Back-office → Settings → Email Templates`. If your setup has the shipping partner send the label instead of Ingrid generating it, the *External Label Delivery* template is used and the customer receives the label directly from that partner. See [Email templates in Ingrid Returns](https://support.ingrid.com/space/KB/726859778/Email+templates+in+Ingrid+Returns) for the full set of return emails and what triggers each one. ![image](media://d7b2a985-eafe-4e3b-b524-cc1b3039b181) 4. **Customer chooses their preferred method:** 1. **Print at home:** Click “Print return label” to download a PDF, print it on any standard printer, attach it to the package 2. **QR code drop-off:** Save the QR code on their phone, bring the package to a carrier service point, scan the code, carrier prints the label on-site ![image](media://7a5a4791-b8b3-4f3a-92a0-7ce54db3b6a9) 5. **Package shipping:** Customer drops off their package at any carrier location. The prepaid label means no payment required, no customs forms to fill out, no paperwork whatsoever. 6. **Automatic tracking:** As the package moves through the shipping network, tracking events automatically update the return status. Your customer can see exactly where their return is, and you gain complete visibility into your return pipeline. ### How it works behind the scenes The technical architecture is sophisticated but operates invisibly to ensure reliability: **Smart carrier selection:** When a return is registered, the system evaluates several factors simultaneously: customer’s shipping address and market, your configured carrier preferences for that market, the customer’s location within carrier service areas, and any special requirements based on product type or return reason. **Instant carrier connection:** Once the optimal carrier is selected, the system securely connects to the carrier’s network using your configured credentials. It transmits the necessary information including customer address, your return address, package specifications, and service level requirements. **Label generation and formatting:** The carrier processes the request and returns a professional shipping label as a PDF document. If the carrier supports QR codes, a scannable code is also generated. Both formats include tracking numbers for complete visibility. **Multi-channel delivery:** The label is immediately delivered through multiple channels. An email notification is sent to the customer with embedded access to the label. The return status page is updated to display both the QR code and download button. All of this happens within seconds of the customer submitting their return request. **Continuous tracking integration:** Once the customer ships the package, carrier scanning events flow back into your system automatically. Each scan (picked up, in transit, out for delivery, delivered) updates the return status in real-time, keeping both you and your customer informed without any manual updates. **Logic and rules:** - **Carrier priority:** If you’ve configured multiple carriers for a market, the system selects based on address compatibility first, then service level requirements, then your configured priority order - **Automatic retry:** If a carrier connection temporarily fails, the system retries automatically up to three times before notifying you of an issue - **Address validation:** Customer addresses are validated before generating labels to catch issues early and prevent shipping failures - **Intelligent routing:** Returns automatically route to the correct warehouse or processing centre based on your configuration, customer location, or product origin --- ## Use Cases & Configuration Scenarios **Ideal for:** - **Growing eCommerce retailers:** Scale your returns operation without proportionally increasing support staff or operational overhead - **Multi-market businesses:** Operate across multiple countries with different carriers optimised for each market’s shipping networks and costs - **Customer-centric brands:** Differentiate your brand by offering the smoothest possible return experience, turning potential frustration into loyalty - **High-volume seasonal retailers:** Handle peak return periods (post-holiday, end-of-season sales) without operational bottlenecks or overwhelmed support teams - **Omni-channel operations:** Support both print-at-home labels for customers with printers and QR codes for mobile-first customers or in-store drop-offs **Common applications:** - **Standard return processing:** Customer initiates return online, receives instant email with label, ships package the same day using prepaid shipping - **Mobile-optimised returns:** Customer without printer receives QR code via email, walks to nearest carrier location, scans code, carrier prints label on-site - **Multi-warehouse operations:** Returns automatically routed to the nearest or most appropriate processing centre based on customer location or product type - **International operations:** Generate compliant international shipping labels with customs documentation for seamless cross-border returns - **Peak season management:** Handle 3-5x normal return volumes during post-holiday periods without manual label generation delays or support backlog **Industry-specific examples:** - **Fashion and Apparel:** With typical return rates of 20-30%, automated label generation becomes essential infrastructure rather than nice-to-have convenience. QR codes prove particularly popular with younger, urban customers who rarely own printers, enabling returns from mobile devices. - **Electronics and Technology:** Higher-value returns demand tracked, insured shipping. Automatic label generation with built-in tracking provides proof-of-return protection for both customer and retailer, significantly reducing fraud claims and disputes. - **Home Goods and Furniture:** Bulky or heavy items benefit from sophisticated carrier selection that automatically chooses appropriate service levels, from standard parcel service for small items to freight services for furniture, ensuring correct handling and preventing shipping failures. --- ## Related documentation - [Email templates in Ingrid Returns](https://support.ingrid.com/space/KB/726859778/Email+templates+in+Ingrid+Returns) — every return email, what triggers it, and how to edit the copy and branding