The accuracy of a USPS shipping label is crucial to successful delivery. If you switched 2 digits of a street number or input an incomplete contact number, this can lead to delays or even a failed delivery. Double-checking the details on a shipping label is a must, and it’s just as important that you know how to cancel and void USPS shipping labels when you make a mistake or have to change shipping plans.
Cancelling/Voiding USPS Shipping Labels: What You Need to Know
Address errors, incorrect service selection, or changes in shipment plans require cancellation of shipping labels. If you’re no longer sending a package or you need to generate a new label, canceling the label prevents wasted postage and potential confusion.
When can you cancel/void a USPS shipping label? What’s the process of cancelling/voiding labels? Here are the key considerations you must know:
You can void a shipping label as long as USPS has not yet scanned it into its system, usually within 30 days of printing.
You can cancel a shipment if it has not yet been collected or dropped off.
Once a label enters the USPS system, or if it’s older than 30 days, cancellation/voiding may no longer be an option; however, you may still be able to process a refund request.
USPS Click-N-Ship requires refund requests within 30 days of printing; some platforms (such eBay) allow voiding within 5 days only.
When a refund is approved (typically within days or weeks), the cost is credited back to your account, which you can use for future label purchases.
The process of cancelling/voiding USPS shipping labels varies depending on the platform. Here are your options:
USPS Click-N-Ship: Use your Shipping History to find and "Refund Label".
eBay: Go to "Orders," "More Actions," then "Void".
Shopify: In Shipping Labels, select labels and click "Void shipping labels".
Getting Ready to Cancel a USPS Shipping Label
To facilitate a fast and smooth cancellation process, prepare all necessary information related to the shipment. Have the tracking number readily available, as this is required to identify the label. You can find it on the printed label or in your USPS online account.
Review the shipment details carefully; these include the recipient’s address, shipping service, and purchase date. Confirm whether the label has been used or scanned. If a label has already been processed and you attempt to cancel it, this may result in additional fees or denial of request.
If payment was made for the label, keep your billing information handy. You will need this when you request a refund. Being prepared ensures the cancellation or voiding process goes without issues.
Canceling a USPS Shipping Label: What Are Your Options:
You can process a cancellation online via USPS.com, via the mobile app, or in person at your local post office.
USPS.com provides a convenient way to cancel shipping labels online. The process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps:
Sign in to your USPS account.
Navigate to your Shipping History or Order Management section.
Locate the label you want to cancel, and select the cancellation option.
Continue following the prompts to complete the cancellation of your unused or incorrect shipping label.
If you’re using the USPS mobile app, follow these steps to cancel a shipping label:
Log in to your USPS account.
Look for the Tools or Manage feature in the app.
Find and select the shipping label you want to cancel.
Follow the prompts to cancel the shipping label.
If you require in-person assistance, the best option is to visit a local post office so USPS staff can help you with your cancellation. Don’t forget to bring the tracking number or label information, which the clerk will need to locate the shipment.
Whichever option you prefer, it’s important that you act quickly to cancel a shipping label before it is scanned into the USPS system. This ensures that the cancellation takes effect automatically and you either won’t be charged for the postage or be refunded immediately.
Voiding a USPS Shipping Label
Voiding a USPS shipping label means it is permanently invalidated and can no longer be used for mailing. If a voided label is presented for shipment, USPS will reject it. Labels can be voided if they’re damaged, printed incorrectly, or no longer usable for some other reason.
You can void a USPS shipping label online via USPS.com, by calling customer service, or by visiting a local post office. Again, you’ll need to provide the tracking/label number to process your void request. Once voided, USPS will immediately mark the label as invalid.
Refunds for Canceled or Voided USPS Labels
You may be eligible for a refund for cancelled or voided shipping labels. If the label is cancelled before it is scanned into the system, you will typically qualify for a full refund of the postage and extras, such as insurance or signature confirmation. If the label has already been scanned, you may only receive a partial refund, i.e., for the postage only.
Refund requests can be submitted through your online USPS account or by contacting customer service. You’ll need to provide the tracking number, purchase date, and reason for cancellation. Take note that refunds generally take two to four weeks to process, so it’s best to submit your request as soon as possible.
How to Prevent USPS Label Cancellations
Cancelling or voiding a USPS shipping label helps ensure successful delivery of a package or prevention of shipment issues. At the same time, avoiding a cancellation in the first place is the more prudent action to save time and avoid delays.
Before printing a label, always double-check the sender and recipient information, including names, contact information, and addresses. Make sure you also selected the correct shipping service. After printing, attach the label to the package properly, ideally on the top or side of the package to ensure that the label is clearly identifiable and easy to scan.
Final Thoughts
Keep these tips in mind for a smooth cancellation process:
Act quickly, as there is a limited window for cancellation.
Keep records of tracking numbers and confirmation emails.
Verify all shipment details before canceling.
Organize your shipping workflow to reduce errors.
Follow these best practices to avoid mistakes, reduce delays, and ensure your USPS shipping process stays efficient and stress-free.