Is there a way to refuse a USPS shipment?

[rgG]

I ordered a small item from Buy.com and then decided to get it locally. I tried to cancel the order, but it was too late. They say I have the option to refuse the shipment, but It looks like it has shipped USPS. It is small enough to fit in the mail box, so I don't see how I can refuse the shipment if I don't have to sign for it. Can I take it to the P.O. and "refuse" it there or is there another way?

If I can't refuse the shipment and need to send it back, what is the cheapest way to do it and still have some sort of tracking to prove that I indeed shipped it back. I order quite a bit of stuff online, but I almost never return things, so I am not sure what would be the best way.

[NewtonMP2100]

. .. don't quote me on this but I think you can bring it to a post office (or drop it in a mailbox). . .return to sender (unopened). . .without having to pay postage. . .

[clay]

yup. just put return to sender on package (unopened) and drop it back in the mail

[rgG]

Looks like you two are correct. I rooted around the USPS website and found this info:

What are the mail refusal options?

Not everyone accepts every piece of mail that's delivered to their home, whether it's unsolicited advertising or other pieces. When that happens, Postal standards offer mail refusal options.

*
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) D042.1.2 and 1.3 provide two instances where mail can be refused when it's offered for delivery, or, after delivery, you may mark Refused and return it unopened within a reasonable time.
*
If a mailpiece has been opened, even if it's been resealed, it can t be marked Refused and returned. If someone wants to return that mailpiece to the sender, they have to put it in a new envelope or wrapper with a correct address and new postage.
*
There's some mail that can t be refused after it's been delivered. Once again, two groups fit this category
o
Pieces sent as Registered Mail, Insured, Certified Mail, Collect on Delivery (COD), and Return Receipt for merchandise mail.
o
Response mail to a sales promotion, solicitation, announcement, or other advertisement that was not refused when offered to the recipient.

Thanks.

[josntme]

Just put "refused" on it and the postman will return it.

I do this on unwanted mail all the time.

[Lux Interior]

I've done that with many unwanted Columbia House mailings in the past.

[Panopticon]

ah ha!
Boy is AARP going to be pissed when they get back their 73 pounds of mailings I've been collecting

[rgG]

Now that I know I can refuse it, does anyone see any reason that I shouldn't send it back this way? I won't have a way to track it and prove that I returned it and I do want to get my money back for this item.

They did say I could refuse it as a method of canceling the order, but what if they say they never get the return. This is why I try never to return things, so many ways it can get screwed up.

[RAMd®d]

That all sounds well and good, but not so much.

First, the USPS will return it for free because it was refused, even if you couldn't catch the the carrier in the act of delivery.

That's the deal-- they will return it for free.

But-- if it's sent with Delivery Confirmation, the sender will see that (assuming the carrier doesn't forget to scan it.)

There's the If=Then catch. If it doesn't get back to the sender for some reason, or the sender *does* get it but loses track of it (as if!) then you could still be on the hook, because delivery was confirmed.

In the case of somebody losing their mind and joining a record club, there is no record of delivery and there is no proof that you didn't refuse the delivery, nor are you required to prove that you refused it.

So *IF* the package had DC attached, you could still refuse it after delivery, but there could be a potential fly waiting to light in your ointment.

I'm just saying...