Happy Returns by PayPal, Staples Team to Offer In-Person Returns

PayPal’s Happy Returns will be working with Staples to offer in-person return services in over 1,000 retail locations around the U.S., according to a press release.

Online shoppers from Happy Returns can return products in person at Staples for an immediate refund or exchange without a box or label, the release stated. The program will debut in certain states and expand throughout October.

Happy Returns offers returns software and reverse logistics, allowing merchants to boost their shopper return experience, lower the cost of returns and cut down on environmental damage, according to the release.

“Returns are an essential part of the shopping experience, particularly for online retail, and shoppers overwhelmingly prefer to return box free in person rather than deal with the hassle and wait of returns by mail,” Said Happy Returns Vice President David Sobie in the release. “Our partnership with Staples U.S. Retail significantly increases the availability of in-person drop-off points for online shoppers and gives retailers a more cost-effective way to manage their reverse logistics.”

Meanwhile, Staples Vice President of Print and Marketing Services Craig Grayson said in the release that shipping updates are needed in the modern era.

“The way in which consumers shop and return items is fast changing, and we are excited to partner with Happy Returns to better support shoppers and merchants in need of comprehensive and convenient return solutions,” Grayson said in the release.

Americans returned $428 billion in goods in 2020, according to the release. Almost a quarter of that was eCommerce related. Over 10% of general purchases are being returned, and customers are looking to get the best experience possible, often seeking in-person returns.

In other PayPal-related news, news broke earlier this month that PayPal would be launching its much-anticipated new super app.

Read more: PayPal’s New Super-App Positioned to Deliver Next-Level Connected Experience

“No consumer is going to have 40 or 50 apps on their phone,” PayPal President and CEO Dan Schulman told PYMNTS earlier this year.

He added that “there must be super apps that come together to consolidate all of your financial instruments. And by the way, those financial instruments include rewards points, and the ability to choose buy now, pay later, or even use QR codes.”