You Can Still Make Free Amazon Returns. Here's How to Avoid Fees Ahead of July Prime Day 2025
Amazon introduced a $1 surcharge for returning certain items via The UPS Store, especially when a closer, cost-free option is available. But don't worry, there are still plenty of free and easy return alternatives. Here's what you need to know to avoid unnecessary fees and how to make returns stress-free after Prime Day shopping.
Start your return the right way
Begin by visiting your Amazon Orders page and selecting the item you want to send back. Choose a reason for the return, then review your drop-off and pickup options. Amazon will show you eligible locations.
If your item qualifies for multiple return methods, keep an eye out for the ones marked "no-box, no-label" -- those are your free-ticket returns.
Free Amazon return options near you
Kohl's and Staples
CNET
Kohl's and Staples locations across the US accept Amazon returns at no cost. Just choose one of these retailers as your drop-off spot when initiating your return. You'll receive a QR code to show in-store and there's no need to repackage the item.
Better yet? Some stores may reward you with in-store discount coupons just for stopping by.
Whole Foods Market
You can also drop off returns at select Whole Foods locations. As with Kohl's, you'll get a QR code to scan when you arrive. However, not all Whole Foods stores support Amazon returns and some may require you to box the item beforehand, so double check the return instructions during checkout.
Amazon Fresh, Amazon Go and Amazon Lockers
If you're lucky enough to live near an Amazon-owned store, such as Amazon Fresh or Amazon Go, you might be able to drop your item there. Choose Amazon Store Dropoff and follow the provided instructions. For Amazon Hub Lockers, you'll typically need to box your return first, but materials may be available on-site.
UPS return options: Free or fee?
Drop off at The UPS Store
UPS Store drop-off is often free unless a closer free location is available. In that case, Amazon may charge you a $1 convenience fee. You'll still get a QR code and The UPS Store will handle packaging and labeling for you.
Schedule a UPS pickup
For maximum convenience, Amazon lets you request a UPS pickup from your doorstep. You'll need to pack the item yourself, but UPS provides the label. While this can be a great option, a small fee may apply depending on the item and your location. Amazon will notify you during the return process.
Pro tip: Check each return option closely
As Prime Day deals roll in next week, it's smart to know your return options in advance. Amazon makes it relatively easy to send back items, but fees and eligibility can vary based on where you live, how far you are from partner stores and what you're returning.
By choosing the right return method, you can skip the hassle and the charges.
Stay tuned to CNET for the latest on Amazon Prime Day 2025, including expert advice on scoring the best tech, smart home gear and more. For even more bargains, take a look at our full roundup of the best Amazon deals under $100.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Council member questions adherence to chamber contract
Questions arose at an informal meeting Monday of the Joplin City Council about how closely city officials and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce comply with requirements of a contract between the two parties. The discussion started with City Manager Nick Edwards talking about how economic development work is done for the city. He said the city contracts with the chamber for the services. The chamber submits an invoice for the work, the finance department checks the invoice and the chamber is reimbursed monthly for expenses. The contract requires that the invoice be submitted 'with supporting documentation within 15 days from the end of each calendar month describing the services provided and expenses reimbursable by the city incurrent in the prior month.' 'We reimburse for actual expenditures,' the city manager said, adding that 'the rest of the contract lists performance measures and activities the chamber performs.' The contract allows the city to spend up to $252,000 for what is called 'a consulting fee' for services outlined in the agreement. The contract also allows for the council to adjust the amount it will pay annually based on budget appropriations. The city a decade ago paid the chamber an annual payment of $335,000 until a 2015 audit by then-Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway criticized Joplin's handling of the payments. That audit specifically criticized the city for not properly monitoring its contract and expenditures paid to the chamber. That is when a written contract was put in place and the city required the chamber to submit more detailed invoices. The city manager said that monthly reports consist of 'the city manager, some city staff, the mayor and mayor pro tem meet(ing) with chamber staff to go over economic development activities for coordination meetings. They share things they are working on, leads they may have, and any changes in the economy.' Council member Doris Carlin said the contract states the chamber is to provide a monthly report to the mayor and council. She said she has never been given a monthly report. The city manager said there is monthly communication but he would not call it a report. There is a quarterly report to the council that provides a running list of 'those items I've presented to you each quarter,' Edwards said. Carlin said the contract specifies that the chamber's monthly report to mayor and council is 'to outline tasks accomplished and include statistics for each performance measure outlined.' Carlin asked the mayor if he has seen that language. Mayor Keenan Cortez said he did see that the contract calls for a monthly report. He said representatives of the MOKAN Partnership, the regional arm of the chamber, 'give us all the leads they're working on and things that are happening. Again that, for me, has been relatively informal to this point. They keep us posted and updated on all that. We do have a loose agenda we follow on all that. I don't know if that information has been disseminated down.' He described those involved as an 'economic development team,' although that description does not appear in the contract. The performance measures required by the contract are enumerated as: • Written report to mayor and council. • Quarterly presentation to council. • Timely updates to mayor and council on potential and ongoing projects as necessary. 'The city recognizes that the overall economy will affect some of the performance measures and success will be outside of the control,' of the chamber, the contract states. It continues by specifying, 'the City expects JACC to show evidence of experience in conducting comparative market and trend analyses and due diligence in amassing the detailed information necessary to support the economic development efforts.' The contract is outdated. The copy used for Monday's discussion was signed on Oct. 30, 2023, and specifies that it will be in effect for a year until Oct. 31, 2024. The discussion came on the heels of the exit of Travis Stephens, chamber president and CEO. The chamber board announced in an email June 11 that he was no longer the president and CEO and that the chamber's vice president, Erin Slifka, would oversee staff and monitor day-to-day activities while the chamber board conducts a search for a new leader. Stephens was placed at the chamber helm in 2022 with 14 years of experience in economic development work. The chamber board has advertised the job and sought submission on applications by July 25. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 minutes ago
- Yahoo
5 Dividend Stocks to Hold for the Next 5 Years
Key Points Johnson & Johnson and PepsiCo are elite Dividend Kings. Realty Income has a terrific record of increasing its monthly dividend. Chevron and Brookfield Renewable have lots of fuel to continue increasing their attractive dividends. 10 stocks we like better than Realty Income › Dividend stocks can be great long-term investments. Many top dividend payers have long histories of increasing their payouts and delivering above-average total returns. Here are five excellent dividend stocks to consider holding for the next five years. 1. Brookfield Renewable Brookfield Renewable (NYSE: BEPC)(NYSE: BEP) is a leading global renewable energy producer. The company sells the clean power it generates under long-term, fixed-rate power purchase agreements (PPAs) with utilities and large corporate customers. These agreements produce stable and growing cash flows supported by inflation-linked rate increases. Growing power demand should benefit Brookfield over the next five years. The company expects to capture higher prices as legacy PPAs expire, complete a growing pipeline of renewable energy development projects, and make value-enhancing acquisitions. These catalysts should drive more than 10% compound annual growth in its per-share funds from operations (FFO) for the foreseeable future. That supports Brookfield's plan to increase its dividend by 5% to 9% annually. It has delivered at least 5% annual dividend growth for 14 straight years. With its dividend currently yielding more than 4%, and robust growth ahead, Brookfield could produce powerful total returns in the coming years. 2. Realty Income Realty Income (NYSE: O) is one of the world's largest real estate investment trusts (REITs). It owns a diversified portfolio of high-quality properties leased to many of the world's leading companies. The REIT's long-term net leases provide it with very durable cash flow because tenants cover all property operating costs, including routine maintenance, real estate taxes, and building insurance. The landlord pays a monthly dividend currently yielding over 5.5%. Realty Income has increased its payment 131 times since coming public in 1994. Acquisitions drive its steadily rising dividend. With an elite balance sheet and strong excess free cash flow after paying dividends, Realty Income has ample financial flexibility to continue growing its portfolio and dividend. And, with over $14 trillion of real estate suitable for net leases across the U.S. and Europe, it has a very long growth runway ahead. 3. Johnson & Johnson Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has one of the healthiest financial profiles in the world. It boasts a pristine credit rating (AAA) due to its fortress balance sheet and strong free cash flow. Last year, the company produced $20 billion in free cash flow even after spending heavily on research and development (it's one of the world's top R&D investors). That was more than enough to cover its 3%-yielding dividend ($11.8 billion paid out last year). The company has been using its strong free cash flow and balance sheet to make strategic acquisitions ($15 billion deployed over the past year). The healthcare giant's substantial R&D spending and strategic acquisitions should drive continued earnings and cash-flow growth in the coming years. That should enable Johnson & Johnson to maintain its magnificent record of dividend increases. The company extended its growth streak to 63 years in a row earlier this year, keeping its place in the elite group of Dividend Kings, which are companies with 50 or more years of consecutive annual dividend increases. 4. PepsiCo PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) is also a Dividend King. The beverage and snacking giant extended its dividend growth streak to 53 straight years earlier this year. The company currently offers a dividend yield of around 4%. The iconic consumer brands company is investing heavily to expand its manufacturing capacity, increase innovation, and boost its productivity. These investments should help support rising revenues (4%-6% annual long-term organic growth target) and earnings (high single digits). The company aims to complement its organic growth investments with strategic acquisitions that accelerate its strategic portfolio transformation toward healthier food and beverage options (e.g., Poppi, Seite, and Sabra). These growth drivers should enable PepsiCo to continue increasing its dividend. 5. Chevron Chevron (NYSE: CVX) has increased its dividend for 38 straight years, including at a peer-leading rate over the past decade. That's impressive for a company operating in the volatile oil sector. It showcases the durability of its portfolio and the strength of its financial profile. The oil giant anticipates a growth spurt over the next year. Recently completed and upcoming expansion projects, along with its acquisition of Hess, should add $12.5 billion to its free-cash-flow total next year. Meanwhile, the Hess deal enhanced and extended its production and free-cash-flow growth outlook into the 2030s. Combine that with its strong balance sheet and resilient portfolio, and Chevron is in an excellent position to continue increasing its 4.5%-yielding dividend in the future. Great dividend stocks to hold for the long haul High-quality dividend stocks, such as Brookfield Renewable, PepsiCo, Chevron, Johnson & Johnson, and Realty Income, are ideal long-term holdings. They pay attractive and growing dividends, which should enable them to deliver strong total returns over the long term. Should you invest $1,000 in Realty Income right now? Before you buy stock in Realty Income, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Realty Income wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $653,427!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,119,863!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,060% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 182% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of August 4, 2025 Matt DiLallo has positions in Brookfield Renewable, Brookfield Renewable Partners, Chevron, Johnson & Johnson, PepsiCo, and Realty Income. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chevron and Realty Income. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Renewable, Brookfield Renewable Partners, and Johnson & Johnson. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 5 Dividend Stocks to Hold for the Next 5 Years was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
Wall Street Journal
6 minutes ago
- Wall Street Journal
Sudden Fed Resignation Surprised Colleagues and Gave Opening for Trump
This past week President Trump said he would nominate Stephen Miran, head of the Council of Economic Advisers, to fill an open spot on the Federal Reserve, giving Trump a loyalist inside the Fed. Trump's chance to wield greater influence over the central bank came suddenly and unexpectedly when Fed governor Adriana Kugler resigned roughly six months before the end of her term. Kugler, an appointee of President Joe Biden, hasn't said why she left the Fed's board early before the end of her term in January. She missed last month's meeting of the rate-setting committee for what the central bank described as a personal matter. Her resignation was effective Friday.
