How do I provide restaurant with box to return my coat?
I reside in the (continental) US. I was recently on a trip to northern California. While there, I unfortunately forgot my coat at a restaurant; a coat that isn't overly expensive, but I find personally valuable. I called the restaurant to ask about it and they managed to find it and were kind enough to offer to ship it if I provide them with the prepaid box.
I asked someone working at the restaurant how this process works and they did their best to explain it, but I am still fairly confused after that call. I would've asked for clarification, but over the several times I've called them about this coat, they've been very busy so I didn't want to use up more of their time than I already have.
So I went to the internet in search of answers. I've tried searching through USPS and UPS but all I've been able to find is a scheduled pickup that I can pay for, but from what I'm understanding these pickup services require the item to already be boxed up and ready to go by the time it's picked up.
So my question: How do I get a prepaid box delivered to the restaurant so they they can use it to ship my coat to me?
Best Answer
Perhaps something like this?
USPS will ship an empty prepaid flat-rate box. The large size box is almost $60. I believe you fill out the label when you purchase the box.
Some USPS boxes have tape already applied but I seem to remember that the similar large priority flat-rate box doesn't. You may want to ask the restaurant if they have package tape. If not, you may need to send them a roll (also available from USPS).
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How do you send a prepaid box?
UPS prepaid shipping labels Before creating your prepaid shipping label, add your customer's address as a sender and your address as a recipient. Follow the prompts to create and print the label as usual. Choose My Box as your packaging. Enter a description of the merchandise.How do I package a return?
Get Your Package ReadyCan I ship an empty box?
You should never ship in a large box that which could fit inside an envelope. It's common sense. Stop shipping air and empty boxes! The result will be a better customer experience, better environmental stewardship, lower costs, higher profitability, faster delivery, and increased capacity for growth.Adapting to Takeout: Thinking outside the delivery box
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Answer 2
The key is to minimize the amount of "kitbuilding" the restaurant needs to do, because it may be asking a lot for them to receive a box, print out a label, coordinate a pickup, etc.
The DIY (slow) option
USPS has a variety of Priority Mail boxes which ship at a flat rate (weight does not matter). You walk into the Post Office, look at the boxes, decide which box will comfortably fit your jacket, and pick it. At the counter, buy the postage for it.
Do not assemble the box. Fill out the box in the normal way as you would for a package addressed to you. For a "From" address, use some alternate address where someone would be able to receive it. Attach postage, then coarsely fold the box over, once, such that it will fit in a large manila envelope, or wrap it with butcher paper. Address the manila envelope to the restaurant.
Take the manila envelope back to the Post Office, and pay First Class postage for that.
The restaurant gets the envelope, opens it up, finds the box, unfolds and assembles it, and gives it to the mailperson the next day.
The "with help" option
The Bay Area is thick with The UPS Store locations. Call one near the restaurant and ask them what they can do. They can probably do "all of the above, that I just said" more efficiently than you can, and at lower postage on a "getting an empty box to the restaurant" side of things.
You might even find they have a relationship with the restaurant, or that the UPS Store manager would be happy to eat at the restaurant and bring a box on by. They pack it while the manager eats.
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