Letter returns
Processing letter returns efficiently
Important information
A return is a consignment sent back to the sender who, in some cases, is also responsible for paying for it.
Swiss Post physically sends letter and newspaper returns back to the sender as standard.
The return times for undeliverable items are up to seven working days for A Mail, B Mail and newspapers. Swiss Post generally returns registered mail without return note, debt collection and court documents to the sender within two working days.
What are returns?
Delivery refused
A consignment successfully delivered by Swiss Post but which was refused upon receipt by the recipient.
Basic prices per pc.
Dependent on format and weight
- Registered
- 5.30
- Other shipment types
- 0.53
Uncollected item
Consignment for which the recipient has received a collection note but which is returned to the sender upon expiry of the collection deadline. Consignment handling takes place within the Swiss Post process landscape at all times but is taxable.
Basic prices per pc.
Dependent on format and weight
- Registered
- 5.30
- Other shipment types
- 0.53
Undeliverable item
- Moved, forwarding period expired
- Deceased
- company no longer in business
- Recipient not found at address provided
- All shipment types
- Free of charge
Prices in CHF incl. VAT
A letter successfully delivered by Swiss Post but returned in the original envelope and franked by the recipient is classed as a reconsignment.
Managing returns
Letter ID
Letter ID allows you to determine how your returns are processed. We offer the following options.
Return delivery
Physical return delivery
- Return delivery to the sender
- Delivery to an alternative return delivery address defined by you
Basic price
Digital processing
Digital preparation (provision)
- Item picture
- Reason for return
- Data matrix code content
- Indication of date
+ 0.09 / item
Disposal
What you no longer require
- Simple disposal (free)
- Qualified, legally-compliant disposal of your returns
+ 0.02 / item
Prices in CHF incl. VAT
For further details regarding the characteristics required for your consignments and the completion of your data matrix code for the provision of returns services, please see the “Barcodes and data matrix codes” manual.
Processing returns digitally
Would you like to receive your returns/the relevant data in the same digital form? Send your letter mail using Letter ID with integrated data matrix code.
Swiss Post provides the relevant data from the data matrix code to business customers with a billing relationship – including the reason why an item was returned. We transfer the returns data to the “Track consignments” online service, including an image of the consignment. Here you will find all the information available to download as a CSV, XLS or PDF file.
In certain cases, the data can also be easily linked to your company’s own IT solution via our electronic “DataTransfer” interface. The data is prepared for you once daily in the form of a report and provided for secure collection via an SFTP connection.
For further details regarding the characteristics required for your consignments and the completion of your data matrix code for the provision of returns services, please see the “Barcodes and data matrix codes” manual.
Preventing returns
Correct addresses – fewer returns
Have print templates checked
Swiss Post’s final proof
Always allow Swiss Post to homologate newly created layouts and data matrix codes.
Check addresses upon shipping
Shipment-based address verification
“Shipment-based address verification” gives you the option of verifying recipient addresses for deliverability immediately upon mailing.
Maintaining addresses
All you need to know about address management
With customer addresses that are always up to date, you can be sure that your consignments will reach the correct recipient. How to prevent unnecessary returns and additional expenditure
Discounts
Price benefits on addressed letters
As a business customer, correctly prepared letter volumes will see you benefit from price reductions and discounts. This is your reward for supporting efficient processing.
We would be pleased to provide you with personalized advice
Do you have any questions about returns management? We will be happy to inform you of your options in a personal meeting.
Give us a call
CHF 0.08/min. from landline phones within Switzerland
Monday till Friday: 7.30am - 6pm
Saturday: 8am to 12 noon
Write to us
Send your query directly online to our specialists.
Our address
Post CH Ltd
Swiss Post Contact Center
Wankdorfallee 4
3030 Bern
Step by step
Franking mail
Stamps and franking solutions for your letter postage.
Addressing & designing mail
How you can address and design letters correctly.
Customs clearance & declaration
You must declare consignments sent abroad. Ensure a smooth customs procedure with the right accompanying documents.
Sending mail
You can post letters in letter boxes or hand them in at a branch.
Track & Trace
With Track & Trace, you can keep track of your consignments at all times.
Response & returns
Increase your response and manage returns efficiently.