What does Return Service Requested mean? Learn about USPS’s undeliverable mail processing, fees, and comparison with alternative services, including how businesses that accept credit card payments can benefit from understanding these processes.
One day, some months ago, a letter with “Return Service Requested” stamped across the envelope landed in my mailbox. It immediately made me wonder, was it urgent? Was someone waiting for money from me? Or was it just a piece of junk mail?
Have you ever wondered “What does Return Service Requested mean?” You’re not alone. Many people see that term in the mail and have no idea what it truly means.
After some research and a few conversations with our local post office, finally, I understood what Return Service Requested meant, and let me tell you, it’s more than you’d ever think. Whether you’re a business owner, someone who sends a lot of important mail, or just curious about what USPS does with undeliverable mail, you’ll learn everything you’ll ever want to know from this guide.
Article Breakdown
Understanding “Return Service Requested” – The Basics
At a basic level, Return Service Requested is a USPS mailmark that tells the postal service what to do with a mailpiece in the event it’s undeliverable. Instead of forwarding it to a new address or disposing of it, USPS returns it to the sender with the new address of the recipient (if it’s known).
It’s a practical option for businesses and customers who want to keep a record of mailing lists. If someone has moved address, you’ll have their new address and not lose contact with them.
How It Works
Here’s a brief description of what happens when a mailpiece has Return Service Requested:
- If the recipient has not changed from that address – The mail is sent as normal.
- If the recipient has moved and left a forwarding address – The mail returns to you with the new address.
- If there isn’t a forwarding address in the records – The mail returns with a note that it’s undeliverable.
- You pay return postage – Unlike with some alternative mail options, Return Service Requested isn’t free. You’ll be charged for each returned mailpiece.
Why Use Return Service Requested?
So you’re wondering: “Why would a person want mail returned to them and not have it forwarded?”
Here are some reasons why companies and individuals choose to do so:
1. Keeping Customer Addresses Up-to-Date
Assume you have a small business and you send invoices or marketing materials by mail. If your customers move, you do not want to continue to mail to the wrong address. Instead, with Return Service Requested, you get their new address so you can update your records.
2. Reducing Wasted Mail and Costs
Worst of all would be to waste money and time in mail that never gets to the recipient. This service avoids wastage and delivers mail to right addresses.
3. Legal or Contractual Obligations Compliance
It’s useful to know in some mail, such as legal notices or financial statements, if it was undeliverable. Return Service Requested informs you whether a critical piece of mail wasn’t delivered.
How does it differ from USPS’s other Endorsements?
You may have also received mail with labels like “Address Service Requested” or “Electronic Service Requested” and they do appear very close. What’s the difference then?
1. What does Address Service Requested mean?
It’s another USPS service, but instead of delivering the mail immediately, the post office forwards it to the recipient (if they have a forwarding address) and sends you a separate notification with the new address.
- Benefit: Your mail does reach the recipient.
- Disadvantages: You will be charged a fee for forwarding and address change.
2. What does Electronic Service Requested Mean?
It’s a more recent method, USPS doesn’t return mail, but provides electronic address updates to the sender.
- Benefit: No return mail, just electronic address updates.
- Cons: Restricted to particular kinds of mail and entails electronic transfer of data.
3. Return Service, Address Service, and Electronic Service – A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Return Service Requested | Address Service Requested | Electronic Service Requested |
| Undeliverable Mail | Returned to sender | Forwarded to recipient | No forwarding |
| Address Update? | Included with returned mail | Sent separately | Sent electronically |
| Cost? | Sender pays return postage | Sender pays forwarding & update fees | Sender pays electronic update fees |
| Best For | Businesses tracking customer addresses | Ensuring mail reaches the recipient | Digital address management |
Real-Life Example – Why It Matters
Here’s a quick story. My friend Sarah runs a small business selling handmade jewelry. Customers receive a thank-you note with a discount code to apply to a future purchase.
One day, she realized that a great many of her notes went astray in transit because customers had moved. She started using “Return Service Requested,” and in a few months had a completely updated customer list. Not only had she saved money by not wasting mail, but she had also reconnected with customers who might have never heard from her otherwise.
That’s what Return Service Requested does for you: it keeps you in touch and avoids wasted efforts.
How to Use “Return Service Requested” for Your Mail
Step 1: Decide Whether You Need It
Ask yourself:
- Do I mail priority mail that has to arrive at the recipient?
- Do you want to keep your mailing list up to date?
- Do you agree to pay return shipping fees?
If you answered yes to either one, it’s worth investigating.
Step 2: Label Your Mail Properly
To use this service, you must stamp or mark “Return Service Requested” in the envelope or mailpiece, typically in the return address.
Step 3: Send Your Letter
Drop it off at a nearby USPS office or mail it with your regular outgoing mail.
Step 4: Returned Mail Monitoring
If mail is returned, update your records to prevent sending mail to a stale address in the future.
FAQs
1. Will “Return Service Requested” incur additional charge?
Yes, return postage is prepaid by the sender in case mail that can’t be delivered comes back. It varies with mail class and weight.
2. Will USPS forward mail to me if using “Return Service Requested”?
USPS does not forward mail with such endorsement. It returns it to the sender with the new address of the recipient (if it exists).
3. What’s the difference between “Address Service Requested” and “Return Service Requested”?
“Return Service Requested” returns undeliverable mail to the sender. “Address Service Requested” sends mail and reports back to the sender with the recipient’s new address.
4. Can “Return Service Requested” be applied by individuals, or by businesses only?
“Return Service Requested” can be used by companies and individuals. It’s mainly used by companies to mail list updates.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use Return Service Requested?
So what does Return Service Requested mean? It’s a USPS service that brings back undeliverable mail to you, instead of forwarding it or disposing of it. It keeps mailing lists up to date and avoids wasted postage for consumers and businesses.
You can save time and money and keep your records current with this option by mailing out important papers, invoices, or customer mail.
Would I recommend it? Yes, only if you need to track address changes and you’re willing to pay return postage.
Additional Resources
If you want to dive deeper into USPS mailing services, check out these resources:
- USPS Mail Endorsements Guide
- How to Use Return Service Requested – USPS
- Address Change & Forwarding Services
