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Scanned-Based/Pay-on-Use Returns

Descartes ShipRush Web provides the Scan-Based (or Pay-on-Use) Returns service. Your company pays only when it uses the service.

Note: Scan-Based Returns are only for domestic, U.S. shipments.

Using Scan-Based Returns:

  • You can print as many labels as you like

  • Postage is not deducted until the label is actually used to ship something back to you

  • You control the TO address on the label

A small additional fee ($0.25, as of this writing) is charged when the label is used.

Note: Using Scan-Based Returns delays closing the postage account and receiving a postage refund. It may also delay a refund on the account by up to six months.


Dialing Up a Scan-Based Return

To select a Scan-Based Return:

  1. Display a Shipments page (select a menu option under SHIPMENTS).


  2. Double-click a Shipment line item. The Shipment's Editing Shipment page is displayed.

  3. Click the "Flip" icon. On the From dropdown, choose a return option.



    Example label:


Billing Details and Postage Rates FAQs

When is your account charged?

When a Scan-Based Return label is printed, your postage balance does not change. When the label is used, the charge is deducted from your balance one to three business days after the label becomes trackable.


What is the postage rate?

Scan-Based Return labels are Commercial Base Price rates. They typically cost more than a prepaid label, which is usually at Commercial Plus rates.

Note: The cost of the postage is based on the rate at the time the label is scanned (not when the label was produced). If the package is heavier than the weight entered at the time of printing, then the heavier cost is billed.


How Do I Get Started?

If you have a Pitney account, you are ready to ship! If you have a ShipRush USPS account, contact Customer Service, and request the enabling of Scan-Based Returns for your account.

Note: In most cases, you are required to maintain a minimum postage balance (typically, at least $200). A higher minimum balance may be requested, depending on the volume of return labels printed. Should your account drop below that threshold, postage is purchased automatically at the end of the day.


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