Choose the receiving route before the label
Separate a domestic return from a parcel going to an overseas hub. DHL Retoure International is an inbound-to-Germany product, rather than evidence of an outbound route from Germany. For a German customer returning abroad, confirm the actual transport arrangement. Name the account holder, label issuer and receiving location in your brief. Keep the merchant’s approval linked to the order, then define whether arrival should trigger a receipt message, inspection or a decision request.
Write instructions for the actual code
DHL supports PDF labels and mobile return codes. Hermes also describes a merchant-provided QR process at its PaketShop. Choose one accepted flow and explain it plainly: prepare the parcel, bring the issued label or code, and use the named channel. A screenshot saying “return approved” should not be treated as the transport code. If a customer changes to a locker or collection, check that channel’s requirements before redirecting them; keep the original reference attached to the replacement instruction.
Keep hand-in evidence connected to warehouse receipt
Hermes lists several hand-in channels, so the instruction should identify the one selected for this return. Ask the customer to retain the available receipt or confirmation and record the tracking reference against the RMA. At the receiving location, reconcile the physical parcel separately from its contents. An unreadable reference, partial order or damaged outer carton needs an exception record. Agree who supplies the missing information and who may authorise inspection or onward movement; carrier delivery alone does not settle those decisions.
Products for returns from Germany
These products document the customer’s return origin. The receiving country, merchant account and exact hand-in method must also fit the route. Network coverage alone does not confirm a bookable return.
DHL Retoure / Retoure International
- Receiving destination
- Germany
- Documented methods
- Drop-off point · No home printer · Returns portal
Hermes Retoure
- Receiving destination
- Germany
- Documented methods
- Drop-off point · Locker / self-service · Home / mailbox collection · No home printer
Shop Return / Collection request
- Receiving destination
- Netherlands
- Documented methods
- Drop-off point · Home / mailbox collection
ShopReturnService
- Receiving destination
- Confirm for the route
- Documented methods
- Drop-off point
PostNord Return
- Receiving destination
- Confirm for the route
- Documented methods
- Drop-off point
Before you issue labels
- Confirm the actual receiving country and postcode before choosing a domestic or cross-border label.
- Give customer service the exact label/code, hand-in channel and replacement process.
- Link order or RMA, tracking reference and available hand-in evidence in one return record.
- Specify receiving checks, photos and decision authority before goods arrive.
Local return questions
Can every German return be sent without printing?
Follow the label or mobile-code option actually issued for that return. If the customer cannot use it, obtain a suitable replacement instruction before changing channel. Confirm who issues the new transport reference and keep it linked to the original return.
Can a domestic label be used for a foreign receiving hub?
Check the approved destination and the specific transport product. A convenient German drop-off network does not establish a cross-border receiving route. The merchant should resolve the label and receiving setup before the customer hands over the parcel.
What should happen after a delivery scan?
Compare tracking with the receiving record, then follow the agreed warehouse brief. Record parcel arrival, identified items and any inspection outcome separately. Refund approval and release of stock remain decisions for the party authorised in the merchant’s operating instructions.
Official material behind this guide
- DHL: Retoure mit Label oder QR-CodeReviewed · October 30, 2026
- DHL Retoure InternationalReviewed · October 30, 2026
- Hermes: Retouren versendenReviewed · October 30, 2026
- Hermes: Wo kann ich meine Retoure abgeben?Reviewed · October 30, 2026
- DHL Retoure International: service description, sample offer page 7Reviewed · October 30, 2026