The UPS Store — Local services in Bothell

TLDR: This location is taking advantage of customers who use UPS Stores to make Amazon returns by charging for mailers. Save your money—go to one of the multiple other UPS Store locations in the area, or Kohl’s, for your Amazon returns.

Full story: I was dropping off other packages for UPS Ground, so I figured I would save myself some effort and gas and complete returns at the same time. Now I regret providing this store with even that small amount of drop off income.)

I brought in two items, both smaller than a deck of cards, each still in their original manufacturers’ packaging (in this case, small clear ziplock bags) under a single shared Amazon QR return code.

I was then informed I would need to purchase a bubble mailer. Because, according to them, the “customer packed” on the QR code provided by Amazon means it has to be in shippable packaging before it arrives at UPS.

Paraphrasing: the instructions above the QR code say “boxes must be packed and sealed before dropping off or charges may apply” — therefore, all items have to be boxed up for shipment before being sent. Because I wasn’t returning my items in the external Amazon-branded mailer used to ship these (and multiple other) small items, I needed to purchase an additional mailer.

This phrase, as worded and as is contextual on the return instructions, refers to items being re-packaged in the MANUFACTURER’s box. If you bring in an item, as well as its original box, but not IN its original box, packing charges would of course then logically apply. (If you cannot complete every required step of the return, the UPS Store can do so for you — for a packing fee.)

Especially knowing Amazon requires its UPS Store locations to bag every single returned item in a second outer plastic bag individually (regardless of whether or not the item is returned in a box) this is an extremely shady way for a UPS Store to do business.

While waiting to be helped, I witnessed multiple workers inserting shoe boxes, clothing items still in their retailers’ plastic wrap, etc into said Amazon-required egregious outer bags as they were scanned in via QR code. No mailer required. I even pointed out the bags in full view on the counters, but I was told they weren’t available for my use.

I was condescended to, talked over, and made to seem difficult — for knowing the store was intentionally violating stated Amazon policy and twisting vague language to profit off of individual customers (in addition to their contracted rates with Amazon.)

How do I know this, besides being capable of reading Amazon T&C? I am a former UPS Store employee with photos of the extremely wasteful double wrapping process.

Second TL;DR: This UPS Store is being unethical, greedy, and ADDITIONALLY...

I went to return an item that cost $49.99 at Amazon. The person with long hair charged me $61.86 to ship the item I was returning. I told him, "Actually, can you cancel that because kohl's will ship it for free," He told me he already printed the label, so he can't do anything about it, This was before I he charged me. I was forced to pay even after I explained to him that I would like to cancel. Since it didn't make sense to follow through since it cost more to ship then my return money. Yes, he printed a label, but he could of canceled it. He told me to just contact Amazon to try and get that shipping amount refunded. He did nothing to try to help me out, and I was forced to pay. I felt like I was being extorted. He could of easily canceled the label. Instead, was too lazy to help me with the situation. Then proceeded to help the next customer. I'm not coming back here again. I left that store pretty upset and confused as to why he couldn't just...

Please triple check prices before going to this store. I checked with them over the phone multiple times and was told that they charge $10 for notary services but when I got the papers notarized they charged me 50% more per signature. Then i called other UPS stores near by and confirmed that their prices were way cheaper.

This was not enough: the store manager who also happened to be notary who over charged me had no empathy when I reported the issue and won't acknowledge my frustration. When I asked to speak to owner, I was given vague answer. I even sent an email to the store but there was complete cold response with no attention to how customer might have felt about this episode.

With this kind of customer service, its best to find other store for mailing needs. I sincerely hope that owner of the store is checking this review and make some adjustments. At least have transparent pricing so everybody knows in advance and compare your prices with...