The return of products purchased online just became easier. Since January 22, the Post Office has expanded the functionality of its smart lockers, known as lockers, to include reverse logistics services. The new feature allows consumers to return their orders to sellers easily and quickly, without the need to face queues at agencies.
The initiative, which has been functioning as a pilot project in the federal capital since August 2023, is now available at all 184 terminals of the state-owned company. The service serves consumers in the Federal District, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, as well as the metropolitan and inland regions of São Paulo.
To use the service, the consumer must first contact the store or seller to communicate their intention to return. The seller will provide an e-ticket or a specific code for the reverse logistics process. With this code in hand, the customer must properly package the product, leaving the code visible, and attach the content declaration.
In the locker, just select the "shipping" option, enter the provided code, and deposit the package in the compartment that will open automatically. After closing the door, the system will send an email confirming the deposit. The official confirmation of the posting will arrive by email within 24 hours.
One of the main advantages of lockers is their location. Located in high-traffic areas such as shopping malls and public transportation terminals, they offer broader access hours than conventional post offices. This makes the service particularly useful for people who cannot be at home to receive deliveries, do not have a doorman in their condominiums, or live in areas with delivery restrictions.
It is important to note that some additional services, such as checklists or sending multiple items, are not available at lockers due to the requirement for human interaction. For these cases, in-person service at the agencies remains the recommended option.
The expansion of the reverse logistics service to lockers represents another step in the modernization of Correios, aligning with the growing demands of e-commerce in Brazil.
