The sender
The sender books the return with the e-retailer. Returns can be booked until 22:00. The sender receives a unique code by email and SMS to write clearly on the parcel, which is then placed in the mailbox or outside the door.
Returns – the market's most convenient returns
With Early Bird Returns, we collect the return parcel directly from the consumer's door or mailbox – without a label and without hassle. The consumer never needs to leave home, allowing the online retailer to offer the most convenient returns on the market. Returns can be booked until 22:00 for collection that same night.
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What makes Early Bird Returns unique
Three steps from your flow to the customer's mailbox or door, without the recipient needing to be present at a specific time.
Labelless returns directly from home
When booking, the consumer receives a unique code to write directly on the parcel – no printed label and no service point. The parcel is placed in the mailbox or outside the door, and an Early Bird carrier collects it during the night. Everything is handled from home, without a single extra step.
Book until 22:00
Consumers can book their return until 22:00 and still have the parcel collected that same night, up to six days a week depending on the area.
Trackable throughout
The sender receives confirmation immediately after booking and a reminder to put out the parcel. A new notification is sent when it is collected, and the return status can be tracked on Early Bird's tracking page.
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It all began with newspaper carriers
What is Early Bird Returns?
Early Bird Returns is a convenient service for sending parcels back directly from the consumer's door or mailbox to the online retailer's warehouse. The service is labelless: when booking, the consumer receives a unique code to write on the parcel, which is then collected during the night by the same carriers who deliver parcels. The return follows existing routes, allowing vehicles and resources to be used more efficiently. Returns can be booked until 22:00 for collection that same night, and the parcel can be tracked all the way from the consumer back to the warehouse. Convenient for the consumer, simple for the online retailer and more sustainable throughout.
The parcel's journey
From the sender's door or mailbox to the e-retailer's warehouse
Transport
Early Bird collects the parcel during the night. The sender receives a notification once it has been collected. At the terminal, a shipping label is attached and the parcel is scanned for onward transport.
The e-retailer
The parcel is transported to the e-retailer's warehouse. Both the e-retailer and the consumer can track the return's status on Early Bird's tracking page.
How to pack your parcel
Do you need help with the outbound journey too?
With Early Bird Home Delivery, you send parcels all the way to the customer's door or mailbox – conveniently, with tracking, and often while the recipient is asleep.
Returns – service-specific terms
Dimensions and weight
- Max weight
- 5 kg
- Max length
- 600 mm
- Length + width + height
- 900 mm
Does Early Bird sound like something for you?
Fill in the form and we'll get back to explain how we can help.
Common questions about returns
The most important about code, packaging, and collection. The conditions for the return itself are set by the store you shopped at.
How do labelless returns work?
When booking, the sender receives a unique code to write clearly on the parcel. No printed label is needed. The parcel is placed in the mailbox or by the door, and an Early Bird carrier collects it during the night.
What is the latest time to book a return?
Returns can be booked until 22:00 for collection that same night. Collections take place from Tuesday to Saturday.
Where should the parcel be placed?
Senders living in a detached or terraced house should place the parcel in or beside the mailbox, as our carriers are not permitted to approach the door. Senders living in a flat should place the parcel where it is clearly visible outside the door.
How can I track my return?
The sender receives notifications by email and SMS when booking, a reminder at 20:00 to put out the parcel, and confirmation once the parcel has been collected. The return can be tracked on Early Bird's tracking page using the tracking number.
What happens if collection is unsuccessful?
If the parcel cannot be collected, another attempt is made the following night. The consumer is notified of an unsuccessful collection by email or SMS.
When do I get my money back?
Refunds are handled by the store according to their terms. Since the return is quickly on its way back, processing often goes faster.