You’re expecting a delivery from DPD and have received a “Return to Consignor Has Been Requested” tracking update.
What does this mean exactly? What happens to the package now, and is there anything you need to do?
Let’s take a look…
Summary: Return to Consignor Has Been Requested
The “Return to Consignor Has Been Requested” alert from DPD means that the sender (i.e Consignor), has requested with DPD to have the shipment returned to them. If you were the intended recipient and this is unexpected, you will need to contact the sender.
Return to Consignor Has Been Requested – Guide
Breaking down the wording of this DPD tracking update, it all seems relatively simple.
During the shipment delivery process, the sender (consignor) will have the ability to cancel the delivery and have the item returned to them.
This can be done through the DPD user account online, as well as through customer services.
The sender also has the opportunity to request that the shipment be returned, as long as the package is not out for delivery.
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Why has the Consignor Requested a Return?
In most cases, a “Return to Consignor” request will be accompanied by communication to the recipient that this is the plan of action.
In other words, before asking DPD to return the package the sender will have been in contact with the recipient.
Reasons the package return might be requested while it is still being shipped include:
- The recipient ordered the wrong product and has informed the sender
- The recipient no longer wants the product
- Sender made an error with the shipment contents
- Sender made an error with the shipment address details.
Although the above corresponds to eCommerce shipments, the same applies to non-business deliveries.
Essentially, if a shipment has been sent in error, (for whatever reason), the sender has the opportunity to have it returned to them before it is delivered.
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Who Pays When A “Return to Consignor Has Been Requested”?
Initially, the sender that made the order with DPD will be required to pay any excess shipping costs for the return.
However, in instances where the recipient has asked the sender to make this request, they may have to reimburse the sender.
This could be via the e-commerce platform the order was made through, or in terms of an order refund, minus return shipping costs being made.
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Receiver Unaware of the Return Request
If you are the receiver (or consignee) and the first you learn of the situation is through a “Return to Consignor Has Been Requested” DPD tracking update, you have every right to be annoyed.
Essentially, the sender has requested that the package be returned to them, without notifying you first.
As the receiver, you will not be able to dispute this with DPD and have the shipment reversed.
The contract for the delivery is between the Shipper and DPD after all.
The only course of action you will be able to take is to contact the sender to find out why the item is being returned to them.
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I’m a 25 year veteran of USPS. I’m retired now, but as the editor of Mailbox Master, I can’t quite remove myself from the carrier industry just yet. 🙂
