Australia Post returns policy – how to return items easily
How the Australia Post returns policy works
We’ll help you use the Australia Post returns policy, take action, and get your issue sorted quickly.
Can you return an item to Australia Post? Check eligibility first
Australia Post accepts change-of-mind returns only for specific items - mainly unused prepaid satchels and envelopes - within 60 days of purchase, provided they’re in original condition with proof of purchase.
- ✅ Eligible for refund: Unused Express Post or Parcel Post satchels/envelopes (in original packaging).
- ❌ Not eligible: Gift cards, stationery, electronics, and partially used bundles.
- 🧾 Keep your receipt or proof of purchase.
- ⚖️ Consumer law still applies for faulty, damaged, or incorrect items. There's no strict time limit, but act promptly.
- 🧷 Returns for logistics services (like retailer parcel returns) follow the retailer’s return rules, not Australia Post’s.
How to return an item to Australia Post
🛍️ Purchased at a Post Office? Bring the unused satchel and your receipt back to the original outlet (or any Post Office) within 60 days for an on-the-spot refund.
🖥️ Bought online? Call Australia Post (13 76 78) to start a return. You’ll be guided through packing and posting it, and may receive a return label if the product is faulty.
📦 Returning a parcel for another retailer?
- Check the retailer’s return policy first.
- Use their return portal or label.
- Drop it at a Post Office, Parcel Locker, or post box.
- Keep your tracking number as proof of lodgement.
Australia Post return timeframes and item conditions
⏳ 60 days for change-of-mind returns on eligible Australia Post shop items.
⚠️ No firm deadline for faulty goods, just “within a reasonable time.”
📅 Retailer parcel returns follow the retailer’s timeframe (e.g., 14–30 days).
📨 Returns must be in original condition, unused, and packaged properly.
🔁 Refunds begin once returns are received and approved. This can be instant in-store, or take a few business days online.
Who pays for Australia Post return shipping?
- 🔄 Change of mind (AusPost items): Return in-store for free. If posting back, you pay postage.
- ⚠️ Faulty or incorrect items: Australia Post may cover return shipping or reimburse costs if a fault is confirmed.
- 📦 Retailer returns via AusPost:
- If Reply Paid/prepaid label: you pay nothing.
- If not: postage costs may apply unless the return is due to a fault.
- International returns: usually at your expense unless the retailer provides a label.
- If Reply Paid/prepaid label: you pay nothing.
💡 Always check the retailer’s instructions before mailing anything.
Australia Post refunds after a return - how and when you’ll get your money back
- 💳 Refunds go back to your original payment method (card, PayPal, or cash).
- ⚡ In-store refunds = same-day.
- 📨 Online returns = processed after inspection. Often within 2–7 business days.
- 📩 You'll get an email confirmation once your refund is issued.
- 🛑 Returns not in resaleable condition may be rejected or partially refunded.
- 🔎 Always keep your lodgement receipt and tracking number.
Need to return something to Australia Post? Request it instantly!
Real customer experiences with Australia Post returns
Smooth & simple: Many users report easy returns at Post Offices or via prepaid retailer labels, especially with brands like ASOS and The Iconic.
Surprise cost: Some shoppers were caught off guard when they had to pay return postage for change-of-mind returns.
Retailer delay: Occasionally, refunds are held up by retailers, not Australia Post. Tip: track your parcel and follow up once it’s delivered.
Need to return a Australia Post item?
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