Void a Shipping Label

Sometimes you need to cancel a shipping label after purchase. SimpliSent makes it easy to void unused labels and receive refunds when eligible, helping you avoid unnecessary shipping costs.

Understanding Label Voiding

What is Voiding?

Voiding a shipping label means:
  • Canceling the shipping transaction
  • Invalidating the tracking number
  • Requesting a refund for the shipping cost
  • Preventing the label from being used

When to Void a Label

Common reasons to void labels:
  • Order Cancellation: Customer canceled their order
  • Shipping Errors: Wrong address or service level
  • Duplicate Labels: Accidentally created multiple labels
  • Package Changes: Different size or weight requirements
  • Address Updates: Customer provided updated shipping info

Void Eligibility Rules

Time Limits

Each carrier has specific void deadlines: USPS
  • Electronic labels: Can be voided if not scanned by USPS
  • Time limit: Usually within 24 hours of creation
  • Scanning: Once scanned for pickup, cannot be voided
UPS
  • Void window: Up to 24 hours after creation
  • Pickup deadline: Before driver pickup or drop-off
  • Tracking activation: Labels scanned into system cannot be voided
FedEx
  • Void period: Up to 24 hours from creation
  • Scan limitation: Must be voided before first scan
  • Electronic shipping: Faster processing, shorter void window
Once a carrier scans your label, it cannot be voided. Always void labels as soon as you know they won’t be used.

Eligibility Requirements

Labels can typically be voided if:
  • Not scanned by the carrier
  • Within time limit (usually 24 hours)
  • Not picked up by carrier
  • Not dropped off at carrier location
  • Not used for shipping

How to Void a Label

From Your Dashboard

Step 1: Locate the Label

  1. Go to Labels in your SimpliSent dashboard
  2. Find the label you want to void
  3. Look for labels with “Unused” or “Ready to Ship” status
  4. Use filters to find recent labels quickly

Step 2: Initiate Void Process

  1. Click on the label you want to void
  2. Select “Void Label” from the actions menu
  3. Confirm you want to void the label
  4. Review void eligibility and refund information

Step 3: Confirm Void Request

  1. Verify Details: Confirm correct label selection
  2. Understand Refund: Review refund amount and timeline
  3. Confirm Void: Click to submit void request
  4. Get Confirmation: Save confirmation number for records

Batch Voiding

For multiple labels:
  1. Select Multiple Labels: Use checkboxes in label list
  2. Bulk Actions: Choose “Void Selected Labels”
  3. Review Eligibility: System checks each label’s void status
  4. Confirm Batch Void: Approve voiding of eligible labels
Batch voiding is perfect when you need to cancel multiple labels from a canceled order or shipping run.

Refund Information

Refund Amounts

When voiding a label, you’ll receive:
  • Full refund of shipping cost
  • Minus processing fees (if applicable)
  • Insurance refunds for purchased coverage
  • Service fee refunds for add-on services

Refund Methods

Refunds are processed to:
  • EasyPost Wallet: Fastest refund method (usually instant)
  • Original Payment Method: Credit card or bank account
  • Account Credit: Applied to your SimpliSent account

Refund Timeline

  • Wallet Refunds: Immediate to 1 hour
  • Credit Card Refunds: 3-5 business days
  • Bank Account Refunds: 5-7 business days
  • Account Credit: Immediate application

Void Status Tracking

Status Updates

Track your void request through these statuses:

Pending

  • Void Requested: Request submitted to carrier
  • Under Review: Carrier validating eligibility
  • Processing: Void being processed

Completed

  • Void Successful: Label voided and refund issued
  • Refund Processed: Money returned to payment method
  • Label Invalidated: Tracking number no longer valid

Failed

  • Void Denied: Label cannot be voided (already scanned)
  • Past Deadline: Void window has expired
  • System Error: Technical issue with void request

Notifications

You’ll receive notifications for:
  • Void Confirmation: When void is successfully processed
  • Refund Completion: When refund hits your account
  • Void Denial: If void request is rejected
  • Status Updates: Real-time updates on void progress

Common Void Scenarios

Order Cancellations

When a customer cancels an order:
  1. Act Quickly: Void labels before carrier pickup
  2. Check All Labels: Orders may have multiple labels
  3. Notify Customer: Confirm cancellation and refund timeline
  4. Update Inventory: Adjust stock levels if needed

Shipping Corrections

For address or service changes:
  1. Void Original Label: Cancel the incorrect label
  2. Create New Label: With correct information
  3. Compare Costs: Note any price differences
  4. Document Changes: Keep records of corrections

Duplicate Labels

If you accidentally created multiple labels:
  1. Identify Duplicates: Check for same addresses/orders
  2. Keep One Label: Choose the correct service level
  3. Void Extras: Cancel all duplicate labels
  4. Verify Orders: Ensure each order has only one label

International Label Voids

Special Considerations

International labels have unique void rules:

Customs Documentation

  • Forms Created: Customs forms may still exist
  • Paperwork Tracking: International paperwork has separate tracking
  • Multi-Part Process: Both shipping and customs must be voided

Country-Specific Rules

  • Destination Rules: Some countries have specific void policies
  • Time Zones: Consider time differences for void deadlines
  • Currency Exchange: Refunds may include exchange rate adjustments

Troubleshooting Void Issues

Void Request Denied

Already Scanned

If your label was already scanned:
  • Check Tracking: Verify scan status
  • Contact Carrier: Some exceptions may apply
  • Intercept Package: Consider package intercept services
  • Return to Sender: Let package return and get refund

Past Deadline

If you missed the void window:
  • Package Intercept: Try to intercept during transit
  • Return Service: Package may return automatically
  • Customer Coordination: Work with recipient for return
  • Future Prevention: Set reminders for quick void decisions

Partial Refunds

Sometimes refunds are less than expected:
  • Processing Fees: Some carriers charge void fees
  • Service Charges: Add-on services may not be refundable
  • Insurance Policies: Third-party insurance has different rules
  • Currency Fluctuations: International refunds may vary

Technical Issues

If you can’t void through the dashboard:
  • Browser Issues: Try different browser or clear cache
  • System Maintenance: Check for scheduled maintenance
  • Contact Support: Get assistance with manual void requests
  • Mobile App: Try voiding through mobile interface

Best Practices

Quick Action

  • Set Reminders: Void unused labels within hours
  • Regular Reviews: Check for unused labels daily
  • Automated Alerts: Set up notifications for label status
  • Team Training: Ensure team knows void procedures

Documentation

Keep records of:
  • Void Confirmations: Save confirmation numbers
  • Refund Tracking: Monitor refund status
  • Reason Codes: Document why labels were voided
  • Pattern Analysis: Look for recurring void reasons

Prevention Strategies

Reduce the need for voids:
  • Double-Check Orders: Verify details before label creation
  • Address Validation: Use address verification tools
  • Order Confirmation: Confirm with customers before shipping
  • Staged Processing: Create labels closer to ship time

Alternatives to Voiding

Package Intercept

If you can’t void a label:
  • Carrier Intercept: Stop package during transit
  • Redirect Package: Send to different address
  • Hold for Pickup: Have package held at facility
  • Return to Sender: Let package return naturally

Label Exchanges

Some carriers offer:
  • Service Upgrades: Pay difference for faster service
  • Address Corrections: Change delivery address
  • Date Changes: Reschedule delivery
  • Hold Services: Temporary package holds

Need Help?

If you need assistance with voiding labels:
  • Urgent Voids: Time-sensitive void requests
  • Refund Questions: Understanding refund policies
  • Technical Issues: Problems with void interface
  • Carrier Disputes: Disagreements with void decisions
Contact Support:
  • Email: support@simplisent.com
  • Live Chat: Available in your dashboard
  • Phone: For urgent void requests
  • Help Center: Detailed void policies and procedures
Acting quickly when you need to void a label ensures you get your refund and avoid unnecessary shipping charges. SimpliSent’s streamlined void process makes it easy to manage shipping changes efficiently.