How to Void a Shipping Label on Shopify: A Quick Guide!

Knowing how to void a shipping label on Shopify is crucial for store owners, especially when handling shipping errors or order cancellations. Mistakes happen, and being able to quickly void a label can save both time and money in managing your business effectively.

When issues arise, swift action is key to avoid extra costs and delays in order processing. In this quick guide on "How to Void a Shipping Label on Shopify," you'll learn the steps needed to resolve these errors efficiently and keep your operations running smoothly.

Why You Might Need to Void a Shipping Label

Here are some common reasons you might need to void a shipping label on Shopify, explained in detail:

Incorrect Shipping Address: When an address is typed incorrectly, packages may end up delivered to the incorrect place. Voiding the label ensures that the error is corrected before the package is shipped, saving time and avoiding additional shipping costs for resending the item.

Customer Order Cancellation: Sometimes, a customer may cancel their order after you've already created a shipping label. Voiding the label helps you avoid paying for unnecessary shipping fees and prevents the order from being processed further.

Changes in Shipping Details: Customers may request changes to their order's shipping method, or a different carrier may need to be used. Voiding the original label allows you to update these details and ensure the package is shipped according to the revised instructions.

By voiding the shipping label in each of these cases, you can avoid wasted resources, incorrect deliveries, and extra costs, keeping your operations efficient.

Understand Shipping Label format

Understanding the format of a shipping label is vital for ensuring that packages reach their destination accurately and without delay. Every label has the sender's return address and the recipient's name, address, and contact information, among other important facts. This enables transportation providers to find the delivery location and manage any issues that may occur during transit. An essential component that lets the carrier follow the package at different points in time is the barcode.

Additional components might be a tracking number, which is crucial for both the consumer and the retailer to trace the delivery process, and an order number for simple parcel identification. It's important to note that each shipping carrier has specific requirements for label formats, which cannot be edited post-purchase. However, Shopify provides the flexibility to void and reissue labels if changes are needed, ensuring your shipping process remains smooth and error-free

Void shipping labels individually and in bulk

If you need to void shipping labels on Shopify, whether individually or in bulk, the process is simple and efficient. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the steps:

Step 1: Log in to Shopify admin

Start by login into your Shopify admin account where all shop administration actions take place, including voiding shipping labels.

Step 2: Go to Shipping labels

In your Shopify dashboard, navigate to Orders, then proceed to Shipping labels. This is where all your purchased shipping labels are listed.

Step 3: Select the shipping labels that you want to void

Here, you can either select individual shipping labels or void them in bulk. Shopify allows you to void up to 100 labels at a time, which is particularly useful if you need to manage multiple orders at once.

Step 4: Click Void shipping labels.

Once you’ve selected the labels, click on Void shipping labels. You’ll be asked to confirm the action by selecting a reason for voiding the label.

Step 5: Click Void shipping labels.

After confirming, click Void XX labels to complete the process. Once voided, the cost of the shipping label is credited to your account and can be applied to future label purchases. If the package has already been shipped, if there are any further problems, it's preferable to speak with the carrier directly using the tracking number.

Void shipping labels individually from the order details page

If you need to void a shipping label directly from the order details page on Shopify, here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Enter the admin of Shopify.

To use the administration features for your store, first log into your Shopify admin dashboard.

Step 2: Go to Orders

Navigate to the Orders section, where you can find all the orders placed in your store.

Step 3: Click the order with the shipping label that you want to void.

Select the specific order containing the shipping label you need to void. This will open the order’s detailed page.

Step 4: Click Void label

In the Fulfilled section, look for the options menu, often represented as three dots or ellipses ("⋮"). Click on it and choose the Void label.

Step 5: Select a reason for voiding the label.

You'll be prompted to select a reason for voiding the shipping label. Choose the appropriate reason to justify the cancellation.

Step 6: Click Void label and insurance to confirm

Once you’ve selected the reason, click Void label and insurance to finalize the process. The shipping label’s cost will be credited to your account, which you can use for future label purchases.

What Happens After Voiding a Shipping Label?

Refund Process

Once you void a shipping label on Shopify, the cost of the label is refunded back to your Shopify account as store credit. This refund is typically processed quickly, allowing you to apply the credited amount towards future shipping label purchases. 

However, it's important to note that if the shipping label has already been used or if it is past the 30-day voiding window, the refund may not be possible. In such cases, you’ll need to contact the shipping carrier directly for assistance.

Notification to the Customer

Voiding a shipping label does not automatically notify the customer, as Shopify does not send out an alert for this specific action. However, if voiding the label affects the shipment or delays the order, it’s a good practice to proactively communicate the change to your customer. 

You can inform them about any adjustments in shipping times or provide updates on their new tracking details if a replacement label is issued. Keeping customers in the loop ensures trust and transparency throughout the order fulfillment process.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Failed Voiding Attempts

One of the most frustrating issues when trying to void a shipping label on Shopify is when the process fails. There are several reasons this might happen:

• Label Already Scanned by Carrier: Once a shipping label has been scanned or processed by the carrier, it becomes non-voidable. This is common if the package is already in transit. In such cases, Shopify won’t allow you to void the label, and you'll need to contact the carrier directly with the tracking number to resolve any shipping or return concerns.
• Outside the 30-Day Window: Shopify allows voiding only within 30 days of purchasing the shipping label. If the label is older than this, you won’t be able to void it through Shopify. To avoid this, be proactive and address any shipping changes or order cancellations quickly.
• Service-Specific Restrictions: Certain services, like USPS First Class Mail, do not allow voiding under specific conditions, such as if there are already tracking events associated with the label. This is a carrier-specific rule and is out of Shopify’s control, so be aware of these exceptions when choosing your shipping method.

Handling Carrier-Specific Rules

Each carrier has its own policies when it comes to voiding labels, and this can create confusion, especially if you ship with multiple carriers. Some carriers may allow you to void a label at any time before it’s scanned, while others might have stricter rules. For example, UPS or FedEx might offer more flexibility, while USPS could have stricter time constraints.

To manage this:

• Familiarize Yourself with Carrier Policies: Knowing each carrier's rules will save you from headaches. For example, some carriers allow voiding labels for up to a certain time, while others impose stricter rules based on the type of service purchased.
• Timing Is Key: Always void labels as soon as you realize there's a mistake. Delaying the process increases the likelihood of encountering issues like tracking events, which could prevent the voiding process.

Label Costs Not Refunded Immediately

In some cases, even after you successfully void a label, the refund might not appear instantly. Shopify credits the cost of voided labels to your account, but the timeline for receiving the credit may vary depending on the carrier or your payment method. If the refund doesn’t appear after a reasonable period, contacting Shopify support or the carrier directly may be necessary.

Miscommunication with Customers

Another issue that may arise after voiding a label is the lack of automatic customer notifications. Shopify doesn’t notify customers when a shipping label is voided, so if voiding the label leads to a delayed shipment or change in delivery time, it’s important to communicate these updates manually to maintain customer trust.

Bulk Voiding Limitations

If you’re handling a large volume of orders, it’s important to know that Shopify limits the bulk voiding process to 100 labels at a time. For businesses managing high shipping volumes, this can be time-consuming if there are a lot of labels to void. It's essential to double-check orders before purchasing shipping labels to avoid having to void so many at once.

Address Corrections Post-Void

Once a label is voided due to an incorrect address, updating the customer’s address and purchasing a new label becomes necessary. In situations where address changes are frequent, it’s recommended to use address validation tools or customer confirmation at checkout to minimize errors and reduce the need for voiding labels.

FAQs

What is the time limit for voiding a shipping label on Shopify?

You can void a shipping label on Shopify within 30 days of the label’s purchase. After this time, Shopify will no longer allow voiding the label directly, and you may need to contact the carrier for any further assistance.

Can I void a shipping label after the package has been shipped?

No, once a package has been scanned or processed by the carrier, you can no longer void the shipping label through Shopify. In this case, you will need to reach out to the carrier directly with the tracking number to resolve any issues related to the shipment.

Does Shopify notify customers when a shipping label is voided?

Shopify does not automatically notify customers when a shipping label is voided. If voiding a label affects the delivery time or order status, it's best to communicate this to the customer manually to ensure transparency and avoid confusion.

Can I reprint a voided shipping label on Shopify?

No, once a shipping label has been voided, it cannot be reprinted. You will need to create and purchase a new shipping label if the original one is voided.

Are there any fees associated with voiding a shipping label?

No, Shopify does not charge any additional fees for voiding a shipping label. Once voided, the cost of the label is credited to your Shopify account, and this credit can be used towards future shipping label purchases.

How do carrier-specific rules affect voiding shipping labels on Shopify?

Each shipping carrier has its own rules regarding voiding shipping labels. For example, some carriers may have stricter timelines for voiding or conditions related to tracking events. Always check the specific policies of your carrier to ensure compliance with their voiding procedures. A shipping label's procedure may be made easier by being aware of these guidelines ahead of time.

Read more:

• How to Create a Shopify Shipping Label Without an Order
• How to set up shipping on Shopify for Dropshipping
• How to Change Shipping on Shopify
• 3 Steps To Set Up Shopify Shipping

Conclusion

A business owner's most important tool is the ability to invalidate a shipping label on Shopify. Erroneous deliveries are stopped, unnecessary costs are prevented, and your business remains operationally effective. Acting quickly and correctly when voiding a label ensures that you stay on top of shipping issues and minimize disruptions to your order fulfillment process.

It is important to remember that quick action is required. As soon as you spot an error, void the shipping label immediately to avoid complications, especially if the package hasn’t been processed yet. Taking the effort might result in time and cost savings, as well as better, more seamless service for your clients.