Return address requirements by marketplace in Germany (2026)
This page compares what the major marketplaces and sales channels serving Germany expect from sellers around return addresses — Amazon, eBay, Otto, Zalando, Kaufland, Temu, Shein, TikTok Shop and your own store. Returned (Auctum GmbH, Schorfheide) provides a German return address for all of them, typically within 48 hours on business days, from EUR 1.65/return. Last verified 2026-09-05.
The 10 sales channels compared
| Marketplace | Does the platform expect a local/EU return option? | Where to enter the address | How Returned handles it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.de FBM | may require a domestic option — prepaid label, local address or returnless refund — depending on the case | Seller Central → Settings → Return Settings | Amazon returns address service |
| Amazon FBA removal orders | no buyer-return rule — you designate the address that removal shipments are sent to | Seller Central → Settings → Return Settings | FBA removal orders to Germany |
| eBay.de | check current seller policy | Seller center → returns / logistics settings | German return address service |
| Otto | warehouse in Germany or listed countries | Seller center → returns / logistics settings | German return address service |
| Zalando | valid EU return address | Seller center → returns / logistics settings | German return address service |
| Kaufland | check current seller policy | Seller center → returns / logistics settings | German return address service |
| Temu (semi-managed) | check current seller policy | Seller center → returns / logistics settings | Temu & Shein returns processing |
| Shein | check current seller policy | Seller center → returns / logistics settings | Temu & Shein returns processing |
| TikTok Shop | check current seller policy | Seller center → returns / logistics settings | TikTok Shop returns processing |
| Own Shopify/WooCommerce store | you choose the return address in your own store settings | Seller center → returns / logistics settings | German return address service |
Last verified: 2026-09-05
What each marketplace expects
Amazon.de FBM (merchant-fulfilled)
For merchant-fulfilled orders shipped from outside Germany, Amazon's international returns policy gives sellers options: provide a return address within Germany, provide a prepaid return label, or offer a refund without requesting the return. A German return address is one accepted option — it is not universally mandatory, and which option applies can depend on the case.
- In Seller Central, open Settings → Return Settings.
- Enter a German return address, or set up a prepaid label or returnless option where the policy allows it.
- Re-check Amazon's current official policy, as thresholds and settings can change.
Amazon FBA removal orders
Removal orders are not buyer returns: inventory leaves Amazon's fulfilment network either to an address you designate or to Amazon's disposal or liquidation options. Removal shipments often arrive as several separate cartons, sometimes days apart, so your receiving address must be able to accept, log and reconcile multi-parcel deliveries.
- In Seller Central, create the removal order and enter the destination address.
- Size removal batches so they can actually be received and checked in.
- Reconcile every carton against the removal order ID on arrival.
eBay.de
On eBay, return handling is configured per listing and per account: the return policy, who pays return postage and where items are sent back to live in your seller settings. The rules that apply to you depend on category, seller standing and consumer law, so check eBay's current official seller policy for your account.
- Open Seller Hub and go to your returns / business policy settings.
- Set the return policy and the address or label returns should use.
- Review the settings regularly — eBay updates its seller documentation often.
Otto (OTTO Market)
OTTO Market accepts returns to a warehouse in Germany or in a short list of EU countries: Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Spain and Czech Republic. Returns to Germany can use DHL, GLS or Hermes, while the other permitted countries are DHL-only — a German warehouse therefore gives you the widest carrier choice.
- Register your returns warehouse in the Otto partner portal.
- Configure the returns and carrier settings for the countries you serve.
- Confirm current details in Otto's official seller documentation.
Zalando
Zalando's partner onboarding requires a valid EU address for returns and for recalling assortment. The requirement is EU-based, not Germany-specific — a German warehouse is one way to meet it. What matters day to day is that returns land somewhere staffed, where they are unpacked, logged and processed instead of piling up.
- Enter a valid EU returns address during Zalando partner onboarding.
- Keep the address valid for recalls of assortment, not only buyer returns.
- Check the Zalando partner requirements for your programme and region.
Kaufland
In Kaufland's Seller Portal you configure the returns address per sales channel; there is no blanket rule that every seller needs a German address. Note, though, that certain Kaufland return services — the DHL return-label programme and automated DPD returns — currently require a German return address. Check the requirements for the channels and return services you actually use.
- Open the Kaufland Seller Portal and go to the returns settings.
- Set the returns address for each sales channel you sell on.
- If you use the DHL or DPD return services, check their German-address conditions.
Temu (semi-managed)
In the semi-managed model the seller runs local fulfilment and after-sales, which in practice means parcels may need to be received and evidenced in the destination market. Temu's return-address and evidentiary requirements are programme- and account-dependent — check Temu's current seller documentation, and keep proof of receipt for any after-sales case.
- Review the returns flow in your semi-managed onboarding documents.
- Where a local address is used, enter it in the seller backend's logistics settings.
- Keep receipt confirmations and photos as evidence for after-sales cases.
Shein
Shein's after-sales handling depends on your agreement and account — check Shein's current official documentation for your account, and make sure someone in the EU can physically receive, log and evidence your returns.
- Read the returns section of your Shein seller agreement.
- Enter or confirm the return address in the seller backend's logistics settings.
- Photograph and log every inbound parcel as after-sales evidence.
TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop's return options depend on your region, programme and account, and the seller documentation describes what is available to you. Whatever the exact setting, a local receiving point protects you: returns arrive somewhere staffed, get a receipt confirmation, and you decide whether items are consolidated, disposed of or recovered for value.
- Open TikTok Seller Center and review the return settings for your shop.
- Enter the address returns should go to in the logistics settings.
- Check TikTok Shop's current seller documentation for your region.
Own Shopify/WooCommerce store
Your own storefront has no marketplace rule to satisfy: in Shopify or WooCommerce you choose the return address customers see and the address carriers collect from. What you still need is someone in Germany or the EU who actually receives what customers send back — especially if you advertise local returns.
- Set the return address in your store's returns and refunds settings.
- Keep it consistent with the carrier collection address and refund workflow.
- State the address clearly on your public returns policy page.
What every marketplace has in common
Wherever you sell, a return only counts as handled when it is physically received, logged and decided: someone signs for the parcel, records what arrived, and the item is then routed onward. Marketplaces and buyers want evidence of receipt; you want your stock or its value back.
Returned covers all three routes after receipt: consolidation into one outbound shipment, documented disposal, or value recovery — we inspect and sell your returns, with the commission quoted per product after inspection.
Published prices
| Service | Price | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Setup fee | EUR 31.50 | one-time |
| Monthly subscription | EUR 31.50 | per month |
| Basic return | EUR 1.65 | per return |
| Standard+ return | EUR 2.29 | per return |
| Grading return | EUR 2.75 | per return |
| Storage | first 14 calendar days after arrival free, then billed per week | - |
Frequently asked questions
Do all marketplaces in Germany require a German return address?
No. Amazon's international returns policy lists a German return address as one option alongside a prepaid return label or a refund without return. Zalando requires a valid EU address; Otto accepts warehouses in Germany or a list of EU countries. Other platforms depend on your account and programme — always check the platform's current official seller policy.
Can one German return address receive returns from several marketplaces?
Yes. The address is a physical location: Returned receives parcels from Amazon, eBay, Otto, Zalando, Kaufland, Temu, Shein, TikTok Shop and direct customer returns at the same address, logs each one, and reports per parcel.
How fast is the address ready?
Typically within 48 hours on business days after completed onboarding. You get your own address at the Returned warehouse in Schorfheide, Germany, usable for all the marketplaces in the table above.
What does it cost?
From EUR 1.65 per return plus EUR 31.50 per month; setup is a one-time EUR 31.50. Storage is free for the first 14 calendar days after arrival, and the full published list including consolidation and disposal is on the pricing page.
What happens to my goods after receipt?
You choose per shipment: consolidation into one outbound carton or pallet, documented disposal, or value recovery — we inspect and sell, with the commission quoted per product after inspection. A forfeit option may be available subject to acceptance, goods eligibility and agreed terms.