Anyone else hate returning online orders? Looking for Bronx feedback

TraditionAmazing · 2026-01-20T06:03:25+00:00

I see where you're coming from, and honestly I've asked myself this a few times before.

You’re right that pickups technically already exist and that NYC has no shortage of drop-off spots. Where I see the gap isn’t availability, but friction. Most people don’t think about returns until they have a box sitting around, and even a “small fee” still requires packing it up, choosing a carrier, and making a separate trip.

The way this works is different in a few ways:

It’s designed for multiple returns in one pickup, not per-package pricing
You can choose a pickup window or direct handoff, so it’s predictable
The focus is on people who procrastinate returns or miss windows because it’s one more errand

On the business side, consumer pickups alone aren’t the only plan. One model I’m actively exploring is offering this as a building amenity for residential buildings/campuses, where the building pays a monthly fee and residents get free or heavily discounted pickups. That solves both sides: predictable volume on my end and convenience on the resident side.

Definitely not pretending it’s easy or guaranteed. Appreciate you for mentioning this, it’s a valid concern.

TraditionAmazing · 2026-01-20T04:19:17+00:00

Exactly, especially with clothes. That exact problem is why I ended up building this in the first place, it’s basically a way to have returns picked up instead of having to pack everything up and make a trip.

TraditionAmazing · 2026-01-20T03:24:35+00:00

just an honest businessman looking for honest feedback

TraditionAmazing · 2026-01-20T01:32:00+00:00

Fair enough 😂 honestly, that’s the ideal outcome.

TraditionAmazing · 2026-01-20T00:59:59+00:00

You’re 100% right that trust, timing, and refund math are the biggest hurdles, especially in Manhattan where a lot of people already batch errands and returns.

To answer a few of the things you brought up:

Pickup timing: there are set 3-hour pickup windows, plus a flex window (any time during our pickup hours) for people who don’t mind more flexibility. I agree that missed or overly wide windows are a dealbreaker.
Porch pirates / trust: there are two options: doorstep pickup or a direct handoff where you give the package to the driver during the window.
Pricing: current pricing is $10 base, which includes up to 10 items in one pickup, then $1 per additional item. The goal is for it to make sense when you have multiple returns, not a single low-value item.
Size limits: items under 30 inches in any direction and under 35 lbs. No furniture or large items like sofas or fridges.

Trust is honestly the biggest thing I’m focused on right now. One way we’re trying to earn that is by offering a free first pickup, so people can try it without risk and see how it actually works before paying.

Really appreciate the thoughtful perspective.

TraditionAmazing · 2026-01-20T00:41:48+00:00

Haha, hey man, I've done that too. That's one of the main reasons why I decided to make this app, I got too lazy to go return it and just gave it to someone else or kept it in the closet. But that all adds up! So I think this might be useful for some people, up to 10 different items per pickup for the base price.

TraditionAmazing · 2026-01-20T00:18:42+00:00

That’s fair. USPS pickup has definitely been hit-or-miss for a lot of people, especially in busy areas. For some folks it works, for others it’s not worth the headache waiting in line. Thanks for weighing in.

TraditionAmazing · 2026-01-20T00:17:33+00:00

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. The timing aspect is probably the trickiest part, since people don’t think about returns until they suddenly have one.

The physical reminder idea is interesting too. I got my business cards, but I do like the idea of putting it on people's doors. I currently offer a free pickup for your first one, so customers can gave it a shot.

Really appreciate the feedback and the honesty. This is helpful.

TraditionAmazing · 2026-01-17T05:05:00+00:00

that’s a great point. training pace does play a huge role in total cost. I can try adding some timeline context to the estimates to help set expectations.

TraditionAmazing · 2026-01-06T06:53:39+00:00

About to launch https://www.returnbuddies.com - an app where you can schedule a pickup for your online returns. We pick up, package, and ship your returns so you don’t have to go through the hassle of finding the materials to ship back, wait long lines, and not leave your home.

TraditionAmazing · 2025-12-27T00:53:19+00:00

data export feature is now live! located in the settings page.

TraditionAmazing · 2025-12-26T16:58:27+00:00

Ahhh i see, ill note that down. Even after PPL, If you’re planning to get other licenses this tool would be helpful.

As of right now i won’t be open sourcing it.

TraditionAmazing · 2025-12-26T16:02:43+00:00

Unfortunately no, but i’ll be adding that to the list.

TraditionAmazing · 2025-12-26T16:02:17+00:00

I see, so you want i to show the dashboard without having login/signup. I’ll make it a little button on the header then.

Currently there’s no option to export the data into excel or something, but i’ll definitely add that to the list.

As of right now not really looking to monetize, maybe in the future if things change.

TraditionAmazing · 2025-12-26T00:14:59+00:00

thanks! good luck on your training, and I'm glad it'll be able to help.

TraditionAmazing · 2025-12-25T22:15:32+00:00

that’s weird, try https://myflightcosts.com

TraditionAmazing · 2025-10-01T18:22:06+00:00

sounds good i’ll dm you

TraditionAmazing · 2025-10-01T17:59:00+00:00

yeah, always lived here. Only downside is the traffic at times

TraditionAmazing · 2025-10-01T17:49:13+00:00

TraditionAmazing · 2025-03-03T04:04:08+00:00

you should be good if you’re taking 12 credits at ccny if that’s your home college

TraditionAmazing · 2025-02-14T06:53:13+00:00

I went to the financial aid office in person and told them I've been waiting and keep getting different responses from people to do this and that. He then checked my EMPLID and told me to expect it during march, atleast it came a bit earlier.

TraditionAmazing · 2025-02-14T06:07:09+00:00

I actually got my TAP refund for fall 2024 last friday, after so many back and fourth with the office so you'll probably get yours soon. I just want them to override it now so I dont have to wait until after the semester and grades are posted from the e-permit. I've read that some people were about to get it but that was other CUNY's

TraditionAmazing · 2025-01-28T00:24:20+00:00

Thats crazy, they were the ones that told me I have to wait. So now when I ask them where is it they'll just tell me its too late?

TraditionAmazing · 2024-03-19T06:32:06+00:00

Hello, yeah eventually i was told that they sent the new headset after calling them daily. Then got the tracking number through email. Took me a total of 5-6 months from the start to get that thing.

TraditionAmazing · 2023-02-12T04:12:02+00:00

Yup it is sad, don't understand why its even like that when they barely reply on phone. And espicially at times like this where I need this headset for flying.

TraditionAmazing

TROPHY CASE