Silk Road forums

Discussion => Shipping => Topic started by: dankology on January 28, 2012, 05:34 am

Title: Picking a return address?
Post by: dankology on January 28, 2012, 05:34 am
Im not sure what to do here, i'm a new shipper and I need to know how to go about picking a return address.  My packages are sound so im not really worried about them being returned, but if they do get returned and the buyers name is on the package can't shit hit the fan?

Also, if they are my personal friends can i use my own address?
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: foxymeow on January 28, 2012, 06:27 am
DON'T USE A RETURN ADDRESS TIED TO YOU.

If your friend gets the package confiscated than he might just get a love letter or a small charge if it is a larger amount.

However, if the return address is you...you are fucked on so many levels.

Just go on white pages and look up a name in you zip code. Real Return Address...its just completely random.

A package should never be returned unless you really fucked up the address.

This begs the question...

What does the SR community think is the best bet for picking return addresses?

I just put a random PMB at a UPS Store with a random business name. Is this a good bet or should I use people's names?

How often should I switch up the return addresses?

Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: quinone on January 28, 2012, 11:58 am
Use something common that doesnt stick out and just make sure there's no leaking powders or something.

My prior suggestion best not in public forum's, thank you person who gave me heads up.
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: GaltRR on January 28, 2012, 04:54 pm
I tend to use a large apartment complex, make up a name, and use no room number.
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: tordemon on January 29, 2012, 07:05 pm
The attorney idea is pretty interesting. I also like the apartment complex idea. I feel like using small local companies might be good because you can have access to various different return addresses very quickly.
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: chronicpain on January 30, 2012, 02:27 am
Just make sure its a real return address....dont just pick a name out of the hat and make up a number, city and zipcode, lol...
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: kval on January 31, 2012, 04:48 am
Anyone consider/try a random PO box number?

I was thinking about using that with a fake company name? Any thoughts?

Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: UserDeleted on February 01, 2012, 07:47 am
I agree with Foxy on this one ... not too long ago I had a "role" in a "group" in Cali that led me to the USPS more often than not with sensitive packages. I have since moved along in the chain of command, but when I was mailing my return address would ALWAYS be looked up on the white pages using the zip code of the city I was mailing from. Furthermore, don't be stupid .. if you are a male, do not pick a female, if you are in your 20's don't pick one that says the person is in their 60's .. ect. Finally, make sure that you remember the name and can sign it if you have to. Depending on circumstance and where your shipping from, if the sender wants to waive the delivery signature, then the have to sign the paperwork ... it wouldn't do to accidentally sign your real name or not be able to sign the return name convincingly.
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: foxymeow on February 01, 2012, 08:15 am
I agree with Foxy on this one ... not too long ago I had a "role" in a "group" in Cali that led me to the USPS more often than not with sensitive packages. I have since moved along in the chain of command, but when I was mailing my return address would ALWAYS be looked up on the white pages using the zip code of the city I was mailing from. Furthermore, don't be stupid .. if you are a male, do not pick a female, if you are in your 20's don't pick one that says the person is in their 60's .. ect. Finally, make sure that you remember the name and can sign it if you have to. Depending on circumstance and where your shipping from, if the sender wants to waive the delivery signature, then the have to sign the paperwork ... it wouldn't do to accidentally sign your real name or not be able to sign the return name convincingly.

If you get the name wrong on an international order it can really fuck things up if you need to go to the post office to pick it up (as I always had to do when I first started).

A supplier once put the fake name I used for western union on the DHL slip and I had to explain to DHL that they put the wrong name....good thing it was the right phone number.
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: tordemon on February 01, 2012, 06:51 pm
I agree with Foxy on this one ... not too long ago I had a "role" in a "group" in Cali that led me to the USPS more often than not with sensitive packages. I have since moved along in the chain of command, but when I was mailing my return address would ALWAYS be looked up on the white pages using the zip code of the city I was mailing from. Furthermore, don't be stupid .. if you are a male, do not pick a female, if you are in your 20's don't pick one that says the person is in their 60's .. ect. Finally, make sure that you remember the name and can sign it if you have to. Depending on circumstance and where your shipping from, if the sender wants to waive the delivery signature, then the have to sign the paperwork ... it wouldn't do to accidentally sign your real name or not be able to sign the return name convincingly.
If you get the name wrong on an international order it can really fuck things up if you need to go to the post office to pick it up (as I always had to do when I first started).

A supplier once put the fake name I used for western union on the DHL slip and I had to explain to DHL that they put the wrong name....good thing it was the right phone number.
Now that right there is just scary. That sounds like it could have gone so horrible...
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: foxymeow on February 01, 2012, 07:04 pm
I agree with Foxy on this one ... not too long ago I had a "role" in a "group" in Cali that led me to the USPS more often than not with sensitive packages. I have since moved along in the chain of command, but when I was mailing my return address would ALWAYS be looked up on the white pages using the zip code of the city I was mailing from. Furthermore, don't be stupid .. if you are a male, do not pick a female, if you are in your 20's don't pick one that says the person is in their 60's .. ect. Finally, make sure that you remember the name and can sign it if you have to. Depending on circumstance and where your shipping from, if the sender wants to waive the delivery signature, then the have to sign the paperwork ... it wouldn't do to accidentally sign your real name or not be able to sign the return name convincingly.
If you get the name wrong on an international order it can really fuck things up if you need to go to the post office to pick it up (as I always had to do when I first started).

A supplier once put the fake name I used for western union on the DHL slip and I had to explain to DHL that they put the wrong name....good thing it was the right phone number.
Now that right there is just scary. That sounds like it could have gone so horrible...

Yeah now I have to make sure to put (fake name) when I tell them the sender for western union to make it absolutely clear not to send packages with that name.

It was really scary when I got a call from DHL because I thought it was something like "Your package has been detained".

Never ever ever ever get an international package by Fedex...I got NOOTROPICS seized by Fedex customs. I was fucking shocked that nootropics could get seized.
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: eco350 on February 01, 2012, 07:25 pm
i shipped some stuff across the country to a friend who had just moved and hadn't found any connections out there yet. a bunch of his mail got returned to sender because canada post for some reason always fucked up mail at his building. i used a random name and address out of the phone book and it must have gotten sent back to that guy. imagine opening your mailbox and finding a package with a q of jack herrer? i hope it was smoked at least, and didn't just get thrown out.
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: MarijuanaIsMyMuse on February 03, 2012, 03:36 am
I do a Google search for companies that match my shipping method (attorneys, financial advisors, small B&B's, photography shops, travel firms, electronics companies, etc). No big name companies that could afford professional letterhead, primarily small businesses, preferably in large building complexes. I drop the suite part of the address, and keep the street number (#300-1234 Main St. -> 1234 Main St.) Makes it that much harder to return.

If anyone pursues any cursory investigation, it checks out. I swap out and use a new set of addresses each month
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: dankology on February 03, 2012, 04:09 am
I do a Google search for companies that match my shipping method (attorneys, financial advisors, small B&B's, photography shops, travel firms, electronics companies, etc). No big name companies that could afford professional letterhead, primarily small businesses, preferably in large building complexes. I drop the suite part of the address, and keep the street number (#300-1234 Main St. -> 1234 Main St.) Makes it that much harder to return.

If anyone pursues any cursory investigation, it checks out. I swap out and use a new set of addresses each month

I just made a thread about cycling return addresses.  Do you modify your packaging in any way so that you arent sending the same looking packages with a different return?
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: Raven1318 on February 03, 2012, 04:19 am
Does it matter if we just don't put a return address on it at all?
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: dankology on February 03, 2012, 04:34 am
Does it matter if we just don't put a return address on it at all?

Yes, I think thats a pretty big flag and makes your mail look more suspicious and it will stand out more.  You want your mail to blend in with all the other regular old business mail.
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: MarijuanaIsMyMuse on February 03, 2012, 05:37 am
I do a Google search for companies that match my shipping method (attorneys, financial advisors, small B&B's, photography shops, travel firms, electronics companies, etc). No big name companies that could afford professional letterhead, primarily small businesses, preferably in large building complexes. I drop the suite part of the address, and keep the street number (#300-1234 Main St. -> 1234 Main St.) Makes it that much harder to return.

If anyone pursues any cursory investigation, it checks out. I swap out and use a new set of addresses each month

I just made a thread about cycling return addresses.  Do you modify your packaging in any way so that you arent sending the same looking packages with a different return?

Yeah, I cycle through different envelope sizes (No. 00, 0, 0-wide,1, 2) colors (manilla, white, brown) and types (bubble, padded). As well, I swap out the label size, style & font.
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: dankology on February 03, 2012, 05:50 am
Good deal, thank you very much for those tips.  I will apply them to my methods.
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: foxymeow on February 05, 2012, 05:27 pm
Does it matter if we just don't put a return address on it at all?

Um no...thats retarded. That is just asking to get searched.
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: quinone on February 05, 2012, 09:23 pm
Does it matter if we just don't put a return address on it at all?

Um no...thats retarded. That is just asking to get searched.

^^^


Make your packages look NORMAL
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: Angelology on February 05, 2012, 09:41 pm
Im not sure what to do here, i'm a new shipper and I need to know how to go about picking a return address.  My packages are sound so im not really worried about them being returned, but if they do get returned and the buyers name is on the package can't shit hit the fan?

Also, if they are my personal friends can i use my own address?
No, don't use anything that can be tied to you. Random address in your area.
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: Oldtoker on February 05, 2012, 09:56 pm
Does it matter if we just don't put a return address on it at all?

Sometimes they require it.  I would think that it would also make it stand out.  That's the last thing you want.
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: subdude on February 21, 2012, 05:17 pm
Find vacant lot ready for sale; to be built on.
Title: Re: Picking a return address?
Post by: foxymeow on February 22, 2012, 07:45 pm
Look up virtual offices in your area and use that and put a random suite number.