Has your claim been approved? Great! Once the finder has confirmed that you are the rightful owner, you can start the return process.
The organization that found and currently holds your item decides which return options are available. Depending on the organization, you may be able to:
Schedule a pickup appointment
Book a return shipment
Not every organization offers both options.
How do I start the return process?
Once the organization approves your claim and assigns the item to you, you'll receive a confirmation email at the email address you used to submit your claim.
Click the blue button in this email to open your item return page. Here, you'll see the return options available for your item.
Option 1: Schedule a pickup appointment
If pickup is available, you can select an available date and time to collect your item.
During the booking process, you'll receive the pickup instructions, including the pickup address.
By scheduling an appointment, you let the organization know when you're coming. This gives their lost-and-found team time to prepare your item before you arrive.
Can't find a suitable pickup time?
The available dates and times are determined by the organization. iLost does not control the opening hours or pickup availability of partner organizations.
If you'd like to collect your item at a different time that isn't shown, send a message directly to the organization's lost-and-found team through your claim chat. They can let you know whether an alternative arrangement is possible.
Option 2: Book a return shipment
If shipping is available for your item, you can have it sent to an address of your choice. During the return process:
Enter your delivery address.
Select the available shipping option.
Complete the payment.
The organization will be notified and can prepare your item for collection by the courier.
You'll receive a tracking number so you can follow your shipment.
If a shipment is booked before 4:00 PM, the courier will normally collect the package from the organization on the next working day.
Why do I have to pay for shipping?
Shipping is an additional service offered through iLost. iLost is not a courier service and does not operate a central warehouse. Found items remain at the organizations where they were handed in. Because items need to be collected from many different organizations, a courier must be arranged to pick up and deliver your specific package. This involves additional logistics and costs, which are included in the shipping price shown during the return process.
Why don't I see a pickup or shipping option?
The organization that holds your item determines which return options it can offer.
If a pickup appointment or shipping option isn't displayed on your item return page, this means that the organization doesn't offer that option for your item.
If you're unsure how to retrieve your item, contact the organization directly through your claim chat for further instructions.
💡 Good to know: iLost facilitates the return process, but the found item remains physically with the organization until it is collected by you or handed over to the courier.