E-Commerce

Discover the key to seamless returns and customer loyalty for the holiday season

The holidays are upon us, and while it's challenging to predict every trend in the online retail world, there's one certainty: returns. This holiday season, as you gear up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, expect a surge in online returns. While the annual return rate is trending down – dropping to 16.5% last year from 20.8% in 2021, it’s important to note that last year set a new standard for comparing the return rates of online vs brick-and-mortar purchases. According to an NRF survey, e-commerce returns were consistent with the overall rate of returns. In other words, customers return about the same percentage of items in-store as they do online, highlighting the balance in return rates between the two shopping methods.

The Power of a Seamless Returns Process

At the heart of the matter lies the relationship between a seamless returns process and enhanced conversion rates. According to a recent consumer research survey, a staggering eight in ten shoppers (81%) consider free shipping a vital factor when deciding to make a purchase online. Moreover, a whopping 87% of consumers express that they would be at least slightly inclined to stop shopping with a brand or retailer if they ceased to offer free returns. Among these, 39% indicate that they would be very likely to stop shopping with the brand or retailer if free returns were no longer offered.

This sentiment extends to the time window within which free returns are accepted. About 80% of consumers share that they would be at least somewhat likely to discontinue shopping with a brand or retailer if they reduced the duration for accepting free returns. In this case, 17% state that they would be highly likely to do so. These figures emphasize the critical role of returns policies in influencing consumer decisions.

When it comes to returning online purchases, today’s shoppers are anything but hesitant. The same consumer research survey notes that nearly nine out of ten shoppers openly acknowledge returning products they purchased online and over half return online purchases as frequently as items bought in in-store. In contrast, only 18% indicate returning online merchandise more often. Recognizing and adapting to these consumer behaviors is crucial for businesses aiming to meet the demands of modern online shoppers.

A Customer's Experience

Now, let's put a human face on these statistics with the story of Lucy, one of your valued customers. Imagine Lucy received an item from your new arrivals today. It fits perfectly and feels great, but there's just one problem – the color isn't what she expected. As Lucy searches through the box, she's disappointed to find no return label included.

Frustrated, Lucy decides to reach out to your customer service team, only to discover that your return process is anything but smooth. Unfortunately, an unhappy customer doesn't make a loyal customer, and Lucy holds off on making further purchases from you.

Enhancing the Returns Policy

Fortunately, there's a way to turn this situation around. As evident from recent shopping behaviors, online returns are a common occurrence. Retailers who offer a hassle-free returns process can significantly enhance the overall customer experience (CX) and ensure repeat business. How can you enhance your returns policy? Here are some practical steps:

1. Offer free shipping for returns:
The most critical aspect of a consumer's returns experience is often free shipping for returns. This feature can significantly impact a shopper's decision to buy from you.

2. Implement a "no-questions asked" return policy:
Make your customers' lives easier by allowing returns without questioning their reasons.

3. Enable automatic credit/debit card refunds:
When customers return items, they prefer to receive their money back right away, much like they would when returning an item in a physical store.

4. Include a pre-paid return label in every package:
Ensure your customers can return items easily by providing a pre-paid return label right in the box.

While free returns might not be possible for every retailer, there are other approaches to consider. For example, retailers like Sephora and REI Co-op offer special return deals, like a longer return period or no receipt required, to members of their loyalty program. Such initiatives allow retailers to give loyal customers special discounts on returns. Another option is to offer discounts to customers who “opt out” of the standard returns policy, like Jet.com does.

How ProShip Multi-Carrier Shipping Software Can Help

Mastering returns during the holiday season is the key to maximizing customer satisfaction. As you prepare for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you'll want to have a powerful ally in your corner. Did you know that multi-carrier shipping software (MCSS) can empower you to offer hassle-free returns? With the right shipping software, like ProShip, you can effortlessly generate carrier-compliant return labels and instructions for every package you send.

ProShip's MCSS solution empowers you to streamline your returns process and ensures that you never lose a loyal customer like Lucy due to the complexities of reverse logistics. Learn more about how ProShip can provide you with a powerful advantage in the shipping world with our ProShip for Retail brochure. Whether it's offering free returns or optimizing your return policy, it's crucial to make the customer experience as smooth as possible. The impact on customer loyalty and repeat business cannot be overstated.

Take the next step in streamlining your returns process with a demo of ProShip's multi-carrier shipping software to elevate your customer satisfaction this holiday season.