Products that require a certain fit, like apparel and footwear, will have an understandably higher return rate than a one-size-fits-all product. Bare Necessities eBoutique’s return policy. When what customers receive matches their expectations, they’ll be less likely to return that product. This policy is an excellent example for smaller stores selling luxury or specialty products. This works best if you offer the same inventory in-store and online. An Ecommerce Return Policy is the agreement where you inform customers about your policies regarding returns and refunds. Why it works: Rebel Girls clearly explains return cutoffs and requirements for different situations, as well as shares contact information to answer any customer questions. A lingerie or clothing site might want to use live chat support to answer questions about fit and offer personalized advice. Try to not use expressions such as “you must” or, one of the most used of all time, “we are not responsible for” 3. Transparency is equally important once your customers’ returns are on their way back to you or your ecommerce fulfillment partner. Business Email There is no one-size-fits-all return policy, but here is a general ecommerce return policy template to get you started. Returns and exchanges don't need to be a dreaded part of ecommerce. This is a 29% increase from last year. And when you consider the eCommerce business model, it is sort of inevitable. Working with a 3PL that provides transparent ecommerce order tracking can make sure you always have this info on-hand. Consider creating packaging that allows customers to get a sense of the product without needing to open it. It usually consists of a digital form that the customer submits to request a refund. A customer’s doorstep isn’t always your product’s final destination. Return Policy We’ll accept return requests for items that are unopened, unused, with the original tags still intact. Because returning an online purchase means arranging for shipping, ecommerce returns and exchanges are complicated. Download our webinar, “5 Steps to Build Loyalty Through Online Returns,” to learn how to create a streamlined and straightforward return process across all the places you sell online. First, determine whether your return policy … Small businesses should make sure that they create a return policy and process that works for their business model and margins. Breakages This is a fairly obvious one and begins with checking your packaging methods. A good return policy can also help you improve customer retention and loyalty. Our return policy template can help make it easy to generate a professional, ready-to-use refund or return policy. For these reasons, it can be tempting to ignore the reality of returns and exchanges and leave the mounting problem unaddressed. The total return percentage per industry is highest among media (17,78 percent), fashion retailers (16,50 percent) and department stores (15,98 percent). She researches and writes everything you need to know about the latest trends and best practices in ecommerce. Before you start, let’s take a look at some return policy examples from different eCommerce stores. However, if you experience too much backlash via social media comments and bad reviews, then you might end up just offering the return even though the customer is in the wrong. When customers send back products that can’t be resold, what do you do? eCommerce websites selling higher priced products should offer returns so that customers aren’t deterred from making a purchase. What you can learn from it: If you’re not ready to offer returns, you don’t have to. To stay competitive, many direct-to-consumer merchants choose to outsource logistics to a third-party logistics (3PL) company. Having a Return Policy is a simple-but-effective way to protect your products and customers. What you can learn from it: This policy is a great example for newer eCommerce stores and especially ones that don’t require trying on items. This is best handled by a specialized apparel 3PL. Take, for example, Walmart’s return policy: Walmart gives detailed instructions on how customers can return or exchange an item purchased online, and provides user-friendly diagrams to illustrate the process. Everything in brackets can be updated to fit your brand’s store. One way is to describe your product well, including product details, photos, and more. For example. If you typically only offer 30 days (or fewer) for returns, consider extending your window for holiday returns. As ecommerce continues to grow, returns are also on the rise. Return Policy . 2. When selling clothing, shoes, and certain accessories, include a sizing chart. Handling returns is a huge part of managing your eCommerce business. Online vs instore Returns Reducing Ecommerce Returns Before we delve into your returns and exchange policy, let’s see if we can’t avoid a few in the first place! In the US, every state has their own law that addresses consumer refunds. That’s why 88% of shoppers characterize detailed product content as being extremely important to their purchasing decision. Return policy can be a potential business upliftment strategy. Online stores receive a significantly larger number of returns than brick-and-mortar stores—30% of all products bought online are returned versus 9% of products bought in brick-and-mortar stores. Do customers need to email support to initiate returns? You don’t want a stingy return policy to deter them from completing their order. Product returns cost money--no one's disputing that. Now that you’ve seen some examples of eCommerce store return policies, it’s time to write your own. Even in an otherwise smooth return process, waiting too long to credit a customer can hurt brand loyalty: 88% of customers would limit or stop shopping with a merchant that took too long to credit the refund. extensions include a swatch on the box so customers can match it to their hair before they open the box. Dropshipping, Product Subscriptions , which are handcrafted to order. Return fraud refers to a customer gaining financially from the return process, resulting in your business losing profits or inventory. You don’t have to look far to find examples of great e-commerce return policies. If you don’t take action to prevent and reduce returns, then your business can potentially lose thousands or millions of dollars each year in inventory restocking fees, unsellable inventory, and inbound shipping costs. As hard as it can be – return policies are super important when it comes to running your business. A return policy is a written document that stipulates, clearly and in detail, the process your eCommerce business follows when accepting and processing returns or issuing refunds and exchanges. If you’re concerned that not offering returns will harm your sales, increase your conversion rate using professional. That’s a high amount. We compiled some credible industry recommendations about how to handle eCommerce returns, how to structure a return policy, and how to turn returns into a competitive advantage (instead of an expense). This lets you respond at a more convenient time and brings the customer back to your store. Tailor It to Your Specific Circumstance; While there are all sorts of great return policies out there (and it’s a good idea to read a number of them before crafting your own) avoid the temptation to cut and paste one from somewhere else. There’s evidence that smaller eCommerce stores tend to have lower return rates than ones with higher volume. Great Ecommerce Return Policy = More Sales and Happy Customers. The ecommerce surge of 2020 has many businesses also facing a surge of product returns. Write your ecommerce returns policy with a conversational and friendly tone. As customer expectations evolve, retailers have to keep up, especially around holiday sales (and returns) season. Beyond those caveats, they allow returns of items in new condition when shipped within 14 days and they don’t cover the cost of return shipping. Check your state laws to ensure your returns policy complies. Returns Rates Are Higher in Ecommerce Than Regular Retail. If possible, provide shipping labels alongside either free or affordable returns. How to Choose the Right Return Policy Strategy. Which is why we've created this free, easy-to-use template that lets you instantly generate a custom return policy for your store! Before the new year, make sure you have a straightforward returns process in place and that it’s clearly communicated across your website. 120 N Racine Ave. Suite 100 Since 92% of online shoppers say they’ll buy from a store again if the return process is easy, you need to consider what sort of experience you’re offering to customers. They also offer free returns in the case of fulfillment errors, showing a dedication to customer support. How to Set Up a Rock-Solid Ecommerce Return Policy + Free Template. 67% of online shoppers say that they check a store’s return policy before deciding to make a purchase. It’s also smart in that it requires emailing support to start the return process because this gives the seller the chance to collect feedback and resolve the issue in a personalized way. Free shipping on orders over a certain amount can help boost sales, too. For instance, merchants based in California are required to post their refund policy unless they offer full cash refund, exchange, or store credit with seven days of the purchase date. If your product page seems to reflect the product accurately, and you’re still getting a high rate or returned items, there may be an issue with the item itself. Beware, though: your return policy must be crystal clear and you must have the right framework in place to handle a higher volume of returns. you have a larger product selection on your online store than in-person, you will have to choose between shipping some in-store returns back to your fulfillment center or having one-off products for sale in your physical store. In 2016, Ecommerce Europe issued a ‘Ecommerce Benchmark & Retail’ report , which included interesting statistics on online returns in Europe. The winning formula to an e-commerce returns policy is to consider the entire process. In fact, 5 million packages are returned to retailers in the first week of January alone. Then include this important information on your product pages. But, as you’ll see, you have plenty of options, and none of them are scary. If you have a brick-and-mortar store, consider allowing customers to buy online and return in store (often referred to as BORIS). If you can afford to lose some money on returns, go ahead and lower that fee by a few dollars so you don’t run the risk of lowering your product conversion rates. Manage and track everything with an advanced, integrated dashboard: from inventory, orders and fulfillment to payment and brand marketing. What you can learn from it: The store encourages customers to contact them before initiating a return, so that they can discover the cause for dissatisfaction and hopefully resolve it without the need for a return. What this policy features: Unless the products are defective, returns are not accepted. Consider letting customers choose a gift option at checkout. If your target audience is used to free returns, you’ll need to follow suit. We recommend giving your customers tracking information for their return shipment and/or automatic text alerts once their return has been received and refunded. You’ll also need to consider profitability. Why Your eCommerce Return Policy is More Important than Ever When you sell online, dealing with returns is unavoidable. Ecommerce merchants must be prepared — from shipping and logistics to creating a return policy that meets expectations and encourages customers to buy.Want to learn more about making returns a competitive advantage for your business? Some online apparel and accessory brands allow shoppers to “try before they buy.” This method helps customers try products before they purchase them â€” the exact same way they do in physical stores. Returns. These two things often go hand in hand. The customer is responsible for shipping costs, and the customer must email support to initiate the return. This could be because more established eCommerce companies tend to have more liberal return policies or because as their brand awareness grows, consumers feel less guilty returning products to a corporation than a mom-and-pop online store. When selling clothing, shoes, and certain accessories, include a sizing chart. You get 365 days to return an item for a full refund unless the item is “found to be dirty, stained, damaged or abused.” The returning customer only needs to present a photo ID and pay for shipping, pick up, or return it to an IKEA store. This can include providing customers with prepaid return labels, sharing return tracking information, and even supporting integrations that will automatically text return and refund updates to customers. The truth is, there’s no easy answer, and the right approach depends on your profit margins and your growth plans. Sometimes you have no idea where to start, and other times you just arent sure how to communicate your businesss boundaries in a way that doesnt alienate shoppers. ... Transparency is a non-negotiable quality in a return policy, and if absent, can negatively affect the most conscientious and ethical store owner’s bottom line. eCommerce store owners with a desire to scale multiple 7 or 8 figures might decide to take the hit of unsaleable returns in order to protect brand reputation. Thank you for shopping with [Business Name]. Every business must tailor their return policy to fit their logistics capabilities, customer expectations, and product offering. In the case of a chargeback by a customer, you’ll have proof that the order was delivered. If you have a unique and innovative product like this, there’s a chance that your audience won’t be deterred from making a purchase, even if they can’t return products. While there isn't a law requiring ecommerce stores to have a Return Policy, you may need one if you wish to enforce your terms and parameters of returns and refunds. If you’re concerned that not offering returns will harm your sales, increase your conversion rate using professional product photography or implement testimonials. However, for goods that are defective, return shipping is covered within Germany. (And how long they have to receive store credit?). There are many different types of return fraud, such as “wardrobing,” which refers to customers purchasing an item, using it, and then returning it used. Do customers need to print their receipt and include it in the box? Write clear and detailed product descriptions. There should be no hidden fees associated with returns, and if customers will be responsible for return shipping costs, which can help you reduce shipping costs, make sure that information is presented clearly. Return Policy. For example, while it’s true that Amazon has made free returns more of a norm, you shouldn’t offer free returns if they’ll hurt your margins. Every return policy template requires a quick link to print a return form and shipping label. Handling eCommerce Returns. If you don’t take action to prevent and reduce returns, then your business can potentially lose thousands or millions of dollars each year in inventory restocking fees, unsellable inventory, and inbound shipping costs. Established eCommerce stores in the clothing category frequently embrace and encourage returns. 3PL staff and operations leverage years of industry experience, knowledge, and best practices to manage returns at scale. We only exchange goods if they are defective or damaged. Your return policy can have a strong impact on your conversion rate, as well as your revenue. Khalid Saleh. Here are five important factors to take into account before creating your business’s return policy. But only 5% of shoppers say they return online orders more than 30 days after purchase. Creating an ecommerce return policy may seem like a hassle — but it’s also a great opportunity to keep happy customers coming back for more. Returnly integrates with both Shopify to streamline the returns process for merchants and customers alike by automatically processing returns and refunds. You should also test out the process with your own items to see how quickly UPS employees take the package and box it up. Many customers will simply search online for your return policy, so make sure it’s optimized for search engines. We do not accept returns or exchanges unless the item you purchased is defective. Make sure that you clarify your gift refund policy, as well; most merchants (including Amazon) allow gifts to be returned for a gift card, minus any return shipping and restocking fees. If done right, they’ll increase customer trust and loyalty to your brand. Taking the time to understand why customers return items can help reduce your overall returns rate. Don’t hide your policy.. You customers should never have to go on a scavenger hunt to find information on your store. We allow free returns and refunds for purchases of less than 30 days. You don’t want to have a policy so strict that it makes customers wary of buying from you, nor do you want an overly generous policy that encourages too many returns. It’s important to keep in mind that a merchant’s return policy completes the online shopping experience, and plays a big role in determining whether a shopper will purchase from the same merchant again. This policy also offers free store credit and exchanges with no shipping or handling fee. Adapt the Return Policy of your Ecommerce to your specific business and target audience. What you can learn from it: If you are selling something with a technical or electronic element, it’s a smart idea to offer reimbursement or payment of inbound shipping for defective products. Getting a return request can be painful both financially and emotionally. Then try to come up with a per-return fee that covers them. First of all, every ecommerce store must have some kind of return policy. Ecommerce businesses that want to prevent excessive returns from hurting their bottom line should look into creating a more effective ecommerce return policy. Five Tips For A Great eCommerce Return Policy. Because having words on a page doesn’t mean the entire process is automated or guarantee it will happen smoothly. It might also include the way you present and market your products. Free shipping on orders over a certain amount can help boost sales, too. Being lenient with return time limits (e.g., a 60-day vs. 30-day policy) can actually decrease returns by creating less urgency around returns for the customer. Importance of No Refund Policy Page on Your Website. Image credit: gwinnettonlinecampus.com. Your process should make it extremely easy for your customers to make a return, which means making our process simple. Ecommerce Return Policy | Advice on How to Write One A viable and effective ecommerce return policy is an absolute must for every online retailer. Your return [needs/does not need] to include the original packing slip to be accepted. Hiring help is also an option, though also tends to be the most expensive option. What the eCommerce Returns … E-Commerce Returns Policy Sales Killer #2: You Don’t Follow Up After the Return. What’s a Standard eCommerce Return Rate? But consumers expect a lot from online sellers. The cost of return shipping [will/will not] be deducted from your refund. Nicole Fallon, writing for Business News Daily, talks about how important it is simply to have an eCommerce returns policy. The nature of ecommerce makes it harder to spot and prevent return fraud than in brick-and-mortar stores. And see common mistakes you can avoid. As every seller knows returns can be like a double edge weapon: attacking profit margins; gutting conversion rates; ultimately threatening your business. This can translate to time and cost savings year-round. Around half of all US and Canadian online shoppers say they won’t buy from eCommerce websites that don’t offer free returns. Whereas, 58% of consumers want a hassle-free “no questions asked” return policy, and 47% want an easy-to-print return label. eCommerce shoppers are open to buy from small businesses who don’t offer that. Encourage customers who make returns to fill out a form to explain what went wrong. The most prolific example is Zappos, an Amazon company. But with the average retailer spending 8.1% of total sales on reverse logistics, it can pay to reduce overall return volume as well. Why you need a return policy in ecommerce. Use plain english and avoid using words that send people running for a dictionary. They let customers know what exactly is required for a return, as well as what to expect in terms of processing time. The same applies to retail stores. If you created your store with Wix, you can install. According to FindLaw.com, while merchants are not required to accept returns, there are laws that require the disclosure of a refund and return policy, and it must be easily found on your online store for it be valid. What return rate is acceptable to you? At the same time, if your business doesn’t allow returns, you run the risk of lowering your sales volume and turning off repeat customers. Your return policy should be easily accessible on your ecommerce website. Keep the following things in mind when crafting your return policy: View Returns As An Opportunity, Not A Threat. For example, Jack and Timber doesn’t permit returns of activated watches. They also don’t allow returns of sale items. Handle internal logistics. Don't have an online store yet? If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you have [X] days from your order date to make a return. You can also include a quick one-question survey in the returns process asking why a customer chose to return a certain product. While putting “free shipping” in your ads and a banner at the top of your website is smart, the same can’t be said for “free returns” (otherwise your return rate could go up). 58% of customers say they want a hassle-free return policy, and 47% want an easy-to-print return label. Believe it or not, how you manage returns directly impacts sales and customer loyalty: It’s clear that returns can have a big impact on your bottom line, and for good reason: the nature of ecommerce makes a good return policy a must-have.
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