Carefree returns: how do you make a difference as a company?

The holidays are behind us… Traditionally the time when your warehouse starts filling up with returns. In this article, we look at why a good returns policy is so important for your business and the ways you can make returns run smoothly for your customer.

Returns: the figures speak for themselves

In the US, customer is king. And that king returns between 30 and 70% of its products ordered online, depending on the sector – with clothing leading the way (Optoro 2018). Last year, as much as $90 billion worth of goods were returned after the holidays. In the European B2C market, these return rates vary between 25% and 50%.

In 2018, courier company UPS had to return as many as 1.4 million packages in the US on 3 January. Returns are taking on such large proportions that there is now talk of National Return Day in the US. Wonder if we can expect this in the Netherlands too.

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Everything you need to return worry-free

Research has shown that 83% of consumers would buy more online if return policies were simpler (Reverse Logistics Association). So choose the right packaging material and offer your customers unforgettable service.

► 1. Return box or mailbox

A return box is indispensable for any kind of webshop. What makes this box so suitable for returns? For that, we need to look at the two sealing strips on the lid. The first strip is used by your packer to close and ship the box. The second strip is used by your customer: if he wants to return the parcel, he simply has to remove the self-adhesive strip, close the box and deliver it to the parcel service.

With this double closing strip, your customer no longer has to use another box, or even sticky tape. This makes his life a lot easier, as he no longer has to go looking for a suitable box. And you are assured that your product gets back to you in a good condition so you can offer it again in your webshop. Win-win!

► 2. Return envelope

For those not yet familiar with the return envelope, a little introduction: like the return box, this plastic envelope features a double closing strip. The second closing strip is thereby used to return an order if necessary.

This opaque envelope or shipping bag is ideal for sending light and bulky products. Webshops for clothing , for example, use them eagerly. The envelopes are waterproof and extra strong because they are made of polyethylene.

Because a picture often says more than a thousand words, we made the video below for you. In 60 seconds, you can see how handy returnable packaging can be:

► 3. Return label

A return box or envelope is not enough for a successful return. To complete the picture, it is best to offer your customer a return label. This self-adhesive label, which complements the delivery note or invoice, is designed as an extra service for the customer.

The return label contains the order’s return address. The customer simply has to stick the label on their box or envelope and return it to the courier service. It is these little extras that make customers’ trust in your organisation grow – and without them ever having met you.

Sources:
¹ www.ecommercenews.nl/nederlander-retourneert-het-meest/