Running a business successfully also means dealing with customer returns. The online shopping experience has offered consumers convenience, with purchasing as easy as clicking a button. With the ease of shopping, it is no surprise that retail merchandise amounted to over 700 billion dollars in 2023.
Returns can be costly for retailers and a hassle for customers. This is why creating an easy returns procedure should be one of the top priorities for you as a business owner.
In this article, you will learn three main ways businesses can improve customer satisfaction through the returns process.
Create a Clear Return Policy
The returns policy is often the first point of call for a customer who wants to return their purchase to the retailer. It will guide the customer through the process of returning or exchanging products. This policy must include the essential information customers require to continue in the returns process, but it must also be easy to understand and find on the website.
Businesses should ensure the returns policy includes the following information:
- The items that can be returned
- The condition products must be in
- The time period for sending returns
- The accepted shipping methods
A clear return policy will benefit your business by giving customers a positive experience and a reason to shop with you again. It will reduce the amount of hassle customers encounter during the procedure.
Offer Free Returns
If you do not already offer free returns, the second way to enhance customer satisfaction with the returns process is to do so. This is a relatively easy way to build trust with customers and show them that your business prioritizes their happiness, which means removing the cost of returns is a powerful tool.
More than half of online customers will not buy from brands that do not have sufficient reverse logistics and/or require payment when returning items. Reverse logistics often handles problems that can happen after the return procedure, such as refurbishing products.
However, offering free returns can inspire brand loyalty, although free returns can be difficult for small businesses and start-ups. This is why retailers must put effort into their returns and even opt for third-party help.
Removing the additional fee of returns or offering prepaid return labels can help to build a better relationship with customers. These customers can share their positive experiences with others, which could boost the amount of business your company receives
Provide an Extended Return Window
Customers usually have only 30 days to return their orders for a full refund. This countdown begins the day they receive the products. However, to allow customers the best chance to determine if a return is necessary, retailers might consider offering longer return windows, such as 60 days. Doing this will help your business stand out online.
Not only do extended return windows help customers, but they can also reduce the strain on warehouses and logistics networks. Shorter return windows could cause delays in sorting processes, which could then cause long waits in managing refunds or stock issues on the website. Again, adequate reverse logistics can lessen the risk of these issues developing.
Improving your business’ return process should be the priority when dealing with online shoppers. Some aspects, like free returns, might be slightly costlier than having customers pay to send products back, but all three methods mentioned in this article will benefit your business greatly in the long run.
