Recent numbers tell us that about 3 out of 10 things people buy online get sent back. This can make customers unhappy and hurt your store’s reputation.
Quick answer: Reduce returns by improving product descriptions with detailed specs and high-quality images, offering easy returns and fast shipping to build trust, and implementing Augmented Reality so customers can visualize products before buying. AR alone cuts returns by 25-50% because customers see exactly what they’re purchasing.
But there’s good news! We have easy-to-follow tips that can help you have fewer returns and make both your sales and your customers happier.
How to reduce your e-commerce return rates
You might hear folks say that you can’t really cut down on how many items get returned. Well, that’s not true. Don’t listen to them; there are ways to fix this issue. One big help can be Augmented Reality (if you want to get right to it, click here).
First, let’s look at some free ways you can make your online store better and have fewer returns.
Improve Product Descriptions and Images
First, make sure to give really clear and detailed information about what you’re selling, along with great pictures. Doing this can cut returns in half! Show the item from different sides with multiple pictures so people know exactly what they’re getting.
This way, they’re less likely to send it back because it wasn’t what they thought.
Give certainties to your customers
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Easy Returns: In simple words, if you make it easy for people to start a return, they might actually return less stuff. How so? When people know that you offer simple services, they’re more likely to buy from you in the first place.
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Helpful Customer Service: Another big thing that can make returns go down is having really good customer service. When people feel like they’re taken care of, they’re more likely to buy again and tell their friends. Answering questions fast can make customers stick around and not send things back.
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Quick Shipping: Getting items to people fast and safely can also make them less likely to return things. Letting them know where their package is in real-time helps build trust and keeps them from worrying about when it will arrive.
Image by vector4stock on Freepik
Reducing your return rates with Quality
Having really good quality products in your e-commerce can mean fewer returns. Here are some ways to make sure what you sell is top-notch:
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Right Size Info: One big reason people send things back, especially clothes, is because they don’t fit. Giving all the details about size and fit, like measurements, can help people choose better. This means they’re less likely to return things because they don’t fit.
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Learn and Get Better: Asking your customers what they think can help you make your stuff even better. Always encourage people to tell you what they like or don’t like.
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Free Shipping or Returns: When you offer free shipping, people feel more sure about buying from you. A study by UPS says this can boost your sales by 20-30% because people feel more comfortable making a purchase.
Stay ahead with Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) can be a game-changer in cutting down how many things get sent back to your online store. With AR, people can see a 3D version of what they’re buying in their own space. This helps them know for sure if it’s what they want, making them less likely to return it.
Using AR can make shopping online way more fun. It can make your customers happier, keep them coming back, and mean fewer returns for you.
Want to know more about how to have fewer returns in your e-commerce? Contact us!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most common reason customers return items?
Poor product descriptions and mismatched expectations account for 55% of returns (Retail Dive). Customers receive items that don’t match photos or descriptions, making them unsure before even opening the box.
How much do returns actually cost a business?
Returns cost 2-3 times more than the initial shipping because you handle processing, inspection, and potential discarding. A 30% return rate turns significant revenue into expense, making return reduction one of the fastest ways to improve profitability.
Does offering free returns reduce the return rate?
Counterintuitively, making returns easy can slightly increase returns initially. However, customers who know returns are hassle-free are more confident in their initial purchase, leading to fewer “just in case” purchases that get returned. The net effect is positive.
How quickly can Augmented Reality reduce returns?
AR implementations show results within weeks of launch. Customers immediately start engaging with the 3D previews, and return rates drop because people buy only items they’re confident about. Most brands see 15-25% reductions within the first month.