We know that you care about the environment and want your fashion brand to be responsible and eco-friendly. But we also understand that returns are a challenge for your business, causing you to lose time, money, and resources.
According to a study by Google, 52% of returns are due to size or color issues¹. Additionally, it is estimated that in the United States alone, 2.6 million tons of returns ended up in landfills in 2020¹. These data points highlight the negative impact that returns have on both your business and the planet.
That's why we want to share some ideas with you on how to make sustainable and profitable returns, allowing you to save costs, retain customers, and improve your image.
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Use an online returns software: With this tool, you can manage returns easily and quickly, without printing labels or using paper. Additionally, you can offer your customers the option to exchange the product for another they may like better, based on the reason for the return. For example, if the issue is size or color, you can suggest a similar model. This way, you can avoid losing sales and generating more waste. You can also analyze return data and improve your product and marketing strategies.
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Offer sustainable shipping options: Don't force or encourage your customers to request home pickups. Make it easier for them with options such as using nearby eco-friendly drop-off points and in-store returns, which can generate up to 30% of new sales². This way, you can reduce CO2 emissions and improve your customers' experience. You can also negotiate better conditions with logistics providers and reduce transportation costs.
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Recycle and reuse returned products: Don't throw away the products that your customers return, even those that are not in perfect condition. Find ways to give them a second life, such as using recyclable materials for packaging, selling them at a lower price, or donating them to a nonprofit organization. This way, you contribute to waste reduction and create a positive social impact. You can also generate additional revenue and build customer loyalty through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
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Use augmented reality to showcase your products: With this technology, you can present your products in a more realistic and appealing way, allowing your customers to see how they fit before making a purchase. For example, you can offer a virtual fitting room for clothing, footwear, or accessories, or show how a piece of furniture or a decorative item would look in the desired space. This can help reduce returns due to dissatisfaction or unmet expectations.
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Highlight sustainability on your returns portal: If you want to influence your customers' behavior and motivate them to make more eco-friendly returns, you can provide information on the environmental impact of each return option. For instance, you can indicate the CO2 emissions generated by requesting a home pickup compared to other more sustainable alternatives. You can also offer incentives or rewards to customers who choose green options, such as discounts, points, or donations.
By implementing these practices, you can make sustainable and profitable returns that will help you take care of the environment, satisfy your customers, and enhance your brand.
(1) Strategies for Sustainable Returns | Seven Senders Blog. https://blog.sevensenders.com/en/strategies-for-sustainable-returns.
(2) How to Make Product Returns More Sustainable in E-commerce. https://blog.seur.com/en/making-product-returns-more-sustainable-in-e-commerce/.
(3) Make Your Online Store Returns More Sustainable - Correos.es. https://www.correos.es/en/en/updates/2023/make-your-online-store-returns-more-sustainable.