Tips For Handling Web Returns

Tips For Handling Web Returns

As anyone whose ever sent a product back to an online retailer knows, the process is almost as fun as going to the dentist.

Some research suggests that even the thought of sending back a return is enough to keep people from buying. As such, it makes sense that an easy, hassle free return procedure will ensure that customers order again. In this
article, I’ll share some best practices for handling return I’ve learned from dealing with internet retailers in the past.

Answer the Basics: Clearly explaining the process is the obvious first step in handling a return. Make sure to answer what, when, where, and how. For example, what products can be returned? How long do customers have to return them? Where do they back the merchandise?
Keep Customers Updated: When you receive a return shipment, email the customer. When you begin processing a return, email the customer. When you refund their money or send out the exchange merchandise, email the customer. Constant progress updates will keep customers from contacting you about the status. In addition, they will appreciate the thoughtfulness.
Find out Why: A “no questions asked” return policy is great marketing, but tells you little about what’s causing customers to return products. Find a non-pushy way of asking them why they’re returning the merchandise. This can be a simple question on the return form or an email survey sent out after the transaction. Emphasize the information will be used to improve your products.
Include Instructions with every shipment: Don’t send customers on a wild goose chase to find out how to return a product. Include instructions along with every packing list sent.
Give them a Return Address Label: A peel off address label simplifies the question of “where do I send it?” and prevents shipping errors.
Give them a Return Shipping Label: Better yet, send out a return merchandise label from your shipping carrier. Explain to the customer they will be billed for using it. Some companies email customers a printable pdf of the shipping label to simplify the process for them.
Pay for Return Shipping: Even better, if you can afford it, pay the return shipping for them. Zappos pioneered this strategy, creating thousands of loyal customers because of it. It’s a gesture that’s not expected by most customers, but will strongly differentiate you from your competitors.
Know your Metrics: What percent of your orders end up being returned? What’s the most most common reason people return merchandise? By tracking your return metrics, you’ll find areas that need improvement.
Brag about your Easy Return Policy: It pays to boast about your hassle free return policy early and often. During checkout, I believe this is one of the most frequently asked questions and stumbling blocks. Linking to your return policy during checkout will assure customers you stand behind the product.
Post your Restrictions: To prevent surprises, make sure you post your return restrictions, including re-stocking fees, the length of time merchandise can be sent back, and whether or not shipping costs will be refunded.
Streamline the RMA: If your company a return merchandise authorization in order to process a return, don’t make it unnecessarily complicated. For example, if the merchandise is inexpensive or defective, don’t require a manual review in order to get an RMA. Every day that your customers have to wait creates less chance they will order again.
Rules are Meant to Be Broken: Occasionally, customers will send back merchandise that technically doesn’t qualify for a return. In these situations, let your customers know you are making a special exception for them. Is it really worth damaging a customer relationship because the customer returns it after 15 days, rather than 14?
Multi-Channel Returns: If your business has physical store locations, allow customers to return online orders in-store.