Get whatever you want, whenever you want, at the click of a button. Technological advancements such as the retail POS system software, has bestowed the customer with the convenience of eCommerce. A digital presence dominates today's retail life, and the purpose of brick-and-mortar stores is slowly changing. However, there is one aspect of eCommerce that stands dominant in all transactions – returns. These are facts of retail life that cannot be denied. About 1/3rd or 36% of the shoppers returned their purchased items within three months – this survey was conducted by the UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper in 2019. To secure repeat customers, it is essential to get your eCommerce right. When the online buyer is happy, you have a higher chance of securing a return customer rather than lose the business altogether.
Curate an eCommerce returns process that can make customers happy and even keeps your business running.
Shoppers always perk up at the word 'free'. In 2019, the survey discovered that 42% of the shoppers wanted free shipping as a means to a positive experience, while 69% of them stated that if they did pay for the return, then chances are, they will never return to the retailer. Customers are irked at the fact that they have to pay for the returns. This only means poor reviews on your site. Design your return policies so that they do not hurt the customer and offers more choice and flexibility.
The return policy, terms and conditions can decide if the customers should buy from you. Therefore, it should be user-friendly and straightforward. The 2019 survey also revealed that at least 68% of the buyers reviewed the returns policy before purchasing. Thus, communicate policies proactively so that the volume of sales increases sharply.
Especially when customers spend a lot of money during the holidays, money matters along with the speed of response. If the shoppers want to return their purchase, then merchants must ensure speedier responses to such queries. A delay in a refund or late responses, or a poor returns' experience will only earn dislikes. Ensure an automatic refund to the debit or credit card of the customers.
Return labels are as important as delivery labels. When customers try returning their purchases, providing the correct return label is considered a positive experience. Include the labels as part of returns management and provide the convenience of pre-authorised returns, with labels that are extremely easy to print.
Customers should be made aware of the returns processes that they have to follow. Buyers want a stress-free and intuitive experience, particularly when it comes to returns. This also means to relieve the customers of sending emails or calling customer service.
For the ultimate retail flexibility, it is best to integrate a retail POS system software with your eCommerce store to get instant feedback about the purchase and return of the goods. With these analytics, store owners can also analyse the need for returns, the type of goods returned, the primary reason for such returns and much more. This will only help retailers function better and provide better customer service to garner more footfalls into their digital and physical brick and mortar stores.
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