There’s no denying that returns are a hassle for both consumers and retailers.
What are hassle free returns meaning? A hassle-free return means that you can return an item and get the full refund without having to take any action on your end.
This usually applies to items purchased online with a credit card, where the customer simply needs to ship back the item and wait for a refund check.
For consumers, it can be a pain to have to go through the process of returning an item, especially if it’s something that they really wanted in the first place.
And for retailers, returns can be a nightmare, eating into profits and taking up time and resources that could be spent on more productive tasks.
But despite the hassle, product returns are an important part of the customer experience, and one that should be taken seriously by retailers. Why? Because hassle free returns are more important for consumers than you might think.
Here are 10 reasons why hassle free returns are so important for consumers:
1. Returns Show That You Care About Your Customers
When a customer has a problem with a purchase, they want to know that you care about their experience and that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to make things right.
A hassle-free product return policy shows customers that you’re committed to their satisfaction and that you’re willing to go the extra mile to make sure they’re happy.
2. They Increase Sales
A lot of people assume that because product returns management take away from profits, retailers will stop accepting them. But that’s not true at all!
In fact, according to eMarketer, “the retail industry is expected to see total online revenue growth of 10% this year,” which means more shoppers looking to save money and get what they want without having to pay full price.
This also means there’ll be more sales overall, meaning more profit for retailers who give their customers a hassle-free return option.
3. It Builds Trust
Trust isn’t just a nice thing to have — it’s necessary for business success. When a company makes its customers’ lives easier by offering a hassle free return policy, it demonstrates that it cares about them as individuals and wants to build strong relationships with them.
As long as customers trust you, they’ll keep buying from you. When customers don’t have to deal with returns, they stick around longer, buy more, and spend more money.
4. It Increases Satisfaction
Customers who can choose between your brand and another choose the one with the best return policy.
Nearly 60% of U.S. consumers said they would spend less if they could shop internationally during their return period, according to the National Retail Federation. That’s a lot of lost revenue and customers who don’t trust or like your brand.
5. They Help Brands Stand Out
Retailers who provide a “return a product” process are seen as companies that offer great value and quality, making them more attractive to prospective customers.
Your customers may even tell friends and family about how much they love shopping with you, helping to spread the word about your brand.
6. They Reduce Fraud
Fraud is a major issue for marketers. Sites that look legitimate but contain malware to steal credit cards and other sensitive data are used by thieves.
If customers must jump through hoops to return items, fewer will fall for scams.
7. They Encourage Loyalty
Easy returns encourage repeat visits. By making it easy for customers to order and find discounts, they’ll be more likely to return.
They’ll feel more comfortable recommending your products, strengthening your relationship with existing fans and attracting new ones.
8. They Keep Inventory Costs Low
It might sound odd, but one of the reasons international online shop retailers accept returns is because they’re often willing to discount heavily compared to the original cost. You may think that lowering the prices of your products is hurting profits, but it doesn’t have to be.
There are plenty of ways to lower product costs without cutting into your bottom line.
Make sure your packaging is sturdy and recyclable, for example, or find creative ways to cut shipping expenses. And remember, you only need a few days worth of inventory to make a sale; after that point, you can always order extra stock from an international online store that does require returns.
9. They Improve Employee Morale
It can be stressful working in retail settings. Employees often deal with irate customers, long hours, high turnover rates, and constant pressure to sell everything possible.
The last thing any business needs is unhappy workers, but having an effective return policy can go a long way toward boosting employees’ overall satisfaction at work. When customers know they can easily return anything, they won’t take matters into their own hands. It means there will be no reason for angry employees to abuse customers.
10. Improved Reputation
When it comes to customer service in general, people are quick to judge a company based on its policies. It goes beyond just whether or not a company has a good return policy, though.
A positive experience helps build a better reputation than a negative one.
A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that people felt positively towards businesses that offered friendly return policies, suggesting that providing a convenient option for returning products could be enough to improve a brand’s image.
Final Words:
In this day and age, it should be pretty clear why companies should offer great return options. Customer retention is key to business success, and if your current policy isn’t helping you accomplish that goal, it’s time to change it up.
The return policy is very important in this industry because of the high risk involved. If something goes wrong with the product, or if there’s a manufacturing defect, you want to make sure your customers know what their options are. It also helps to maintain good relationships with your customers.
Not only do customers appreciate a reliable return policy, but they also expect it. So make sure you’ve got a plan ready to welcome your customers home when they decide to bring something back!