More and more sellers charge return fees. Here are some tips to avoid them
If you are one of those who return or exchange gifts after the holidays, prepare for returns to look a little different this year.
“Consumers will have difficulty finding their way“, says shopping expert Trae Bodge, “return policies are very disparateThe biggest change, she adds, is that more sellers are charging fees for returning products.
According to David Morin, vice president of customer strategy at Narvar, which manages shipping, tracking and post-purchase returns information for online retailers, about 40% of online and in-store sellers are charging return fees this yearcompared to 31% last year.
These return or restocking fees are generally between $3.99 (€3.65) and $9.99 (€9.13), it specifies.
The good news is thatthere are ways to minimize return shipping costs and, in some cases, avoid them altogether. Here’s what the experts recommend.
Review return policies in advance
Since sellers’ return policies vary widely and many have changed recently, David Morin recommends checking the return policy before making purchaseseven if it’s a store you’ve shopped at before.
“Many retailers offer an extended returns period during the Christmas gifting season, but you should always read the fine print“, he adds.
According to Samantha Gordon, editor-in-chief of Consumer Reports, return times are often shorter than in previous years: “Many retailers have extended their return policies during the pandemic, and we’re seeing these accommodations disappear“.
According to Spencer Kieboom, co-founder and CEO of Pollen Returns, which partners with sellers to help them manage returns, the returns experience is crucial for shoppers to enjoy their interaction with the retailer and become repeat customers. Therefore, he said, “I always check the return policy“.
Join the loyalty program
One of the easiest ways to avoid fees is to join a retailer or brand’s loyalty programwhich often offers benefits such as free returns.
The only drawback ? This means you will receive promotional emails about sales and discounts. If you want to limit the number of advertising messages sent to your primary email account, Trae Bodge suggests creating a separate email account for advertising messages.
According to her, the advantages of loyalty programs outweigh the disadvantages: “You can earn points to get free items, you have access to exclusive sales and free products. It’s a good practice“, she says.
Do the work yourself
Shoppers can also avoid return shipping costs by bringing the item to the store themselves.
“Most sellers are happy to welcome consumers to their store“, explains David Morin, which is why in-store returns are generally free. Drop-off points are becoming more and more common, he adds.
Always keep receipts, labels and original packaging until you know if you are going to return the item.
Research Items Before Purchasing Them
According to Trae Bodge, taking the time to choose the right item from the start can help avoid returns.
“If you are unsure of something, go to the store in person to avoid taking any risks“, she says.
Samantha Gordon echoes a similar sentiment: “Before you buy an item, make sure you want it. Don’t just buy what’s on sale“.
Likewise, if you are buying a gift, think carefully about the recipient’s preferences before making your choice.
Budget for additional costs
With return shipping costs becoming commonplace, Trae Bodge recommends preparing yourself and your budget for them.
“At the end of the day, you may need to pay a return fee of €5-10 (€4.50-€9.15) each time“, she says, “and you should expect to soon have to pay for returns from all sellers“.
David Morin expresses a similar opinion: “The idea of free returns for everyone, all the time is probably an untenable proposition” he says, especially given the growing and widespread prevalence of online shopping.
Taking these costs into account at the time of purchase helps avoid surprises later.
“If you place an order online, you need to adopt a different mindset when it comes to returns and know that free returns are less likely in the future“, adds Trae Bodge.
Instead, consider selling or regifting
Economy expert Andrea Woroch explains that if returning is not possible or you want to avoid return shipping costs, another option is to give the item as a gift or sell it online.
People can sell clothes and accessories on Poshmark, gadgets on eBay, and toys or other goods on OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace, she says.
If you repeat your gift, make sure the new recipient will really appreciate the item.
“Don’t give away an item just to get rid of it“concludes Andrea Woroch.