{"id":10278,"date":"2020-01-07T12:00:43","date_gmt":"2020-01-07T20:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hollingsworthllc.com\/?p=10278"},"modified":"2024-05-28T08:56:30","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T15:56:30","slug":"how-to-handle-post-holiday-returns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hollingsworthllc.com\/how-to-handle-post-holiday-returns\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Handle Post-Holiday Returns"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row type=”container”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Have you been slammed with post-holiday returns during this or a past holiday season? You’re not alone. In 2018, 13% of all the gifts purchased<\/a> \u2014 or $90 to $95 billion in products \u2014 were returned after the holidays.<\/p>\n

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Besides the direct loss of sales from returned merchandise, retailers must account for costs associated with the time and manpower it takes to process the returned items. Another key consideration is customer satisfaction: A negative return experience is enough to prevent 64% of customers<\/a> from making another purchase, reducing future revenue potential.<\/p>\n

And, of course, there’s the unnecessary stress that poorly handled returns management adds to your supply chain.<\/p>\n

To reduce this stress, minimize return-related costs, and keep customers happy, retailers need to begin preparing for post-holiday returns<\/a> well in advance.<\/p>\n

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Set a Clear Return Policy<\/h2>\n

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Return policies are often buried in website footers, but that doesn’t mean they’re not important: Nearly two-thirds of online shoppers<\/a> will check a website’s return policy before making a purchase; and return policies are likely even more important to shoppers during the holidays, when they’re buying for people who may or may not like their gifts.<\/p>\n

Vague and confusing return policies immediately raise a red flag for shoppers. Will they be able to return the purchased item if necessary? This doubt is likely to deter purchases, as similar items are almost always available elsewhere.<\/p>\n

Transparent return policies, on the other hand, establish trust between your business and the customer. Clear policies will also help your support team know how to handle the rush of returns after the holidays.<\/p>\n

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Be Customer-Friendly and Flexible<\/h2>\n

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Having a clear return policy isn’t enough \u2014 it also needs to be customer-friendly and flexible. Inconvenient returns deter 80% of shoppers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In addition to clear information, the best year-round return policies often include<\/a>:<\/p>\n