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With the holidays officially behind us, ‘tis the season of returns. In fact, UPS has dubbed January 2nd, National Returns Day. They expect to move a record-breaking 1.9 million parcels across their network today– up 26% from last year’s peak returns day. In fact, this year will mark a seventh consecutive record-breaking day! An estimated $90 billion worth of merchandise is being returned to retailers and online purchases account for half of that amount. And this number is only expected to grow year over year.
Research continues to show that to succeed in eCommerce retailers must offer comprehensive (and competitive) returns services. A recent UPS survey reveals:
- 73% of shoppers surveyed said the overall returns experience impacts their likelihood to purchase from a retailer again.
- 68% of survey respondents agree that the returns experience shapes their overall perceptions of a retailer.
- 42% said free return shipping contributes most to a positive returns experience.
- Top elements of a great returns experience include proactive communications, flexible return options and transparency.
With another record-setting year for eCommerce returns, this illustrates how eCommerce is continuing to change the way people shop for the holidays…and all year round.
Is your small business ready for post-holiday returns? To get advice on how to prepare, read our article National Returns Day is Coming…How Does Your Return Policy Stack Up?
Amberly Bliss, Owner
Retail Deals
"I feel so confident shopping and bidding on items knowing that I am going to get what I paid for. And if not, there’s a killer customer service team that’s going to make sure everything’s alright in the end. That’s huge. It’s hard to take that risk when you’re first starting out."
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