Retail and ecommerce returns usually make the headlines in the days following the holiday shopping season, when it’s clear that however well-intentioned some gifts are better enjoyed by someone else – you know, the ugly sweater that’s not holiday-themed or the slippers that defy regifting.
But as all shippers, retail, and ecommerce leaders know, returns are an expensive, time-killing, and carbon-creating hassle year-round. Not only are they often a logistical nightmare, but items sent back often can’t be resold as new and those that can often require a slew of labor and time-intensive steps to occur first.
Perhaps most importantly, sometimes – and more often than many would like to admit – returned items aren’t worth getting back at all when actual shipping, repackaging, handling and restocking costs are considered. That’s why it’s important for shippers to reconsider how they approach returns and in the process consider some of the ways they can effectively tackle what remains one of the most pressing challenges for online and omnichannel retailers.
Some great examples of this and proven strategies all shippers should consider can be found on our YouTube channel where in his latest video our very own Jack McCrum looks at why returns are not only a hidden asset for shippers, but one they are uniquely qualified to address. We know you will find it an incredibly valuable use of five minutes. And just think how nice it would be to have returns under control when the holidays come around again.
