How to reduce your order returns by at least 30% before BFCM

1. Track your returns. You need to understand why people return items. Work with a return platform and give people options to pick from such as (size too big, size too small etc), leave one option open called "other" for freeform answers.

You need data on why people are returning items. This way you can change your sizing chart and talk to production if sizes have to be adjusted in the future.

Bonus: you can recommend the right size to people based on returns and purchase histories. There are many apps that can do this for you today.

2. Add a clickable element on your PDP gallary that says "model size" When clicked it shows the model height and size used by that person.

3. Sizing charts are not made equal... People don't like to review charts.. they are complicated.

fix this by using a "fit finder" app. People add in their height/weight and it will tell you what size to pick... Make it easy!

4. introduce "final sale" items to your store. Final sale are discounted and often because it is discontinued. No returns are offered here. Way too many brands are forgetting about this and their logistics are killing them because of it.

5. setup rules for returns such as: The product must be unused and in the same new condition as when it was received. The product must also be in its original packaging, with intact labels.

6. Implement reviews that focuses on rating these 3 things: "size, Comfort & Durability".

Show your reviews so people can see how ratings appear for each area. If the sizing runs small, more people will size up before ordering.. This will GREATLY reduce returns..

7. Focus on offering product exchanges, not returns. Have you every wondered why so many brands just accept returns, instead of offering a product in the correct size? This is a huge mistake. Setup your returns portal to instantly offer an exchange instead of just a return.

8. send a post purchase email that reduces buyers remorse and get people excited about the product. Educate your customers and reduce common issues that lead to returns.

9. Segment out "Wardrobers" people who are frequently buying and returning most if not all items. These people are a huge loss and might even be using products for a week to return it later. Did you know that businesses like Zalando ban these people from buying from them?

Consider banning them or simply have them pay for returns.

10. use live chat on your returns page. Did you know that most returns could be avoided with an offer to exchange instead? This is best done by setting up an automated chat window pop up on your returns portal.

11. optimize the speed of delivery.

one common reason why a customer may choose to return a product is that the product showed up late and they no longer need it.

12. Introduce a loyalty program. This can be an absolute game changer. Offer points for every dollar spent. Offer bonus points for every order without any returns (exchanges are ok).

This is one of the best loyalty programs out there right now: https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/xplrpass

this will not only return returns, but also greatly improve your LTV

IF you want to work with me and my team, you are welcome to email me at [email protected] or go to our website purplefire.io