Top 12 Ways e-Commerce Brands can Reduce Product Returns

Reducing product return rates can be challenging, but offering reward choices can be an effective way to incentivize customers to keep their purchases. You must be able to encourage your customers to go for product exchanges instead of returns. Not only do product hamper revenue generation but also impact brand image negatively.

NextBee’s platform helps reduce ecommerce returns with a wide range of smart features. Our solution boosts customer lifetime value and guarantees a boost in revenue generation.

Here are some steps an e-commerce brand can take to reduce product return rates:

1. Identify the reasons for returns: Understanding the reasons for returns can help you determine which reward choices will be most effective. For example, if customers are returning products because of defects, you may want to offer a free replacement or repair. If customers are returning products because they found a better deal elsewhere, you may want to offer a price match or discount on future purchases. NextBee’s feedback survey module lets you quickly capture customer feedback and take necessary action to alleviate the situation.
2. Offer a range of reward choices: Offering a variety of reward choices can increase the chances that customers will find something that appeals to them. Some options to consider include store credit, discounts on future purchases, free gifts, or access to exclusive events. With NextBee, you can offer nearly unlimited types of rewards. You can A/B test rewards as well to see which rewards work the best for your customers.
3. Communicate rewards clearly: Make sure customers understand what rewards they can earn and how to redeem them. This will help build trust with customers and make them more likely to take advantage of the rewards.
4. Encourage to exchange: A lot of times customers try e-commerce brands just to have a first-hand experience of purchasing from them online. They are inclined to return products for small reasons sometimes – for example, they find a better color somewhere or a different product that they like more now. You can encourage them to exchange the product instead of returning by offering extra points credit or promotional credits to their store wallet. These points or credits can be used on their next purchase.
5. Motivate to donate: Customers are motivated to perform charitable actions. If your customers place a return request, you can ask them if they would like to donate the item to a charitable organization instead. This provides them a sense of satisfaction of doing something responsible for society. NextBee’s platform allows customers to take a photo of their donation receipt, upload it, and receive rewards for the same.
6. Offer to receive credits instead of cash: With NextBee’s platform for e-commerce brands, you can ask your customers to opt to receive store credits instead of cash. These credits can be redeemed on their future purchases.
7. Monitor and adjust: Keep track of how often customers are using the reward choices and adjust them as needed. If you notice that your customers are not using the free gifts, you may want to replace that reward with something else. Not all customers are the same. Not all of them have the same reward interests.
8. Provide detailed and accurate product descriptions: Ensuring that product descriptions are accurate and detailed can help customers understand exactly what they are buying. This can reduce the likelihood that customers will be surprised or disappointed when they receive the product, which can lead to returns.
9. Provide sizing information and measurements: For clothing and other items that require sizing, providing accurate sizing information and measurements can reduce the likelihood of returns due to sizing issues.
10. Encourage customer reviews: Encouraging customers to leave reviews can provide valuable feedback on products and can help other customers make informed purchasing decisions. This can reduce the likelihood of returns by ensuring that customers are more satisfied with their purchases. NextBee’s product return slasher encourages customers to share positive reviews on your e-commerce website and on social media platforms and earn rewards, such as point credits or gift cards, for the same.
11. Offer free shipping and returns: Offering free shipping and returns can make customers feel more confident in their purchasing decisions and can reduce the perceived risk of buying something online. This can also reduce the likelihood of returns by making it easier and more convenient for customers to return items if they are not satisfied.
12. Provide excellent customer service: Providing excellent customer service can help address any issues or concerns that customers may have, which can reduce the likelihood of returns. This can include providing prompt responses to customer inquiries, offering assistance with product selection, and addressing any problems with orders quickly and effectively.

With NextBee’s platform, e-commerce brands can reduce product return rates and improve the overall customer experience. Want to know how we can tailor NextBee’s platform specifically to your e-commerce business?

Talk to us now, and our expert will reach out to you to understand your business needs.