Narvar’s “2021 Return Benchmarks Report” finds some retailers leveraging free online returns in a variety of ways, including to incentivize faster returns, turn online exchanges into store credit and to support their loyalty efforts.
Among the strategies:
- Free online returns for a limited time: Saks Fifth Avenue provides free returns for the first 14 days post-purchase and thereafter subtracts $9.95 from the refund amount as a return fee. Lulus, the women’s apparel e-tailer, offers free return shipping for 10 days and charges a $7 fee afterwards. Enticing early returns gives retailers the chance to restock merchandise for another sale while also limiting shipping expenses.
