In today’s eCommerce landscape, where customers can buy or return products with a single tap, managing product returns is crucial for success. At Plan My Apps, we understand that reducing returns not only saves money but also keeps customers coming back. Our goal is to help Shopify store owners minimize returns while creating a positive experience for customers using custom mobile apps.
Around 30% of online purchases are returned, and that number is expected to grow. However, studies show that 92% of shoppers will buy again if their return experience is smooth and hassle-free. By making a few smart changes to your processes, you can cut down on returns and improve your customers’ overall experience.
Why Reducing Product Returns Matters for Shopify Merchants
Returns can be costly for eCommerce businesses. Between shipping, handling, and restocking, a single return can cost upwards of $30–40. Plus, high return rates can negatively impact your brand’s reputation. Reducing returns doesn’t just save money—it makes your store more efficient and keeps customers satisfied.
At Plan My Apps, we believe that building strong customer relationships starts with a seamless experience on your mobile app. Here are six ways to reduce returns and boost satisfaction in 2024.
1. Provide Clear Product Descriptions and Quality Photos
One common reason for returns is a mismatch between the product and the customer’s expectations. This often happens due to unclear or incomplete product descriptions.
How to Fix It:
- Use High-Quality Visuals: Show products from multiple angles and include close-ups of key features. If possible, add short videos or 360-degree views.
- Write Detailed, Accurate Descriptions: Include important details like size, materials, and special features. The more accurate your descriptions, the better.
- Add AR Previews: Use augmented reality (AR) to let customers see products in their own space. This is especially helpful for furniture and home goods.
Example: Many Shopify merchants use 360-degree photos and videos to show customers exactly what to expect, reducing the chance of returns. With Plan My Apps, you can easily add these features to your mobile app, making shopping more immersive and informative.
2. Offer Reliable Sizing Information
Sizing issues are the top reason for returns, especially in clothing and furniture. Around 34% of returns happen because the item doesn’t fit as expected. With the right tools on your app, you can give customers confidence in choosing the right size.
How to Fix It:
- Use Clear, Customizable Size Guides: Make your size charts easy to understand. Plan My Apps lets you customize size guides to match your brand’s products.
- Add Virtual Fitting Tools: Some tools let customers see how clothes will fit or show how furniture would look in their space. This helps them make more informed choices.
- Show Customer Feedback on Fit: Include notes from previous buyers, like “runs small” or “true to size,” to help new customers choose correctly.
Example: With Plan My Apps, Shopify merchants can integrate virtual fitting tools or AR features into their mobile apps, allowing customers to “try on” items or visualize products in real time, reducing returns due to sizing issues.
3. Ensure Quality Control to Meet Expectations
Poor product quality can damage your reputation and drive returns. Customers expect well-made, durable products, and quality control can help you meet those expectations.
How to Fix It:
- Regularly Check Product Quality: Inspect your products before they’re shipped out to customers. A strong quality control process can help catch defects.
- Respond to Customer Feedback: Use feedback to identify recurring quality issues and make improvements.
Example: Quality assurance is easier with tools that gather and analyze customer feedback. With Plan My Apps, Shopify merchants can use customer reviews and ratings to monitor product quality directly from their mobile app, helping reduce returns related to defects.
4. Streamline Your Order Process to Avoid Mistakes
Shipping the wrong product is a common cause of returns, with about 23% of returns happening because customers received the wrong item. Accurate order management is essential for reducing these kinds of avoidable errors.
How to Fix It:
- Use an Automated Order Management System: Automate order tracking and fulfillment to reduce errors.
- Integrate Barcode Scanning: Scanning items before shipping ensures the right product goes out every time.
Example: With Plan My Apps, you can connect your Shopify store’s order management system directly to your app, making it easier to track and fulfill orders accurately and reduce costly mistakes.
5. Offer Excellent Customer Support to Prevent Returns
Some returns happen due to reasons outside your control, like buyer’s remorse. But an easy way to minimize these returns is by offering top-notch customer support that helps resolve issues before a return request is made.
How to Fix It:
- Offer Support on Multiple Channels: With Plan My Apps, you can offer support through live chat, email, or phone right within your app.
- Help Customers Make Informed Decisions: Consider adding product guides, FAQs, or tutorials to answer common questions.
Example: A Shopify mobile app built with Plan My Apps can offer instant support options, such as live chat or a direct contact form, to help resolve issues quickly, reducing returns caused by uncertainty or lack of information.
6. Use Secure Packaging to Prevent Damage
Around 20% of returns happen because products arrive damaged. Investing in secure, eco-friendly packaging can protect your products and keep customers happy.
How to Fix It:
- Use Durable, Sustainable Packaging: Make sure packaging materials can withstand shipping. Items like bubble wrap and sturdy boxes help prevent damage.
- Label Packages with Care Instructions: Labels like “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” can encourage gentle handling.
Example: Many brands are shifting to eco-friendly packaging that not only keeps products safe but also appeals to environmentally-conscious customers. With the Plan My Apps mobile app, you can share packaging details to show customers how you care about both the product and the environment.
Bonus Tip: Encourage Customer Reviews and Feedback
Customer reviews can provide insights into why returns happen and help new customers set realistic expectations, which can reduce return rates.
- Incentivize Reviews: Offer a discount or reward points for customers who leave feedback. With Plan My Apps, you can set up in-app rewards or send follow-up notifications to encourage reviews.
- Analyze Feedback for Trends: Look for common complaints or suggestions to help you improve product listings or descriptions.
Example: Shopify stores using Plan My Apps can easily display and manage customer reviews, which helps build trust and gives potential buyers the confidence to make informed decisions.
Make Returns Simple and Stress-Free
Even with the best strategies, some returns are unavoidable. A seamless return process shows customers you value their satisfaction. Using a tool like Plan My Apps’ Return Prime integration, you can simplify returns, keep customers updated, and make the process hassle-free. This can help improve customer loyalty, as shoppers appreciate an easy, transparent return experience.
Conclusion
Reducing product returns is essential for boosting profitability, increasing efficiency, and building trust with your customers. By enhancing product descriptions, providing accurate sizing tools, focusing on quality control, automating order processes, offering strong customer support, and using protective packaging, you can cut down on returns and create a better shopping experience.
Plan My Apps is here to help you implement these strategies with a powerful, customizable mobile app for your Shopify store. Connect with us to see how we can help you create an app that not only drives sales but also strengthens customer loyalty by making every interaction smooth and satisfying.
