How to Avoid Online Returns
Posted on 16 May 2019 by Anna Scott
Ordering clothes and footwear online comes with many pros and cons. Yes, it’s convenient. But not so much when it comes to trying clothes on. You might think that processing online returns is a price sites have to pay for not having the extra expense of maintaining retail outlets, but the fact is many of them are now starting to crack down. A recent survey found that 20% of retailers have introduced tougher returns policies in the last year and a further 19% are planning on making this move in the near future. Worse case scenario? If they class you as a ‘serial returner’ then there’s a possibility they might close your account altogether.
But why are online fashion retailers moving in this direction? Because some customers order the same items in different sizes, with the intent of returning the ones that don’t fit, this means that the transaction as a whole is going to cost the company more money. And especially so if they have a Free Returns policy. Another reason highlighted is that more transportation means more environmental impact – when online returns increase, so does everyone’s carbon footprint.
So, if you are worried about increased clothing costs or the damage being done to the environment in this respect, and you want to change your online shopping habits, what can you do?
It’s understandable that online shoppers might want to replicate the experience of grabbing one item in several sizes and taking them into the changing room. After all, in an ideal world, you wouldn’t wander into a store, buy one dress, try it one at home, return to the shop to exchange it for a different size and repeat until you get it right. But there’s a possibility this online shopping habit might not be viable in the future.
Yes, when dress sizes aren’t universal, it’s often difficult to find the right fit. One store’s size 14 is often completely different to another’s. But there are online resources that can help. Any good online fashion retailer has a good online size guide. This isn’t just a case of telling you what sizes they stock but giving detailed measurements for each one. Using our promo codes for Crew Clothing is a good example – if you take a look at their women’s size guide, they give bust measurements for their dress sizes down to the nearest quarter of an inch in some cases. This approach can be applied to footwear too. When you place an order using our promo codes for Fitflop, you can access their Find Your Fit guide, this give the foot length measurements for each of their shoe sizes (with different guides for men and women).
Obviously, this route means taking your measurements accurately before ordering your clothes and shoes. But taking a few minutes out to do this could save you hassle and money in the long run. You won’t have to order multiples of the same item in the first place (even if you are planning on returning all but one, this is a big initial outlay) and you won’t have to take time out to arrange those returns. And you’re being kinder to the environment too, of course. Yes, the sizing is not going to be 100% accurate all the time, but it’s a much better option that pure guesswork.
This is more to do with reducing the environmental impact of returns, but it can also be more convenient too. If an online retailer has high street outlets, they often give the option of returning goods to your local store. For many this is much easier than packaging up items and taking them to your local post office. But what if it’s an online-only retailer? A collection service can be great, but it might not be so environmentally friendly when you look at the bigger picture.
As a starting point, take a look at a site’s returns policy before you place your order to see what your options are. Using our promo codes for Missguided is a great way to reduce that carbon footprint if you think some returns may be on the cards. As well as giving you the option to return to your local Hermes parcel shop, there is an even more convenient way – you can return unwanted items to your local Asda store. This means you won’t necessarily have to go out of your way to drop off the parcel, because what could be more convenient that doing it before you complete you weekly supermarket shop?
If we all want to keep enjoying a Free Returns service when we need it, it seems both companies and customers have to play their part. Giving shoppers the right resources to buy the correct fit in the first place, plus providing a convenient yet sustainable returns service when it’s needed. And on the flip side, it appears that serial returners may have to change their shopping habits if they want to avoid higher costs or even a site ban.
But why are online fashion retailers moving in this direction? Because some customers order the same items in different sizes, with the intent of returning the ones that don’t fit, this means that the transaction as a whole is going to cost the company more money. And especially so if they have a Free Returns policy. Another reason highlighted is that more transportation means more environmental impact – when online returns increase, so does everyone’s carbon footprint.
So, if you are worried about increased clothing costs or the damage being done to the environment in this respect, and you want to change your online shopping habits, what can you do?
Buy the Right Size
It’s understandable that online shoppers might want to replicate the experience of grabbing one item in several sizes and taking them into the changing room. After all, in an ideal world, you wouldn’t wander into a store, buy one dress, try it one at home, return to the shop to exchange it for a different size and repeat until you get it right. But there’s a possibility this online shopping habit might not be viable in the future.
Yes, when dress sizes aren’t universal, it’s often difficult to find the right fit. One store’s size 14 is often completely different to another’s. But there are online resources that can help. Any good online fashion retailer has a good online size guide. This isn’t just a case of telling you what sizes they stock but giving detailed measurements for each one. Using our promo codes for Crew Clothing is a good example – if you take a look at their women’s size guide, they give bust measurements for their dress sizes down to the nearest quarter of an inch in some cases. This approach can be applied to footwear too. When you place an order using our promo codes for Fitflop, you can access their Find Your Fit guide, this give the foot length measurements for each of their shoe sizes (with different guides for men and women).
Obviously, this route means taking your measurements accurately before ordering your clothes and shoes. But taking a few minutes out to do this could save you hassle and money in the long run. You won’t have to order multiples of the same item in the first place (even if you are planning on returning all but one, this is a big initial outlay) and you won’t have to take time out to arrange those returns. And you’re being kinder to the environment too, of course. Yes, the sizing is not going to be 100% accurate all the time, but it’s a much better option that pure guesswork.
Return to Store
This is more to do with reducing the environmental impact of returns, but it can also be more convenient too. If an online retailer has high street outlets, they often give the option of returning goods to your local store. For many this is much easier than packaging up items and taking them to your local post office. But what if it’s an online-only retailer? A collection service can be great, but it might not be so environmentally friendly when you look at the bigger picture.
As a starting point, take a look at a site’s returns policy before you place your order to see what your options are. Using our promo codes for Missguided is a great way to reduce that carbon footprint if you think some returns may be on the cards. As well as giving you the option to return to your local Hermes parcel shop, there is an even more convenient way – you can return unwanted items to your local Asda store. This means you won’t necessarily have to go out of your way to drop off the parcel, because what could be more convenient that doing it before you complete you weekly supermarket shop?
If we all want to keep enjoying a Free Returns service when we need it, it seems both companies and customers have to play their part. Giving shoppers the right resources to buy the correct fit in the first place, plus providing a convenient yet sustainable returns service when it’s needed. And on the flip side, it appears that serial returners may have to change their shopping habits if they want to avoid higher costs or even a site ban.
FEATURED POSTS
-
Unlocking Rewards: The Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Online Slot Games Promotions
-
Are there promo codes for first time buyers?
-
How Often Do Stores Release Promo Codes?
-
Do Promo Codes Have Any Terms and Conditions?
-
Are there any restrictions on promo codes? What You Need to Know:
-
Why Isn't My Promo Code Working? Troubleshooting Guide
-
Can I Stack Promo Codes? Exploring the Art of Discount Maximization
-
How do I apply promo codes at checkout?
-
Do Promo Codes Work for Online Shopping?
-
Are Promo Codes the Same as Coupons?
-
How can I use promo codes online? | Comprehensive Guide | Promocodesfor.co.uk
-
What are the best sites for promo codes? Our Guide of The Best Sites
-
Do Promo Codes Expire? Understanding Expiration Dates
-
How Do Promo Codes Work? Our Guide to How They Work
-
Unlocking the Power of Promo Codes: Do They Really Work?
-
How Do I Get a Promo Code? Your Ultimate Guide to Unlocking Savings
-
Modern Digital Marketing Strategies
-
Unlock £25 in Savings: Your Comprehensive Guide to Maximising Discounts on Ocado Grocery Shopping with Promo Code OCADO25
-
Elevate Your Style with Rocket Dog: Unlock Exclusive Savings with Promo Code WELCOME25
-
Discover Unforgettable Getaways with Iberostar: Save Big with Promo Code VIVA35
-
Unlock Fashion Savings: A Deep Dive into Apricot's Collections and Exclusive Promo Code APRIL20
-
Embrace Sensuality and Savings with Ann Summers: A Complete Shopping Guide
-
Unlock Thicker Hair and Big Savings with Nanogen: Discover How Promo Code NANO30 Can Transform Your Look!
-
Discover the Ultimate Airport Parking Solution with SkyParkSecure and Promo Code MYFVC
-
Achieve Wellness on a Budget: Save Big on Health Foods and Supplements at Holland and Barrett
-
Maximizing Savings on Golfing Essentials with American Golf Promo Code GOLF20
-
Elevate Your Lingerie Collection with Triumph: Save 22% with Promo Code `UNDER22`
-
Unveiling the Ultimate Cycling Savings: How CYCLE20 Promo Code Revolutionizes Your Ride at Cyclestore
-
Embrace Sustainable Baby Essentials with Baby Mori and Save with Promo Code ORGANIC
-
Beginner's Guide to Shopping for Less at Master of Malt with Promo Codes
-
Popular FAQs for Shopping with Morrisons Promo Codes
-
How to Find a Smartphone That Meets Your Needs
-
5 of the Best Subscription Gifts
-
Top 10 Summer Energy Saving Tips
-
Family Friendly Movies to Watch While You Stay at Home
-
How to Get Your Garden Ready for the Spring
-
Valentine’s Gifts for Long Distance Loves
-
How to Achieve That Bedroom Makeover on the Cheap
-
The Beginners Guide to Shopping for a Sports Mad Lad
-
Uni Students Guide: What’s the Best Budget Laptop for University?
-
How to Get Started on Home Workouts for Beginners
-
The kit you need to Become a top Goalscorer
-
How to Save On the Kids Back to School Shop
-
What’s in Your Essential Summer Car Kit?
-
The Ultimate Shoppers Guide to Save On Summer Shoes
-
Summer Holiday Fun at Home: How to Find the Best Deals on Outdoor Toys
-
Save In the City; How to Get Money Off Your Weekend Away in London
-
Find Savings on Summer Wines and Spirits
-
How to Decorate your Home On a Budget
-
How to Stay Cool for the Summer
-
Get Festival Ready: How to Find Festival Savings from Tickets to Tents
-
Where Can I Find Ethical Clothing Online?
-
Top 10 UK Shops with the Best Student Discounts
-
How to Avoid Online Returns
-
Beginners Guide to Shopping for Cruelty-Free Makeup On a Budget
-
Save Money on Unusual Mother’s Day Gifts
-
How to Book a Quick and Easy January Getaway
-
Best Dairy Free Easter Eggs for Chocoholics
-
Our Beginners Guide to Cutting Your Heating Bills in Half
-
5 Easy Ways to Enjoy Good-Value Gaming
-
How to Make Your Own DIY Wedding Favours
-
What to Pack for Your UK Summer Holiday
-
5 Easy Recipes for an Impromptu Barbeque
-
7 Spring Make Up Tips to Brighten Your Morning
-
New Swimwear Trends for the Summer Holidays
-
Top Tips for Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
-
The Best Presents for a Pregnant Friend
-
Fun Family Cycling Activities for the Easter Holidays
-
6 Budget Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
-
Where to Visit Over the Easter Break
-
Shopping Online for Unusual Mother’s Day Gifts
-
How to Find Fun Local School Holiday Activities
-
The Best Valentines Date Ideas for Your Amazing Boyfriend
-
10 Ways to Quickly Lose Your First 10 Pounds
-
How To Book A Fun In The Sun Holiday For Less