A Guide to Successful Returns Management

MCF cover returns under the package with joining us. There are various reasons why customers return products. If it is not what they expected, the wrong size, damaged, not as described or no longer needed. Whatever the reason, it is important that the process takes place upon receiving it and we can check the item thoroughly before any potential refunds are issued.

Returns management In today’s eCommerce business, having a good returns policy is key to staying competitive. It’s about providing a good service to your customers, as well as protecting your stock lines.

This blog is a break down what the returns management process is. We’ll look at the reasons for returns and how MCF manage them, how we can reduce the chances of them happening, and how we process returns quickly so we can replenish your stock to be resold reducing costs for your business.

Returns management

Returns management is classed as reverse logistics in fulfilment, in essence, it’s the return of goods from the customer to the retailer. Returns management is an important part of protecting your profits and ensuring good returns are checked and replenished for resale. As well as this, MCF have implemented strategies to minimise the chance of returns which also has many benefits.

The objective with a good returns management strategy is making the returns process as cost-effective and efficient as possible to benefit both businesses and customer.

The importance of efficient returns management processes

 This provides customers the confidence to buy from you

 An important part of your returns management process should be your Returns Policy. If your customers see you offer a returns service before purchasing an item, it breaks down the potential barrier of them being put off from making the purchase.

A sound returns policy builds trust and credibility. Peace of mind is always important for the consumer and when a customer knows they can easily return a product to you, the chances of a sale will be much higher.

Improve the customer experience

Don’t underestimate the effect having a smooth returns management has on your business. It has a big part to play in a customer’s overall experience with your company. The impact of waiting for a refund or a return process can put off customers from purchasing from you and decreases the chances of repeat business in the future.

If your returns process is simple and efficient, you’ll find that your customers satisfaction will increase.

Plan for peak season in 2022: Christmas is coming!

It’s important with the increased sales during peak that returns occur less to protect profit margins from sales. Returned items are inevitable in a business, however, keeping them to a minimum is key and staying firm on policies to ensure any requests that fall outside your policy are not permitted.

How you can reduce the number of returns

You can reduce the number of returns you receive, assisting your customers on making the right decisions on their purchase. MCF achieve a 99% pick and pack accuracy, so this type of accuracy reduces the number of returns in itself. More detail will follow later in the article.

Reselling your returned items faster

Last thing you need is an item being returned and not being processed in a timely manner as this can cause a negative impact, resulting in low reviews. A good returns management strategy has to be set in stone as this speeds up the returns process, as well as increasing profitability at the same time. MCF will check all products and recirculate it back for resale if the item is deemed a sufficient condition.

Some reasons why customers return items

There are various reasons for many reasons why a customer might want to return an item.

Here are some of the most common reasons a customer might make a return:

• The product wasn’t as advertised
• Damaged upon arrival
• The wrong item received
• Order arrived too late
• Found the item cheaper elsewhere
• Changed their decision

 Reduce your returns

Some eCommerce companies over the years have received poor reviews over items that were not as advertised upon delivery, this occurs more commonly than one would think.

It’s important to give your customers all the correct information they need to make an informed decision, as well as the images seen online.  Buying a product online is different from buying something in a retail store. It can be seen in its physical form before purchase, so it’s vital that this is replicated to the best of your ability when advertising products online

Pack Products Properly

Here at MCF we take pride in all our packing processes. We have trained staff to learn the ‘3 Ps’ this is always ‘Pack Products Properly’! Items that are not packed well result in consistent contact between business and customer and in the long term will cost a lot more than to take the time to provide efficient packaging.

Each parcel is packed with care and love here at MCF!

We take care of all packaging requirements from big, bulky, small, skinny, glass or other fragile products so you don’t need to. We’ll only choose packaging that guarantees protection for your items, and pack the orders to minimise the risk of damages at all times.

If you want to know more about all MCF services, please get in touch today!