Return policy describes how a customer can file the return and obtain a refund or exchange of products from a business. But, what’s the reason behind creating a return policy? The first thing your customers are looking for from your company is assurance. People will readily buy your products and services if you assure them of easy returns.
Customers usually don’t hesitate to pay a little more for a product return option. And if you offer them a seamless return experience, they will be happy to shop again and recommend your business to others. It will enhance your market reputation and increase credibility.
Before we discuss in detail how you can use a return policy to boost your sales, let’s look at the types of retail return policies.
- Exchange Only Policy – Under this retail return policy, customers are only allowed to make an exchange for their purchased product instead of asking for a refund.
- Store Credit Policy – The Company offers store credits or points instead of an actual refund under this policy. It might be a win-win situation for the business because the customer will have to purchase another product from the store. Still, some customers might not like this policy, especially if they have a terrible experience with your products.
- Complete Refunds Policy – This retail return policy allows customers to refund their returned items fully. The business, however, might have to pay the processing fees for credit card users. For instance, Pro Direct Returns states full refund of defective items.
- Restocking Fees Policy – This policy will demand a small restocking fee from the customers in order to cover any extra charges paid by the store.
How to Use Your Store’s Return Policy to Boost Your Sales?
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Customers Are Fan of Free Returns
According to customers, an excellent return policy includes free and fast returns. It’s absolutely unpleasant for customers to pay a return fee for a wrong size shirt or a defective electronic product. Making your customers go through such a harsh experience after an unsatisfied purchase will likely lead to a bad market reputation.
Keeping your overhead charges as low as possible is necessary, but comparing the money to your customers and overall online reputation is relatively minor. Moreover, free returns will motivate your customers to purchase again and recommend your store to others.
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Free Trial before Free Returns
Trust us; free trials can be super beneficial for both online stores and customers. It’s like going on a test drive before purchasing a vehicle. So whether you are selling clothes, eyeglasses, beauty products, or any other online service, give your customers a free trial. It will help them know if your products cater to their needs and will build your brand credibility.
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Save Time with Automation
Automation helps businesses save time and energy used on miscellaneous tasks. Small tasks like generating purchase invoices, making customer lists, sending emails, and more can easily be automated. But is it possible to automate a return policy? Yes! Automation will allow your customers to make a return request and track their refund status on your website without taking help from your customer executives. It makes the whole return and refund experience seamless for both customers and businesses.
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Visibility
The best place to display your return policy on your website is your home page. Nowadays, customers prefer surfing the return policy directory, which has return information of top brands. So, make sure your return policy is visible on such guides, just like the Shoe Zone Returns.
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Play with Emotions
The key to customers’ hearts is emotions. Buyers are always looking for empathy in a business and its return policy in order to trust the brand entirely. Make sure the tone of your return policy is empathetic. You can also add an element of fun to make your customers laugh and feel calm about the return process.
