In case you have an e-commerce website, it is important that you have a page where your customers can check your return policy. Since this isn’t something that you do or write every day, it is important that you follow some return policy example. After all, this will save you a lot of time.
Discover the best stores with good return policies.
In case you are wondering why you need to check a return policy example to write your own, you must understand that more than 60% of customers tend to look at it before they make a purchase, according to a TrueShip study.
According to the National Retail Federation, in 2017 alone customers returned around $351 billion of all purchases (both online and brick-and-mortar.As if this isn’t still a good reason for you, maybe you need to know that more than 6% of the returns were considered an abuse or fraudulent. These include buying something with the intention of returning it after wearing it and even falsifying receipts.
Discover how to get a refund on Steam.
So, what should you take into consideration when you’re looking at a return policy example to ensure that it’s a good one?
A good return policy needs to include several different aspects. The main ones are:
- The fees for the shipping to return the product and who pays them;
- How many days your customers have to return products;
- Be specific when you offer refunds through in-app purchases or online purchases;
- How your customers will get their refund;
- The types of refunds that you offer. It can be just an exchange, you can accept returns only on certain products, etc.
Take a look at the Groupon return policy.
Here are 5 best practices that you should follow in your e-commerce website return policy:
#1: Place your return policy visible:
Besides including it in your confirmation emails on purchases, you need to make sure that your refund policy is visible on your website or app. This way, your customers won’t feel deceived in case they are trying to return a product just to find out that it’s not possible for whatever reason.
#2: Write in English:
Even though you may feel tempted to copy and paste other websites’ return policies, we advise you not too. It’s always better to write your own return policy and that you are straight to the point. This will allow your customers to know exactly what they can expect in case they want to return a product they buy from you.
#3: Be As Clear As You Can:
The clearer you are and the easier it is for your customers to find the information they are looking for, the better.
Make sure that you clearly state whether you just provide exchanges, if you accept returns, and how they are processed.
The truth is that each merchant knows what is better for their business and you shouldn’t feel pressured to offer a full refund. Just think about all the options that you have and choose the best one for you, the one that works best for your business.
If you’re using Audible, make sure to check how you can exchange a book.
#4: Avoid Some Words:
The last thing you want is to scare a potential buyer when they check your return policy. So, you should make sure that you avoid using some words such as “you are required” or “you must”.
In addition, the simpler your return and refund process, the better.
#5: Be Fair And Loyal To Your Customers:
Not all companies maintain the same return policy forever. They tend to suffer changes throughout time. So, in case you want to change your return policy, make sure that you keep the old one active for older purchases.