Return requests increasing

[jojamstar]

Just wondering if any other  clothing resellers have noticed their returns are up . I put plenty of measurements on the listing etc but there has been a significant uptick in returns over the past 3 weeks . 

may just be one of those things  or do others notice more returns in the period following Christmas ?

Also does anyone know what the return rate average is for a clothing reseller?

thanks 

 Julie 

[therenewalworkshopltd]

Yes, after Christmas returns do tend to go up.  But not generally this long afterwards.

More than likely it is just one of those things, rather than any particular reason.

As to return rates, I can't answer specifically for second hand retailers, but for new clothes, the retailers see anything up to about 30%.  

[cerulean-blue]

Hello,

Yes, I too am noticing quite a big increase in returns for pre worn clothing, nearly double in the last year or so.

I also add lots of measurements and detail in the description but it doesn’t seem to help at all.  

The biggest gripe is that some items are returned screwed up in a tatty carrier bag (or worse) then have to be washed and pressed again which is time consuming and costly.

I’m not sure what the returns percentages are for sellers but would be interested to know as a comparison as it’s getting a bit ridiculous! 

[wyntersemporium]

I’ve had several according to one it was the wrong size when it’s the only one I have that is that size 

[returns_andexdisplay]

I've had a increase the last few weeks on both my ebay stores and even one website with returns. ebay I put some of it down to poor site design and more focused on showing buyers everyone else's listing than showing them descriptions and important information. 

Then when the buyer gets the item, often the not as described return reason matches the listings and hit with defects and cost of returns for not fault of my own. 

[enduringclothingstudio]

I today  had 1 return it was a brandnew new dress never been worn ,the buyer wore it washed it then told ebay that she wanted to return it as it didn't fit ,it has annoyed me that she washed it as it has caused damage to dress that she wants a refund  on now ,and told ebay it was faulty so I can no longer say it is new .

[cerulean-blue]

Made a sale yesterday but 2 returns today!

It’s now getting to the point where I’m actually scared to look at my messages!

I do wonder how people manage with the big things in life like mortgages and bank accounts when they don’t bother to read the information on listings!

Oh well, off to have some more caffeine.

[pippacrazey]

I'm wondering if some buyers are "dodgy" and only want to wear them to go out in then send them back.  "Claiming" that they don't want them anymore.  Or that they are the wrong size etc.  I think it's unfair that the seller should have to refund the customers back if that's what's happening.  It seems that maybe this could be the case?.  

[therenewalworkshopltd]

Of course that happens.

It's been a big thing with a lot of the major clothing retailers.

They buy it for that occasion, then send it back!

Obviously that kind of thing will be affected by exactly what it is that you are selling.

It's unlikely that they are going to buy a kettle for one time use, but a dress........

[cerulean-blue]

Yet another return!

Reason: doesn’t fit (Return requested 26 days after it was delivered!)

[valleyrc1]

Not clothing, but this month I had my highest number of returns. The previous 3 months I only had 1, though, so it almost seemed like I was due some, as it had been unusually quiet on the return front.

They all seemed to come in a cluster around mid month, and then died off again.

[clairem1967]

I sell high quality mother of the bride outfits and despite clearly stating the full sizings of the outfits; bust, waist hips etc I am continually getting return requests because the outfit doesn't fit. I think alot of this is because people are delusional and believe they are the same size as they were a few years ago! It has got to the point whereby I've had enough and it will be unfortunately the last year in my business. 

[therenewalworkshopltd]

Well to be fair, if they are at least saying that it doesn't fit, you shouldn't be paying for the return costs.

But for more expensive clothes, you tend to get more in the way of SNAD's for returns, as buyers will wear and return for free.

Have you looked at selling elsewhere as well?  Changing your range maybe to help reduce the returns.

But unfortunately with clothing, returns are very much a way of life.  They are a pain in the backside, but I'm afraid that they are something that you have to live with.

[clairem1967]

Hi yes...I've looked at selling on Vinted...but the same return rules apply
for business sellers. Very frustrating. Kind regards Claire

[therenewalworkshopltd]

Vxxted is quite different.  I rarely get any returns there at all.

You might want to look at Dxxop as well, though possibly not so much mother of the bride stuff on there.  🙂

If you don't know, they are a very young demographic.

But don't let them stop you.  Maybe look at changing exactly what it is you are selling, or at least adding to the range so that you don't have all the same kind of stuff, with the same kind of returns etc.

It's been commented on quite a lot on these boards that the more expensive clothing, tends to get higher returns.

Unless you have other reasons for stopping though, look to change first.  You may be surprised at what you can achieve.

[pippacrazey]

Yeah they shouldn't be allowed to get away with it.  I sell jewellery worried they might do the same with that too.  Was also thinking about selling other items like bags and clothes and just wondering if returns are only worse with clothes?  There ought to be an eBay rule after a certain amount of time.   Not unless there is which I am unaware of???

[pippacrazey]

That's terrible, some right ole Chancers on here!  They should be reported and not allowed to get away with this!!!!

[pippacrazey]

Vinted is great.  I love buying vintage y2k clothes on there .  I sell jewellery on here, thinking of becoming a business seller and hoping that I don't get many jewellery returns?  I know it's done with clothes a fair bit on here.  Dies anyone get many jewellery returns?  I would sell jewellery on VINTED too but I've noticed you can't sell it for as much money on there well the vintage style brooches I sell anyway 😂.

[clairem1967]

Unfortunately as a business seller you have to offer 14 day return policy.
People really abuse the system with clothes. I have had a number of
instances whereby my mother of the bride outfits have clearly been worn to
a wedding and then the buyer has requested a return claiming the outfit
either doesn't fit or doesn't suit them. Even purposefully damaging the
outfit to claim a refund.

[clairem1967]

Hi there. I have also considered this option; but as a "pro" seller you are
still subject to strict terms... including the mandatory returns policy for
business sellers.