Customer Return Rate on Amazon is very high now due to prepaid returns label.
I’m curious to know if other sellers have seen a big increase in return rates from Buyers on Amazon?
Same products sold on both websites
Amazon Return rate 22%
eBay Return Rate 6%
Returns have increased significantly with the prepaid returns label lots of customers buy multiple items, keep one item, and send the rest back using the prepaid returns label which they would not do if they had to pay for returns.
14 replies
Seller_ZJhFeE3tNKzfh
Of course returns will be higher in places where the customer doesn't have to pay for return labels. Customers are more inclined to as you say, buy several sizes and return those that don't fit. Its difficult to get away from that.
You can opt out of the prepaid return label system - however as your goods are in clothing, you would need to provide free returns in some way for your products.
Seller_gZRzAMEozGzBt
I feel selling on ebay more comfortable than amazon. Amazon is paradise for thieves. Customers even dont bother to return and open claim. Its new pattern i have seen on amazon for few weeks.
Solution: Keep prices on amazon Higher and ebay lower.
Seller_AVteysPitiEJq
Try before you buy really does hurt. I have one customer who keeps buying the same product in different sizes citing 'wrong colour' to get a free return. If it wasn't the right colour on the first purchase, I have no idea why they think it'll change further on.
Size and colour seem to be the biggest excuses then performance, quality not adequate when they're all clearly change of mind as the details are there for them to see - even in the title.
They certainly know what to do and it's very hit and miss with Safe-T.
Seller_OD408ZNiEUfUp
shopping on Amazon is getting more like the Catalogue shopping of old, except the prices are lower than shjops where as you used to pay a premium for catalogues.
But more and more stores are no longer offer free return postage any more, so these customers will switch to Amazon more. Amazon is happy as they get the money all ways round. If the buyer keeps the item, they get full commission, if the buyer returns an item, it cost them nothing and they still get part commission. So it is a win win for Amazon. Then you get the buyers who use incorrect reasons to return items, who also get their returns for free.
So yes returns on Amazon is much higher than other channels and it will only get worse.
Seller_SnNztJIII3ZP5
I have been facing similar challenges in my business. I sell loft stilts designed to enhance insulation in lofts while also creating additional storage space. A recurring issue arises when customers order more products than they need. Due to the free outbound shipping, many prefer to over-order, assuming it's better to have excess. Then, by Monday morning, I often receive requests for free return labels, with the expectation that returns are handled like they are by major retailers, such as Amazon. However, I'm still responsible for the return postage costs, and Amazon's fees on the original sale are not refunded. It's a frustrating situation, a reality of doing business through platforms like Amazon.
Seller_tb58EFTW6OLyS
There is a TikTok video going around that states that if you tell Amazon you want to return items under £20, they let you keep the goods and give you a full refund.
Seller_kdJ49QdobO1tU
I don’t sell clothing so idk, but I think making the customer happy by providing them with the best service possible is what Amazon is aiming at
Before you make any decision try to think clearly, is it possible to make “good” money on Amazon giving the circumstances ? If the answer is yes then keep going if no, then move on.
Amazon doesn’t win from sellers leaving the platform it means less competition and higher prices for the buyer. I think selling on amazon makes sense even though it is not easy.
Seller_PU8ypkNZEJU9p
Im getting loads atm. The issue with my items are they are Posters that are factory wrapped in plastic that come straight from my racks (Like the HMV ones) so the moment they open and even say 'Changed Mind' and return it I can't resell it and Safe-T I get about 20% of what its cost. I would say 99% of returns either don't make it back, come back damaged or I get sent an empty box. Even when customers select now 'changed mind' they get a prior refund soon as first scan hits
The prior refund one is a joke, 90% of the items don't even get back to me, Amazon tell you to contact Royal Mail but as I didn't send the item they ask me to get the person who returned it to file a claim yet they never do! On eBay I get about 30 returns a year on 5,000 unit sales not even 0.01%
Seller_pEXz19pDzWCEo
Our returns rate on ebay is less than 2% and we do not offer free returns. Some brands don't allow their products to be sold on ebay which is why we also sell on Amazon and with some the reverse is true.
While our U.K returns rate on Amazon is high than ebay, it is still fairly low though we have to offer free returns.
EU is where we are seeing a high rate and if that continues to climb, we may stick to U.K only.
The biggest issue we now have with Amazon is that brands are indirectly dumping core current product on the site at such huge discounts to Amazon, that they can resell at a profit but still less than trade price.
Seller_KK9ufOGOvqre3
I remember pre-pandemic time, using FBA return rate was just margin, in the pandemic when there was the problem with cardboards and Amazon started not packing products in the cardboards, or pack it just in foil, in my situation this drastically increased returns, this mess is up Today, 10 years ago there was pleasure to sell on AMZ, at the moment this pleasure has gone :-((
