Find out how to start charging for your returns by visiting ZigZag at DELIVER 2022
ZigZag Global is a proud sponsor of DELIVER 2022, Europe’s premier community for e-commerce and logistics. Taking place on 8th & 9th of June in Amsterdam, DELIVER 2022 will play host to over 1,500 renowned retailers and logistics leaders from around the world.
It is ZigZag Global’s third time exhibiting at the international conference, but they will be setting up their stand this year against a slightly different backdrop. Zara, the influential fashion retailer, moved to paid returns in a move that sent shockwaves through the industry. Whilst the timing may have been somewhat surprising – given the fast-rising cost of living in the UK and supply chain shortages challenging retail – the reasoning is sound.
The boom of eCommerce since the start of pandemic brought with it a dramatic rise in returns and a change of consumer behaviour. Unable to use changing rooms during the mass lockdown of high streets around the world, shoppers adapted how they shopped online. Now, the bedroom is the new fitting room as baskets are regularly filled with the same item in different sizes and colours. In fact, 41% of consumers admitted to purchasing multiple items with the intention of returning at least one item, a rise from 33% last year. This is even more common practice for the younger generation at 59%.
It is therefore understandable that retailers such as Zara are re-evaluating free returns. The cost of doing business, labour shortages, and the willingness and savviness of consumers to utilise free returns, all make a paid or part-paid returns policy more attractive. The balance is providing a competitive customer experience whilst reducing the cost and impact of returns.
However, free returns are certainly not dead. At first, ZigZag expects most retailers will offer a more flexible returns policy that incorporates both approaches. Free returns are likely to still be offered: as subscription-based or promotional opportunities, in specific international markets, or rewarded to VIP customers. For this flexible approach, retailers need a competent and all-encompassing returns solution. That’s where ZigZag comes in.
ZigZag is at DELIVER 2022 to give retailers the chance to explore an award-winning returns solution that allows them to offer seamless free or paid returns to their customers. ZigZag partners with several online payment solution providers so retailers can easily charge for returns and get cash back into the business. ZigZag’s user-friendly online portal can be navigated within 60 seconds and offers paperless returns, live exchanges, and instant gift card refunds at the retailer’s preference. So even if customers need to pay a little for their returns, they will still benefit from a convenient and hassle-free post-purchase experience. If indeed more retailers do follow suit and opt to charge for returns, it is vital the process is managed by a capable solution such as ZigZag.
Visit ZigZag Global at DELIVER 2022 at Stand E20 and meet the team including Jason Taylor, Elise Guingand, Carsten Bade and Founder & CEO Al Gerrie. The team are available for meetings and interviews on site for the duration of DELIVER.