Savvy WooCommerce sellers know their work isn’t done after a customer clicks “Order Now.” The sale is just the beginning, and the post-purchase experience will decide whether customers stay loyal in the future. If it’s exceptional, they will be lured back into the purchase cycle and extend their lifetime value along the way. If not, you’ll be spending more time acquiring new customers—which is more difficult and more expensive.

What if we told you there was a cheat code for giving your customers a stellar post-purchase experience? It’s true. Things like the right WooCommerce returns software can add automated, streamlined returns to your website to simplify this arduous process and make it painless for both you and your customers. It really is a simple addition to your existing operations, but it’ll make a world of difference.

Intrigued yet? Keep reading for the full scoop.

The Latest on Ecommerce Returns

As all WooCommerce sellers know, returns are just part of life when it comes to selling online. Shoppers don’t get to touch or try out products before buying them the way they would in a brick-and-mortar store. It’s understandable that not every purchase works out.

However, did you know that 65% of returns are the e-tailer’s fault? Studies show 23% of items are returned due to wrong product(s) received, 22% are due to products looking different than pictured and 20% are due to products arriving damaged.

This statistic may surprise you, but it’s certainly far from the only thing you need to know about ecommerce returns.

Here’s the latest:

• About 33% of items bought online are returned.
• 63% of consumers consult the returns policy before shopping at an online store.
• 81% of shoppers are looking for no-cost, hassle-free returns.
• Customer-friendly returns policies can boost sales by 357%.
• Easy returns improve customer retention by 75%, as famously seen at Zappos.

Clearly, your returns policy has a major impact on your WooCommerce store’s performance. If you know it’s time for an overhaul of your returns processes but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered.

Creating a Top-Notch Returns Policy

Creating a customer-friendly returns policy is as simple as remembering the three Cs: communication, convenience and cost absorption. The first, communication, refers to making the policy visible and accessible. Shoppers should always be aware of how to initiate returns if needed because it will give them the confidence to purchase.

The second, convenience, is the heart of your returns policy. Make it streamlined and intuitive to shop, check out and make returns at your online store. Reduced friction will appease your customers who can complete purchases and quickly move on to their next tasks.

The final key is cost absorption, which refers to keeping returns free (if possible.) Not every purchase will work out, and customers are punished for this if they must pay for return shipping or restocking fees. Improve customer loyalty and retention by being flexible and absorbing these costs.

Now you have the steps to creating a top-notch policy, but what about the implementation? There is no easier solution than utilizing WooCommerce returns software. You can add automated returns to your WooCommerce store and give your customers an “Amazon-like” experience when they need to send items back. It’s an already-familiar process for most online shoppers, and it’s one that will make their post-purchase experience a breeze.

Ease of Use Is Key

When you’re looking for WooCommerce returns software, ease of use is a must. Why invest in a software if it’s too difficult to use or if it’s not going to fit into your existing workflows? Simplicity is the name of the game here. Look for a solution that has straightforward navigation and lets you manage your returns from one place. Easy to use equals plenty of usage, and you want to get your money’s worth.

Look for Additional Features

Managing your returns is great on its own, but software that incorporates other areas of your business is even better. The natural pairing of returns is with shipping, which gives you insight into another part of the customer journey. If your WooCommerce returns software also handles shipping, you can optimize it and get customers’ orders to them faster and for a lower price.

Remember That Costs Add Up

Your WooCommerce team might be small now, but chances are your business is growing as consumers get more comfortable shopping online during the pandemic. That’s why cost per user should be a factor in the returns software you choose. The price of one or two licenses may not sound like much now, but those costs add up quickly. You don’t need to blow your budget.

Enjoy the Long-Term Benefits of WooCommerce Returns Software

WooCommerce returns software may be the missing piece of your business puzzle. It’s a way to turn an ecommerce burden into an exceptional post-purchase customer experience, and those customers will return to shop again because it was just that easy. Hopefully these tips have given you the tools to make returns great again and get closer to the perfect WooCommerce store.