Returning products can be a challenge, but it’s even worse when you ship out something, only for it to be damaged, the packaging eventually is a jumbled mess, or just plain messy. This increases returns, and while you can’t prevent people from improperly reading a size chart, you CAN get them to reduce returns through better packaging incentives. 

Here, we will go over how packaging affects this, and how first impressions, along with the correct solutions, will reduce the return rates. 

Smart Packaging Techniques 

There’s’ a few smart packaging techniques you can use. The first, being labels that are clear. That way, items don’t get lost, and you’ll be able to keep track on where they go. You also want designs that are easy for you to open.   Finally, if the item is fragile, get some protective layers in there. 

Is there any Return-Friendly Packaging 

Sometimes, you want to prepare ahead in the event of returns. This is important for items that might be messed up, or you know that it may need to be returned. Fashion and beauty brands deal with this. 

You can make the packaging easy to return by adding mailers that are resealable. These resealable mailers mean that, with just pulling off the tab, you seal it and put it back. 

There’s also reversible boxes, where the box can be reversed to a different design, used for returning the packaging. Again, including a free label in there that pays for postage in the event of a return is good, and will reduce your overall costs. 

The costs Savings 

With packaging and ecommerce, you’ll be able to reduce all of the packaging, making it easier for you to use it. 

This will reduce the instances of damaged goods, a major problem for many. Less damaged goods, means less refunds for those that are involved. Again, it all works well together, the overall cost savings are something worth noting, so yes, it’s good for you as a business and company, to take advantage of better packaging. 

You also look better as a business too. When customers see that you take returns pretty seriously, and are giving customers an incentive to return if something is amiss, it builds better customer repute, and makes things better for you as well. 

So go ahead, use those return labels and generate more buzz.   Your customers will thank you for a better, more intuitive system. The packaging does affect it, but when you give them another alternative, something that they can work with, customers are more willing to try this, and really make it work for their needs and yours too. 

The Future of This 

With packaging, you want to look at new ways to return these items, without much trouble. 

Built-in return QR codes is one of them.  These QR codes can be scanned at the post office, giving you a free return label. Amazon does this to a certain degree, and that’s why a lot of customers will buy from there, since they don’t have to eat the return costs. 

The other option is AR-assisted repackaging instructions. If you have a certain way that the item needs to be returned, then you will want to use this.   with repackaging, you’ll be able to make it so that your items are able to be easily given back, and improve the return rates. 

Returns stink, and they are something to avoid. With the right packaging in place, you can do that, and making your packaging return friendly is not only a good suggestion, but helps immensely with customer reputation.