May 24, 2024

Reduce returns with insights from return data

By
Jonas van de Poel
Content Writer

Types of return data

Analyzing return data is essential if you want to optimize your returns process. Below are the key data points to track and what they mean for your business:

1. Return rate

The return rate is the percentage of sold products that are returned by customers. It provides an overview of how much of your revenue is lost due to returns. You can break this down further by product and by carrier.

If a particular product is returned more often than average, it’s worth investigating the cause. Does the sizing differ from expectations? Do the product images fail to represent the item accurately? Or is the quality not meeting customer expectations?

Answering these questions allows you to make improvements that boost overall customer satisfaction.

Carriers also play a critical role in the customer experience. A reliable carrier can make the difference between a happy or dissatisfied customer. Analyzing the return rate per carrier reveals which carrier provides the best experience.

These insights support strategic decisions about which carriers to prioritize for future shipments. Sometimes, the cheapest option isn’t the one that delivers the most value for your business.

2. Return Impact Index

The Return Impact Index identifies products that have the greatest influence on your return rate. This index highlights which items are strategically important to focus on when working to reduce returns.

Certain products may drive higher return rates due to their quality, price, or customer expectations. Identifying these products allows you to take targeted actions, such as improving images, updating product descriptions, or refining sizing guidelines.

3. Exchange ratio

The exchange ratio measures how many returns are converted into exchanges. It’s an important indicator of customer satisfaction and product quality.

A high exchange ratio signals that customers are happy to continue shopping with your webshop, even if their first purchase didn’t meet expectations.

Actively promoting exchanges during the return process can significantly boost the exchange ratio. By converting more returns into exchanges, you retain revenue that might otherwise be lost.

4. Net revenue per country

Net revenue per country compares the value of returned products against total order value for each country. Different markets often have varying return rates and net revenues.

By analyzing this data, you can tailor your marketing strategies for each region, focusing investments on markets that yield the most profit.

Get more from your return data

Managing returns and analyzing return data are vital for running a successful webshop. By focusing on return rates, the Return Impact Index, exchange ratios, and net revenue per country, you can optimize your processes and improve profitability.

Did you know that Returnista allows you to monitor over 50 data points in real time? By taking strategic action based on return data, you can significantly boost your webshop’s revenue.

For example, discover how Filling Pieces reduced their return rate by 21% in just two months and increased revenue by 20% by actively promoting exchanges.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your return data? Explore how Returnista can transform your returns process today!

Join Returnista today

Getting a grip on your returns is a driving factor of your success. It's time for action. It's time for Returnista

Schedule a demo

Stay in the know of all relevant innovations in returns
We will send you a monthly newsletter on product updates & news from the industry
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.