In its latest study, Royal Mail estimated that returns of online purchases increased by 52% on January 2, 2024, compared to the average number of return parcels per day in December last year. The day was dubbed ‘Takeback Tuesday’ due to the number of Brits returning unwanted and ill-fitting Christmas presents after the festive season.
The study also found that 81% of shoppers state that a good returns experience would make them more likely to shop with that retailer in the future, with 81% of consumers also stating that they are less likely to shop with a retailer that charges for returns than one that doesn’t. Almost half (47%) of those surveyed said free returns would most encourage them to choose one retailer over another when shopping online, and 61% of people would reportedly prefer to get their return parcels collected from home rather than dropping them off themselves.
Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said, “Now that the festive shopping period has drawn to a close, January is the busiest time of the year for returns. As every retailer knows, an easy and convenient returns experience that’s in line with shoppers’ expectations is vital for repeat business. Because it’s so convenient, Royal Mail’s Parcel Collect service has been growing fast all year, passing the million collections in a week mark for the first time in December. It makes it so much easier to return a parcel because people don’t have to leave their house. Their regular postie can collect it from them at the same time as they deliver. We can even collect from a safe place if people aren’t going to be in.”