Voxware research indicates returns processes remain flawed

Voxware, a leading provider of cloud-based solutions for distribution operations, has released research highlighting why consumers return items purchased online or by phone and how their experiences with the returns process affects their future intentions to shop with retailers.

The results of the third biennial report, which surveyed more than 500 consumers, demonstrate the increased importance of the returns process in consumer purchasing decisions as well as the impact that shipping incorrect orders has on consumer loyalty.

Highlights from the survey include:
● 96.8% agree that how well an online retailer handles returns influences whether they will decide to order items from them again in the future
● 36.2% prefer to return items purchased online or by phone with a prepaid mailing label and 44.9% prefer in-store returns
● 24.0% stated that a retailer has sent them an incorrect item for a second time after returning an item that was sent in error
● 60.3% of those who received an incorrect order twice said they are unlikely to shop with that retailer again for future purchases
● 28.4% expect retailers to replace item(s) shipped in error with the correct item(s) in 2 days or less
● 37.7% expect compensation (such as a discount, coupon, or credit) from the retailer when they receive the wrong item or when an item arrives late
● 45.5% are likely or very likely to share their negative experiences about a product and/or retailer online if a delivery is late or the wrong item is received

“Companies that want to deliver a superior customer experience and achieve greater brand loyalty must understand the importance of both inbound and outbound distribution operations in the customer decision-making process,” said Keith Phillips, president and CEO, Voxware. “Unfortunately, despite the overwhelming evidence that the returns process affects future buying decisions, this research exposes the gaps many companies still have in their distribution operations. By failing to close these gaps with technology solutions that deliver essential supply chain information exactly when and where it is needed, companies will continue to disappoint customers with late and incorrect orders.”

The survey indicated 96.8% of consumers agreed that how well an online retailer handles returns influences whether they will order items from that retailer in the future. Unfortunately, the survey found that many consumers still suffer from outbound distribution operations processes that lead to retailer errors:
● 23.2% noted that 10% or more of the items they return are because of retailer error
● 31.4% stated they had received an item that was correct but was the incorrect size or color
● 21.5% stated they had received the incorrect item altogether
● 20.0% specified they return items received from large retailers more frequently compared to purchases from small retailers

“Disappointing customers with a negative returns experience today may lead to a loss of business and lower customer lifetime value in the future. The fact that retailer errors remain such a prominent driver of returns means that many companies lack the distribution operations processes and technology to get the right product to the right customer,” Phillips said.

Respondents also noted other reasons for returning items purchased online or by phone:
● 35.2% stated that the item was correct but did not like the item once seeing it in-person
● 34.5% stated that the item was correct but poor quality
● 12.8% stated that the item was correct but arrived late
● 36.0% stated that the item was damaged or showed signs of previous use

Regardless of the reason for the return, the overall preferences noted by consumers points to the demand for omnichannel returns capabilities and the need for retailers to be able to manage inventory levels and track items across in-store and online channels. When respondents were asked about their return channel preferences, they were divided in their responses. When items are delivered to consumers by mail, 36.2% noted a preference to return purchases through the mail via prepaid label while 44.9% reported a preference for making in-store returns.

When errors do occur and consumers receive an incorrect item, the survey found that they expect the retailer to replace the item(s) quickly. 28.4% of consumers expect to receive the correct item in two days or less and 72.8% expect the correct item in four days or less. These results demonstrate an increase in expected speed over previous years.

Surprisingly, the survey results also indicate that many retailers fail to ship the correct item even when given a second chance. 24% of consumers stated that they have received the incorrect item for a second time after returning an item. This figure represents a 25% increase in the number of occurrences compared to survey results from 2014.

“This research shows that retailers need to focus equally on outbound and inbound operations in order to exceed consumer expectations,” said Phillips. “Mistakes in distribution operations are still too common, and the result is a negative lasting impact on customer loyalty, reputation, and the bottom line.”