As much as we love the convenience of online shopping, we’re not always happy with what we buy and shipping online returns back can be a hassle. But about one third of online purchases get returned, so we’re all for any way that makes it easier on us. UPS reported there were a record 5.8 million returns packages sent back to retailers during the first week of January alone! Knowing what a pain it is for customers and trying to make things easier on everybody, some of your favorite online retailers are working to take the hassle out of returns.
Returning an online purchase to Walmart is about to get a lot easier. The retail giant has a new Mobile Express Returns plan that streamlines the whole process. All you have to do is initiate the return on the Walmart App, then head into the store and scan the code you get from the app. They claim the in-store portion will only take 30 to 35 seconds using a fast-tracked Mobile Express Lane and refunds will be credited to the customer’s account as soon as the next day.
Also following this trend, Amazon has recently started letting customers return Amazon items in 82 Kohl’s stores in the Los Angeles and Chicago areas for free. And Amazon now offers in-store pick-up and returns drop-offs at Whole Foods stores, since they bought the upscale grocery chain.
And now tech startup Happy Returns is running a network of 40 “Return Bars” in malls in 14 cities where shoppers can return purchases from a growing list of stores, including Tradesy and Everlane. They’ll handle the return and give an immediate refund. Now that’s service!
Source: Moneyish