Not too long ago, I ordered a really cool-looking pair of boots on Amazon. These were reasonably priced, and the reviews were mostly positive. What I received looked like a toddler designed and 3D-printed these boots, and I immediately returned them to the seller. Most people love the convenience of online shopping and being able to order almost anything without having to leave the couch. However, not being able to physically see and touch the product can cause issues and disappointments. As a result, consumers returned products worth $428 billion in 2020, with an estimated average return rate of 15% to 20%.

While returning items can be a hassle for customers, it is also expensive and time-consuming for companies. Let’s see the main reasons customers return items, the consequences for businesses, and what can be done to reduce item return rates.

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