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Omnichannel returns study

The post-purchase finish line

Returns are often treated as an afterthought—but for many customers, this phase is the true finish line of the post-purchase experience. A poor returns experience is widely considered one of the leading drivers of lost customer retention, which is why getting returns right requires the same customer-centric focus companies apply to the initial purchase. It needs to be seamless from both a policy and process perspective in order for customers to keep doing business with a company.

Building returns as a customer service capability

Deloitte’s research across more than 300 companies looks at what companies currently offer across the returns experience, highlighting four areas where companies are working to close the gap between treating returns as a cost center and building returns into a mature, omnichannel customer service capability.

Policy decisions like the length of the return window and how customers can return or replace an item set the tone for the entire experience before a customer even initiates a return.

Return-by-mail remains one of the most preferred return methods for customers, but it often receives far less customer-centric attention than the initial purchase and delivery experience.

A meaningful share of customers would rather drop off a return in person than deal with the packaging and shipping required for a mail return. Leading companies are treating this preference as an opportunity by expanding convenient drop-off locations.

Emerging trends are focused on speeding up the returns process itself and finding new value in returned merchandise.

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