If you deal in e-commerce, one of the most important tasks will be designing a clear return policy. With the rise of Amazon, consumers increasingly expect hassle-free returns with clear expectations. If users can’t quickly grasp your return policy, they’ll find somewhere else to shop. According to a 2019 survey by UPS, 73% of shoppers said the overall returns experience impacted how likely they were to purchase from a retailer again.
Offering a clear return policy shows that you have confidence in your product, which translates to trust for the user. Here are some best practices for creating a return/refund policy:
- Set clear procedures for return or exchange, including postage, packaging, and order slip information.
- Clarify whether you offer credit or refunds on returns.
- Avoid terms like “you must,” “you are required,” and “we are not responsible for.”
- Post your return policy in an easy-to-find area.
- Have a contingency plan in case something goes wrong (something will go wrong).
- Don’t copy and paste. Customize the policy to your business.
You can find return/refund policy templates on sites like TermsFeed, which allows you to customize your policy as needed.
Ecommerce Shopping Guarantee
In addition to creating a clear return policy, your site can also feature shopping guarantees from a variety of third-party vendors. These guarantees provide proof that your business is trustworthy, making visitors feel safe and confident in making a purchase.
One example includes the Buysafe Shopping Guarantee, which comes with $10,000 worth of identity theft protection. Buysafe also includes a $100 lowest price guarantee, which reimburses a customer if they find an item priced lower by a competitor within 30 days of making a purchase.
Another option includes Norton Shopping Guarantee, one of the best known trust badges, which includes similar features, such as identity theft protection and price guarantees.