Have you heard of ‘Mail-back Monday’? Royal Mail coined the phrase. The first Monday in January is known to be the peak time for online Christmas present returns. Some might argue that January 2nd is equally as hectic, as many people get back to business – and reality – as soon as New Year is over. Whatever the case, more shoppers than ever are using the post to return their unwanted online purchases. In the past, mailing companies have reported their returns jumping to over 40% higher in the week after Christmas – compared to an average day in December.
#So how was ‘Mail-back Monday’ for you?
Was it as frantic as predicted or did the craziness begin far sooner than expected? Maybe you’re still in the thick of it right now, wading through a barrage of dispatch notes and customer enquiries.
There’s no denying that no matter how much we prepare for these spikes in demand, there is only so much we can achieve in one day, and delays might feel somewhat unavoidable. Many customers, however, may not see it the same way. They may be feeling the pinch in their pockets after spending a lot over Christmas and will be keen to know when they will receive their refunds.
One way to improve your returns turnaround and strengthen customer loyalty is to offer a returns service. A dedicated service can help streamline the process, automate labels and provide customers with a full accountability of their returned goods. It will also help minimise many of the stresses and strains felt at peak delivery times.
#Sounds nice in theory, but aren’t returns services a luxury that only big businesses can afford?
It’s fair to say that in the past, returns services have been unaffordable for many small and medium sized e-commerce companies, especially those offered by the big delivery companies. However, SAMOS is on a mission to make returns accessible to everybody, not just a few.
SAMOS customers automatically have access to our returns service and the prices are more competitive than you may think. In fact, we charge the same amount for a return as we do to send out a parcel. You can check out our rates chart for more specific prices.
And that’s not all you can expect to see with the SAMOS Returns service, you’ll also experience:
Faster turnarounds
The sooner you get your return organised, the sooner you can get that product back in stock and ready for re-sale.
Improved processes
SAMOS Returns will help you automate returns and simplify the process.
Better customer relations
59% of shoppers would buy more from a brand based on a good returns service.
Confidence in your brand
Returns services are proven to inspire confidence in consumers.
So, if you’re still feeling the aftershock of Mail-back Monday and you’re wondering how you’ll cope with other peak times of the year – like the first Monday after Black Friday (yeah that’s also a thing) – maybe it’s time to consider a returns service. For more information about our fully managed returns service get in touch with SAMOS.
