If you’re a UK ecommerce business looking to sell internationally, you already know that new markets mean new customers — and inevitably, more returns.
But returns don’t have to be a drain on your time, operational resources or profitability.
That’s why we’re excited about our partnership with Loops Returns. Loop is transforming ecommerce returns management by helping brands retain revenue, improve customer lifetime value and streamline the post-purchase experience.
Combine that with the cost-effective, reliable international logistics expertise of SAMOS — and you have a smarter way to manage cross-border ecommerce returns.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- Why reverse returns are such a challenge for growing ecommerce brands
- How international returns impact profitability
- What you can do to reduce ecommerce return costs
- How Loop and SAMOS are helping UK retailers scale globally with confidence
#The problem with returns — especially when selling internationally
We think most online retailers would agree: while returns are convenient for customers, they can be operationally exhausting for businesses.
A return isn’t just a refund. It becomes a multi-step logistics process involving:
- Reverse shipping
- Customs clearance (for international orders)
- Inspection and repackaging
- Restocking or liquidation
- Customer service and refund handling
According to industry benchmarks, processing a return can cost anywhere between 20% and 65% of the product’s original value. And in categories like fashion, return rates regularly exceed 25%.
For UK ecommerce brands expanding into the EU, US or further afield, cross-border returns add another layer of complexity — customs documentation, duties, carrier coordination and longer transit times.
Without a structured returns strategy, international growth can quietly eat away at your margins.
#Returns are inevitable — but major profit loss isn’t
Let’s be clear: today’s customers expect easy returns. In fact, many will check your returns policy before completing a purchase — particularly for international orders.
If the process feels unclear, expensive or slow, you can guarantee they’ll look elsewhere.
This presents as a challenge, but it can also be an opportunity for scaling ecommerce brands.
Returns are no longer just an operational issue. They are part of your customer experience and brand perception.
Handled well, returns can:
- Build trust in new international markets
- Encourage repeat purchases
- Increase customer lifetime value
- Strengthen brand loyalty
Our key tip? Manage returns proactively — not reactively.
#How Loop Is Redefining Ecommerce Returns Management
Loops Returns helps ecommerce brands shift returns from a cost centre into a revenue-retention tool.
Instead of defaulting to refunds, Loop enables customers to:
- Instantly exchange for another size or style
- Choose store credit
- Manage their return via a branded self-service portal
This small shift can make a significant impact on retained revenue.
#Key ways Loop supports growing ecommerce brands:
Maximising retained revenue
By incentivising exchanges and store credit, brands can keep more revenue within the business — even when a product comes back.
Instant exchanges for better customer experience
Customers can select a replacement immediately, with a temporary card hold in place. The experience feels like shopping, not returning.
Automated, intelligent workflows
Retailers can set rules based on product type, geography, or customer segment — reducing warehouse admin and speeding up processing.
Fraud and abuse prevention
Return abuse and “bracketing” (buying multiple sizes to return most of them) are growing challenges. Loop helps enforce smart policies while maintaining a positive customer experience.
AI-driven optimisation
Loop’s technology provides insights that help brands refine their returns strategy as they grow.
For small and mid-sized ecommerce businesses scaling internationally, this kind of structure is invaluable.
#How SAMOS Strengthens International Returns Logistics
Technology is powerful — but execution matters.
When you’re shipping products internationally, you need a reliable cross-border logistics partner who understands customs, duties, regional compliance and cost control.
That’s where SAMOS comes in.
We specialise in international ecommerce shipping and returns, helping UK brands expand globally without being overwhelmed by reverse logistics.
Simple international returns, expertly managed:
- Simplified cross-border reverse logistics
- Predictable, cost-effective international returns rates
- Reduced customs delays and tariff errors
- Dedicated expert support (no chatbot escalations)
As an official Loop partner, SAMOS integrates seamlessly with Loop’s platform. Retailers can connect carrier accounts and manage international returns efficiently — from customer portal to warehouse.
Together, this creates a complete global ecommerce returns solution.
#Why the Loop and SAMOS Partnership Makes Sense for Growing UK Ecommerce Brands
If you’re a growing ecommerce business, you may not have the internal infrastructure of a global enterprise — but your customers expect the same level of service.
That’s where this partnership becomes powerful.
- Loop optimises the customer experience and revenue retention side of returns.
- SAMOS delivers the cross-border logistics expertise to execute it smoothly.
The result?
- Reduced ecommerce returns costs
- Improved customer retention
- Streamlined international returns
- Greater confidence when entering new markets
Instead of viewing returns as the cost of doing business internationally, you can treat them as part of your growth strategy.
#Frequently Asked Questions About International E-commerce Returns
What makes international ecommerce returns more complex than domestic returns?
International returns involve additional steps such as customs documentation, duties handling, cross-border shipping coordination and longer transit times. Without the right logistics setup, these factors can increase costs and delay restocking, which impacts both cash flow and customer satisfaction.
How can UK ecommerce brands reduce the cost of international returns?
UK brands can reduce international return costs by encouraging exchanges instead of refunds, automating returns workflows, using intelligent return routing, and partnering with an experienced cross-border logistics provider who understands customs compliance and carrier optimisation.
Do international returns affect customer trust when selling overseas?
Yes — a clear, simple and reliable international returns process builds confidence with overseas customers. When shoppers know they can return items easily, they are far more likely to complete a purchase and buy again, which is essential when scaling into new global markets.
#Ready to Scale Internationally Without Letting Returns Hold You Back?
If you’re expanding from the UK into the EU, US or beyond — or planning to — your international returns process needs to work just as hard as your forward shipping strategy.
Returns will always be part of ecommerce. But with the right technology and the right international logistics partner, they don’t have to drain your margins.
Speak to international shipping experts at SAMOS to explore how a Loop and SAMOS integration could help you reduce cross-border returns costs, improve customer loyalty and scale your ecommerce business globally with confidence.
View our shipping and return rates and start shipping globally with confidence.
SAMOS – Turn global shipping headaches into growth. It all starts here.
