In this article:
- How to handle Mail-Back Monday
- Tips to reduce international return rates and secure cheapest shipping costs
- How to turn product returns into opportunities not financial drains
Start shipping global returns hassle-free with SAMOS today.
The festive season is almost here, and with it comes one of the busiest — and potentially most profitable — periods for e-commerce businesses. While global online sales surge in December, January brings its own defining moment: Mail-Back Monday, the biggest returns day of the year for retailers shipping domestically and internationally.
It’s a time when postal networks feel the strain, inboxes fill with return notifications, refunds pile up, and warehouses suddenly start receiving more parcels than they shipped out. And although a wave of returns can feel overwhelming (and yes, a little disheartening), it doesn’t have to drain your energy or your profits.
The good news? With the right strategy, parcel returns can become an opportunity to improve customer trust, streamline fulfilment operations, cut international shipping costs and even boost repeat purchases. Here’s how to manage Mail-Back Monday like a pro.
In 2026, Mail-Back Monday falls on January 5th.
Mail-Back Monday is the first Monday in January, when more online purchases are returned by mail than on any other day of the year — particularly across cross-border e-commerce and international marketplaces.
Postal companies often see return volumes jump by up to 50% in a single day, creating intense pressure on carriers and retailers alike.
In 2026, Mail-Back Monday falls on January 5th.
Why returns management matters — especially for international e-commerce
Returns aren’t just about processing parcels — they’re a core part of the customer experience and a huge factor in cross-border conversion rates.
A smooth, fair and efficient returns process can turn first-time holiday shoppers into loyal brand advocates. In fact, 59% of shoppers say they’re more likely to buy again from a brand with a good returns experience.
#5 Tips for Managing Mail-Back Monday Returns
1. Refresh your returns policy
A clear, transparent and easy to find returns policy is one of the best tools you have for reducing customer frustration. Make sure your policy explains:
- how returns work
- what’s eligible
- timeframes
- any fees
- how customers can start a return When customers know what to expect, they feel more confident buying — and more forgiving if something goes wrong.
2. Streamline your returns process
When returns happen, simplicity is everything. A smooth, hassle-free experience reassures customers and increases the likelihood they’ll shop with you again. Consider using a smart, automated returns platform like SAMOS Returns, which:
- empowers customers to initiate returns easily
- automates labels
- reduces manual admin
- offers some of the cheapest industry delivery rates, ideal for small and niche retailers
3. Optimise your returns strategy
Speed matters. The faster a returned product is processed, the sooner it can be inspected, restocked and resold. Look for ways to:
- pre-assign return locations
- batch-process items
- streamline quality checks
- reduce handling time
Small adjustments here can have a big impact on revenue recovery during peak season.
4. Turn returns into opportunities
Returns don’t have to be a negative experience. In fact, they’re one of the best moments to build trust. Use returns as a chance to:
- encourage exchanges instead of refunds
- suggest similar or upgraded products
- offer personalised recommendations
- send warm, human-centred communication
A positive return experience can convert a disappointed customer into a loyal one.
5. Learn. Learn. Learn.
Once the peak season dust settles, take time to reflect. Analyse your return data to identify what’s driving them. Common return reasons may include:
- incorrect sizing
- unclear product descriptions
- quality issues
- packaging problems
- delivery delays
Use these insights to improve your product listings, quality assurance process and customer communication ahead of next season. Peak-time returns don’t have to be complicated SAMOS Returns’ platform is designed for small and mid-sized e-commerce brands, especially those shipping internationally. It's easy to navigate, fully customisable, and built to help businesses stay in control of costs. Plus, label automation and real-time tracking are included as standard — with no additional platform fees.
#Get ready for Mail-Back Monday
Want to get on top of returns before Mail-Back Monday? Get in touch. Whether you want to reduce admin, speed up processing, offer better international returns options, or improve customer experience, we’ll help you build a returns workflow that works for your business.
#SAMOS is here to help
We know how chaotic things can get at this time of year (we’ve been there too). That’s why we try to make shipping simple for our customers – in times of chaos and calm.
Grab a coffee, let's chat about how to make returns shipping simple and affordable. Pick a time that suits you.
View our shipping and return rates and start shipping globally with confidence.
Still not convinced? See what our customers say.
SAMOS – Turn global shipping headaches into growth. It all starts here.
