Returns are often seen as the bane of an ecommerce business’s existence. But what if I told you that learning how to manage the returns process could actually benefit your business in ways you never imagined?
That’s right! By automating the returns process to be more efficient and customer-friendly, you could boost customer satisfaction and increase sales. So, let’s go against the grain and turn a traditionally negative aspect of ecommerce into a positive one.
In this article, we’ll explore the best Shopify apps that will help you do just that. Get ready to say goodbye to headaches and hello to happy customers and increased profits!
NEW! Shopify’s customer self-serve returns
Shopify recently released a new self-serve feature that allows customers to process returns directly from their account pages. As a store owner, you can then approve or deny the return request in the Shopify admin. If approved, you can easily send email instructions and return shipping labels to the customer.
How to enable self-serve customer returns
First, from your Shopify admin, click Settings. Then, click the Checkout and accounts link. Next, you’ll see a message box that links you to the actual functionality at the bottom of the page.
Clicking the button scrolls you to the bottom where you’ll find the actual controls for this setting.
As the messaging states, you need to enable the “New customer accounts” functionality within Shopify. Otherwise, this self-serve returns process will not work.
Next, scroll up to Customer Accounts. Then, click edit within the Account Experience section. Now, choose the “New customer accounts” option.
Be sure you understand how these changes could affect your other apps, workflows, and theme.
Once enabled, switching over to our example storefront, we can see this in action on the customer account pages of your online store. Customers can easily view their order transaction history and create a return with one click.
The customer can adjust the line items of the order, select a reason and add any additional notes.
Then, when a customer submits the request, on the Shopify admin, it looks like this:
You can easily add a return shipping label, shipping carrier, and tracking number. Then, you can start seeing returns in your Shopify Analytics and Reporting.
Shopify Self-serve Returns vs 3rd-party apps
Like most new features, Shopify’s self-serve customer returns is a great addition to its core functionality. However, it’s very much a feature that larger businesses may find lacking some important elements. They will likely want to see updates that include the exchange process, incentivizing store credit, and generating shipping labels.
Shopify is working to provide a better post-purchase experience, so new stores will use this feature by default. Existing stores will need to do some auditing work beforehand, but they should prioritize this if they aren’t already using a returns management app.
Loop Returns
From $29/month. Additional charges may apply.
Maximize your brand’s potential with Loop – a customized platform designed to deliver exceptional post-purchase experiences. By automating the returns process and creating a seamless shopping experience within the returns journey, Loop drives customer lifetime value and increases sales. It can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your brand.
Key Features:
- Optimizes return costs with tools and features.
- Transforms returns from a cost center to a profit center.
- Prevents return losses and abuse while maintaining good customer relationships.
Be sure to read our app comparison: Loop Returns vs Returnly
Return Prime
Free plan available. Additional charges may apply.
Sorted Return Center offers the ability to automate and simplify their returns process. With competitive Collect+ and USPS labels or the option to upload their own shipping labels, you can retain more customers and revenue. Customers can request returns, refunds, or exchanges through a branded portal, while you can customize communications, track progress, and gain insights.
Key Features:
- Label Generation: The ability to generate competitive shipping labels makes shipping more cost-effective.
- Efficient Returns: One-click refund approval and automatic creation of new orders for exchanges makes the process hassle-free.
- Customizable Portal: A branded returns portal with the ability to change the look and feel to match your Shopify store.
Make an efficient returns process your priority
Streamlining your returns process is like hitting two birds with one stone: you not only make life easier for your customers, but you also give yourself a well-deserved break from the headaches that come with managing returns. So, why not take a step back, take a deep breath, and let your returns process run like a well-oiled machine? Your customers, and your sanity, will thank you.