Writing a Return Policy
Happy Friday, folks! We made it! I'm stopping by before switching over to weekend mode to share an article I read from startups.co.uk that discusses how to write a clear and fair returns policy. Let's take a look...
"A returns policy is a list of rules telling customers how to return and exchange products bought from a business. It sets out what can be returned and for what reasons, and the time frames in which returns can be made after the original purchase."
A fair return policy is a key factor when it comes to building trust with your customers because it:
- Builds trust between the business and its customers
- Creates a flexible structure for returns that helps retain customers
- Sets realistic customer expectations
- Increases customer satisfaction
- Gives a business legitimacy
- Protects a business from fraudulent returns
What to include:
- How a customer starts the returns process – should they email you first, or fill in an online form?
- Where customers should send or take their returns to
- How long a customer can expect to wait for a resolution
- What products are eligible for returns, and which are excluded
- In what condition products need to be returned to you – should they be unused?
- What fees customers have to cover for returning items – should they pay for return postage and packaging, for example?
- The time limit for customers to submit a return – does this run from the date of purchase or delivery?
- How you will reimburse or exchange items with customers
- Whether there is a separate returns process for lost or damaged items
Simple, effective, important! Do you currently have a returns policy? Or maybe it's time for an update? Until next time!