National Returns Day Is Coming – Embrace It!

Black Friday? Check!

Cyber Monday? Check!

Now what?

Get ready, because National Returns Day is coming! It’ll be here faster than you can say “return or exchange?”

Some may groan inwardly at the thought of an endless stream of customers lined up at the counter. After all, for an employee, it can seem like a huge hassle, from locating the transaction, processing the return, issuing store credit, yada yada yada.

But here’s the thing: a smart retailer recognizes an opportunity here. It has a little something to do with the magic number $642 – billion, that is! That’s the enormous cost of returns globally.

Here are our top 3 tips for turning returns to your favor:

#1: Make the Process Painless and Friendly

Smile and like your mom always said, just be nice. Don’t dawdle. If you’ve ever been that customer in line, getting impatient while another customer in front can’t find their receipt or text message from the store, well, it sucks. Try to move things along quickly and efficiently.

#2: Be Transparent

Return policies must be clear and located in places where consumers can easily see them. Don’t hide them or make it difficult for shoppers to find.

#3: Upsell

Ask the customer smart questions – why were they dissatisfied, would they like something else instead, do they have 5 minutes to check out new clearance items? You’ve only got a few seconds to grab their attention, so use it effectively.

The holiday shopping season is now in full swing, so take advantage of that by turning a #retail merchandise loss into a gain.