The Real Cost of Generic Returns Policies

Uniform policies aren’t just outdated — they’re expensive.

Most retailers don’t realise how much money they’re leaving on the table because of generic return policies.
They were built for simplicity. But today, they’re costing you revenue, loyalty, and sustainability — all at once.

Let’s break it down.

When every return is treated the same — regardless of item value, customer history, or risk — you:

• Refund too early

• Refund the wrong customers

• Miss resale windows

• Increase fraud exposure

• Generate excess waste

And worst of all?
You alienate the very customers you worked hard to win.

It’s not just inefficient — it’s brand-damaging

Most providers only make decisions after the return has been received. By then, it’s too late to protect margins or steer inventory to its best outcome.

Returns are being overhandled, overshipped, and overprocessed — leading to:

• Lower recovery rates

• Slower restocks

• Higher operational costs

• More landfill waste

The longer you wait to make decisions, the less control you have.

Returns don’t have to work this way

With the right tools, decisions can be made before the parcel is even sent.
At Back, we give retailers the ability to:

✅ Pre-verify item condition with virtual grading
✅ Route each parcel based on profit, risk, and sustainability
✅ Fast-track refunds for trusted customers
✅ Flag risky returns in real time

The result?
Returns become faster, smarter, more profitable — and more aligned with your brand values.

Small shifts. Big results.

Retailers using intelligent, personalised return logic are already seeing the benefits:

• Fewer unnecessary returns

• Reduced handling and shipping costs

• Improved recommerce recovery rates

• Stronger loyalty from high-value customers

One-size-fits-all is a relic.
Smarter returns aren’t just possible — they’re happening.

Want to see what a personalised, profit-led returns engine looks like? Book a demo with Back today.