Ways to Reduce Unnecessary Amazon Returns
Many Amazon sellers find that the holidays and Amazon sale events are a double-edged sword: they make a lot of sales but wish they could limit the amount of Amazon returns that eat into their profitability, especially in the fourth quarter. Many retailers anticipate "return-magedon" from December until the end of January, especially during the holiday season. As many of you know from Amazon's Returns Policy, accommodating an overflow of products being delivered back to your holding facility, whether it's a warehouse or one of Amazon's FBA facilities, can be rather costly as a third-party private label seller.
How Can I Reduce My Amazon Returns? Fortunately for most sellers, there are a variety of workarounds to alleviate the concerns that many buyers may have about their items between seeing them online, purchasing them, and then being dissatisfied enough to demand a refund. Here are some suggestions to help you reduce Amazon returns and encourage your customers to be happy with their purchases:
1. Very Detailed Product Description Not only can having a detailed product description help with SEO, but it will also help your buyers understand what they are purchasing. A product description that is all froth and no substance is the last thing you want. Instead of using salesy marketing phrases like "amazing product" or "you'll adore it," use this chance to explain all of your product's features (let your product ranking do that for you). Instead, inform customers every factual aspect about your goods, such as: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Product measurements Color and size options Where was the product made? Materials utilized in building What resources were used to construct the item? Guaranteed satisfaction and warranty details Link to Return Policy Answers to common FAQs
Customers will enjoy the honesty and will trust you more if you include more relevant facts in your product description. If the precise description of your goods matches, this confidence may persuade customers to make the purchase and avoid the "Amazon returns syndrome."
2. Exact Product Dimensions in Primary Image It's useful to add the precise measurements of the object displayed for customers who are very visual and will quickly identify their purchase with the primary image you use for your product. This information can help the customer anticipate the physical characteristics of your goods and avoid being disappointed. These characteristics are especially useful for things like apparel and packaging, which can vary in size, shape, and measurements.
3. Sizing Guide If you have a range of products that are similar but differ in quality (size, shape, measures, color, accessory possibilities, etc. ), giving clients a chart or guide to all conceivable combinations of your product will assist set expectations before purchase. Include specific numerical data so buyers can do their own measurements at home to determine which product variant best meets their needs.
4. High-Quality 360-Degree Imagery with Variety You've definitely heard that high-resolution product photography is essential for visually representing your goods on Amazon, but what about several photographs from different angles?
Products on Amazon don't have a "good side" since your buyers want to see the entire product: front, back, top, bottom, and all sides. Customers benefit from this 360-degree picture of the product since it gives them a better idea of what they are purchasing. If your products don't have numerous "sides" to photograph, close-ups of specific features, attachments, or accessories can be used to show your buyers the entire extent of your product. Even if your product comes in a variety of styles or colors, high-quality photos would be an excellent way to showcase them.
5. Product Video While product videos are new to Amazon, having a professional promo video of your product on your listing page can provide your buyers with the information they need to make an informed purchase decision. A video can serve as your photography, description, and promotion all in one, allowing clients to see the following: ● An in-motion view at the product from various angles. ● A complete product explanation in text or with vocals ● A detailed description of the product's features and functionality. These Amazon promo films, like other video commercials, will be unique to your product and may be your most important tool in providing your buyers with an experience that meets their sensory needs to see the product in action.
6. Buyer’s Product Guide or Quiz If you are unable to create a film that details the characteristics and functionality of your product, a buyer's guide may be the next best thing in terms of assisting buyers in selecting the right product for them. Using an understandable infographic, chart, or table to describe the functionality of your product (or its versions, if relevant) can assist your clients decide if it meets their interest and needs. Alternatively, establishing a questionnaire for the consumer to complete is a quick and enjoyable approach to obtain information about their needs and make a recommendation based on the information provided. Quizzes have had a lot of success on social media sites, and they're simple to make and publish on your own site.
7. Customer Reviews You don't have to do all of the talking; let your former clients do it! Customer reviews frequently answer typical questions and concerns that new customers might have about your product. The most helpful reviews for potential customers can often be pinned to the top. Customer reviews are also a great way to see what's working and what's not in your listing so you can keep improving the buying experience.
8. Offer Customer Service in Real Time If customers have questions that aren't answered in your product listing right now, giving a mechanism for them to ask those questions is an effective way to reduce buyer's remorse and product returns. A live chat system can go a long way toward ensuring that customers are happy with their purchases. You can utilize Facebook's chat service to communicate with consumers or build up a live chat system on your own website. Your expertise available at any time will make you appear more approachable and increase your consumers' purchasing confidence.
9. Ask for Customer Feedback Asking your consumers about product returns is maybe one of the most obvious and straightforward ways to get to the bottom of the problem. You can ask your customers directly for comments on product returns in a few ways:
Inquire in the Refund Email This information request can be tacked on to any refund confirmation email you give to consumers when they initiate a return request. Customers can either write out their explanation in detail or link them to a multiple-choice poll to provide you with rapid data.
Poll Your Customers This approach may require you to entice clients to participate, thus offering a discount or promo coupon to customers who complete the survey may suffice. Offering anything in return for their opinions should not be considered unethical because you are not aiming to manipulate their perspective. Send the invitation to join to your loyal client base by promotional email if you have their contact information.
Encourage customers to get in touch with you – A simple link to your "Contact Us" page in strategic places on your product listing in the context of "let us know how we're doing" might be a free source of feedback.