Launch as Soon as Tomorrow! - Schedule a demo
    • Tracking & Notifications

      Boost customer experience and reduce support tickets

      Identify and Resolve Order Issues

      Realtime order and shipment tracking

      Delivery Notifications

      Proactive order and shipping notifications

      Increase Conversion Rate

      Predictive pre-purchase estimated delivery dates

      Branded Tracking

      Self-Serivce branded order tracking

      Reduce Operational Cost

      Effortless experience delivered

      Returns & Exchanges

      Make returns profitable and delight customers

      Flexible Return Policies

      Flexibility to define any return destinations & conditions

      Self-Service Returns

      Simplify returns for your customers and team

      Exchanges

      Incentivize exchanges over returns

      Automate Returns Management

      Returns management made easy for your team

      Returns Analytics

      Understand why your customers are returning

      In-Store and Curbside Pickup

      Unify the online and the in-store experience

      Curbside Pickup Check-in

      Hassle-free pickup experience for customers

      Pickup order management

      In-Store Dashboard to keep operations streamlined

      Unified Commerce

      In-Store and Online orders unified

      Store Locator

      Drive foot-traffic to your stores

      Tracking & Notifications

      Boost customer experience and reduce support tickets

      Identify and Resolve Order Issues

      Realtime order and shipment tracking

      Delivery Notifications

      Proactive order and shipping notifications

      Increase Conversion Rate

      Predictive pre-purchase estimated delivery dates

      Branded Tracking

      Self-Serivce branded order tracking

      Reduce Operational Cost

      Effortless experience delivered

      Returns & Exchanges

      Make returns profitable and delight customers

      Flexible Return Policies

      Flexibility to define any return destinations & conditions

      Self-Service Returns

      Simplify returns for your customers and team

      Exchanges

      Incentivize exchanges over returns

      Automate Returns Management

      Returns management made easy for your team

      Returns Analytics

      Understand why your customers are returning

      In-Store and Curbside Pickup

      Unify the online and the in-store experience

      Curbside Pickup Check-in

      Hassle-free pickup experience for customers

      Pickup order management

      In-Store Dashboard to keep operations streamlined

      Unified Commerce

      In-Store and Online orders unified

      Store Locator

      Drive foot-traffic to your stores

      See how WeSupply works! A step-by-step trip through our functionality

  • Integrations
  • Customers
    • Help Center

      Find the answer to all your questions

      WeSupply FAQ

      Explore the most comon questions about WeSupply

      Post Purchase ROI Calculator

      Calculate the ROI that WeSupply can bring you

      FREE Website Review

      Request a no strings attached review of your current shopping experience and missed conversion opportunities

      How It Works

      Take a step by step trip through our functionality to see how we can improve your ecommerce processes.

      Blog & Guides

      Read actionable articles on how to optimize your post-purchase experience and decrease support tickets

      Case Studies

      Get inspired by stories of how our customers implemented an effortless post-purchase experience

      Behind The Brand

      A Deep Dive into Top Companies' Order Tracking & Returns Strategy

      Pre-built Return Policies

      Wondering if WeSupply is a good fit for you? Read through our use cases to see how we can help you increase conversion & improve CX!

  • Pricing
Schedule Demo

Sign in

4 Ways Information Sharing Can Reduce Returns

Subscribe to newsletter
Carls Golfland using WeSupply shipping notifications

In today’s retail world, returns are a major headache for online retailers. 30% of all items bought online are returned, that’s billions of dollars in lost sales every year. For businesses, returns not only impact profits but also brand reputation and customer loyalty. However, consumer returns have evolved beyond merely focusing on the products to also prioritize the customer experience, highlighting the importance of effective customer service in managing and processing these returns. But one often overlooked solution to reducing returns is through information sharing. By giving customers the right information and using data, retailers can reduce the chance of returns and increase customer happiness. In this post we’ll look at 4 ways information sharing can cut returns, and what retailers can do to build better relationships with their customers and grow their bottom line.

Providing the Right Information

When it comes to reducing returns, providing the right information is key. Shoppers return products because the product doesn’t meet their expectations or needs. This can be because the product description is unclear, especially when it comes to sizing or functionality. By making sure your product information is as detailed and accurate as possible you can reduce the chance of returns.

Size Guides

One of the most common reasons for returns, especially in fashion and apparel, is incorrect sizing. Without the ability to try on products customers rely on size guides to make their purchasing decisions. Clear and concise size guides are crucial to help customers choose the right size and avoid returns due to wrong fit.

For international shoppers, sizing differences between countries can cause confusion and returns. To fix this retailers should provide conversion calculators that help international customers convert their sizes accurately. A pop-up window or dropdown menu that shows the equivalent sizes in other regions (US, UK, EU etc) can go a long way in building customer confidence and reducing returns.

Localised Information

Remember a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in global markets. If you’re an international business make sure the product descriptions and size guides are tailored to the preferences and standards of each country or region you serve. A shopper in the US may have different expectations around sizing than a shopper in Europe or Asia. Make sure all relevant information is displayed clearly including unit measurements and country specific sizing to avoid confusion and returns.

Product Descriptions

Along with sizing, product descriptions are another area where clarity is key. Detailed descriptions should cover not only size and color options but also fabric/material information, functionality, care instructions and even how the product fits or feels. The more information you provide the better equipped customers will be to make a purchasing decision. Give customers a full overview of what to expect and they’ll be more likely to get it right first time.

Reduce Returns with Smart SKU Analytics and Improved Product Insights

WeSupply helps you reduce returns by improving how information is shared. It offers actionable insights on product-specific issues. This means you can tackle problems more effectively. With WeSupply, you get the info you need to make smarter decisions and keep your customers happy. Here’s how:

return reasons - suit jacket sku analytics

  • Enhanced Product Content: Improve product images and descriptions based on return feedback to better manage customer expectations.

  • Data-Driven Feedback: Gather and leverage customer insights on product fit to address potential issues preemptively.

By addressing these factors, WeSupply helps you create a more transparent shopping experience that aligns with customer expectations and minimizes unnecessary returns.

Trust with Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

Another way to reduce returns is through the use of customer reviews and testimonials. In the online world where customers can’t try before they buy, reviews from previous customers play a huge role in the purchasing decision. Reviews and testimonials set realistic expectations which can directly impact returns.

Customer Feedback

Honest reviews provide transparency and give potential customers insight into a product’s performance, quality and fit. For example if a customer says a pair of shoes runs small or large new buyers can factor that in and are less likely to return for sizing issues. Positive reviews can also be social proof, reinforcing the quality and reliability of your products and encourages more customers to make a purchase with confidence.

Requesting Reviews

Requesting customers to leave reviews or testimonials is part of the information sharing process. You can ask for reviews by sending follow up emails post purchase, offering discounts or loyalty points. You can also make it easy for customers to leave reviews on your website or on third party platforms where your products are listed. And responding to reviews (positive and negative) shows customers you value their feedback which builds trust and reduces returns by managing expectations.

Using Feedback to Improve

Reviews can also be a tool to identify recurring issues that cause returns. Empirical research results can provide insights into these recurring issues, helping to identify misalignments that impede effective returns management. If multiple customers say a product is lower quality than expected or doesn’t fit as described you can use that feedback to improve the product and update the description. Being proactive about addressing customer concerns in real time shows you care about quality and customer satisfaction which reduces returns.

WeSupply: Turning Reviews into Return-Reducing Trust

WeSupply empowers retailers to build trust and cut returns through effective use of customer reviews and testimonials. By integrating with leading review platforms and leveraging advanced analytics tools, WeSupply ensures businesses can showcase authentic feedback while continuously improving customer satisfaction.

  • CSAT and NPS Tracking: Monitor and refine customer experiences using key metrics to identify strengths and address weaknesses.
WeSupply CSAT and NPS - warranty claim updates

  • Actionable Insights: Use customer feedback to fine-tune post-purchase experiences, ensuring products meet customer expectations.

With WeSupply, businesses create a transparent, engaging experience that fosters trust, drives loyalty, and minimizes return rates.

Content Sharing Strategy

Another way information sharing can reduce returns is through a content sharing strategy. Consistent and transparent communication keeps customers informed about products, company news and any stock or availability changes which can prevent confusion and dissatisfaction.

Consistent Communication

Effective strategies for aligning communication with business goals include using newsletters, blogs, or social media updates to build trust with your customers by keeping them in the know. Share news about new arrivals, promotions, or product updates and you’ll reduce uncertainty and set the right expectations for shoppers. When customers are informed they are more likely to get it right first time and avoid returns.

Product Updates

Product updates are especially important when it comes to stock. For example if an item is out of stock or delayed share that information upfront and customers won’t buy with unrealistic expectations. If there’s an issue with a product or service be transparent about it in real time and reduce frustration and returns as customers won’t feel misled.

Building Brand Loyalty

A content sharing strategy not only reduces returns but also builds brand loyalty. When you provide customers with useful and engaging content – whether it’s product guides, how-to videos or behind the scenes into your business – they start to feel more connected to your brand. That connection builds loyalty and trust and customers are more likely to come back to you for future purchases even if they have an issue with a product. Loyal customers are often more forgiving of small mistakes and less likely to return items unnecessarily.

Reducing Returns with Personalized Content & Transparency

WeSupply can further elevate your content-sharing strategy by integrating personalized communication and return policy transparency, helping to reduce returns and improve customer satisfaction. Here’s how:

Transparency in Return Policies:

  • Clear Communication & Return Policy Clarity: By leveraging WeSupply’s platform, you can provide customers with personalized and updated information about return policies and product availability based on their individual preferences and previous interactions.

Cubii using WeSupply return lookup page to showcase return policy

  • Real-Time Updates & Customization: Integration with Nosto can allow for the dynamic delivery of return policy updates or product issues in a personalized manner, reducing confusion and improving customer trust.

Building Customer Loyalty:

  • Flexible Return Options: WeSupply can facilitate personalized return experiences, offering customers flexibility in how and when they can return items, which builds trust. With the integration of Justuno, these flexible return options can be presented alongside upsell and cross-sell opportunities, making the entire experience seamless.
  • Personalized Recommendations: Using Justuno & WeSupply, customers can be provided with smart product recommendations during their shopping or return process based on their behavior, which can reduce return likelihood by ensuring better purchase decisions upfront. For example, if a product might not meet expectations, we can offer a better-suited alternative before the customer completes a return.
Evereve using WeSupply product recommendations integration

By combining these integrations, WeSupply helps you offer personalized, transparent, and flexible return experiences that not only prevent returns but also enhance customer loyalty, drive additional revenue, and foster long-term relationships.

Using Data to Improve Customer Experience and Reduce Returns

Data sharing and analysis is a key tool to identify trends and patterns in customer behaviour which can reduce returns big time. By understanding what makes customers return products businesses can make informed decisions to address the underlying issues before they get out of hand.

Patterns in the Relevant Data

Analyzing return data can help businesses identify why customers are returning products, whether it’s product quality, inaccurate descriptions or just buyer’s remorse. Tracking performance metrics is crucial in this process as it helps in monitoring and improving returns management. Retailers can then use that data to make changes, such as refine product descriptions, adjust sizing guides or improve product quality. For example if the data shows a particular product is being returned for sizing issues the retailer can refine their size guide, add more detailed fit description or adjust their sizing standards to match customer expectations.

Personalisation

Data also allows businesses to give customers personalised recommendations based on their behaviour and preferences. By looking at a customer’s past purchases, browsing history and preferences retailers can suggest products that will meet their needs more often. Personalised product recommendations make customers feel more confident in their purchases as they’re being guided towards products that match their tastes and needs.

Product and Marketing

With data driven insights retailers can make better decisions on which products to develop, promote and stock. For example if the data shows a particular product category is being returned for poor quality or lack of functionality the business can improve that product line or get rid of it altogether. Targeted marketing based on data insights means customers are introduced to the right products reducing returns due to mismatch or over promotion.

Data-Driven Strategies for Enhancing Customer Experience and Minimizing Returns

WeSupply helps businesses use data to enhance the customer experience and reduce returns by providing actionable Returns Analytics that optimize operations and improve profitability. Sharing data can offer potential benefits such as enhancing scientific progress, improving public health, and leading to better-informed clinical decisions. However, it is also important to recognize potential risks associated with sharing data and to prepare adequately to ensure that the sharing of information serves the public good while balancing the benefits derived from data transparency. Key features include:

Latercase using WeSupply to Collect Product Images and Feedback

By analyzing return reasons, returns by region, and customer lifetime value, WeSupply helps businesses refine their return policies, identify trends, and reduce return rates. Additionally, proactive return notifications via email and SMS ensure customers stay informed, enhancing satisfaction and reducing the need for follow-up calls. This data-driven approach enables smarter decisions, streamlined processes, and better customer retention.

Simplify Returns for Your Customers and Support Team

Book a quick call with our experts to see how WeSupply can help you: simplify the Return experience with just a few clicks, reduce customer service calls and manual processing, notify your customer about their refund, automate returns and reduce user error.

Book a call

Data and Knowledge Sharing Best Practices

While sharing data and information is great, make sure you follow best practices so it’s efficient, secure and fair for both consumers and businesses.

Policies and Procedures

Having clear policies for data and information sharing is key to building trust with customers. Emphasizing the importance of shared data ensures transparency and addresses ethical considerations, such as balancing participant confidentiality with the benefits of data sharing. These policies should outline how data will be used, stored and shared so customer’s privacy is respected. Clear terms and conditions means both businesses and consumers know their rights and responsibilities around data sharing.

Training Staff

Staff involved in data sharing and customer interactions should be trained to handle data responsibly and securely. This means information is shared in line with privacy regulations and ethical standards. Training should also include guidelines on handling sensitive information like customer payment details or personal information.

Monitoring and Review

It’s important to regularly monitor and review your data sharing to ensure it’s working to reduce returns. Peer-reviewed articles play a crucial role in validating the effectiveness of data sharing practices, ensuring that the shared information is reliable and beneficial. By measuring the impact of information sharing you can identify areas to improve and adjust as needed. Continuous monitoring keeps your business up to date with industry best practice and ensures customers are getting the most accurate and relevant information.

Organizational Design and Information Technology

Organizational design and information technology play a crucial role in facilitating effective information sharing within an organization. A well-designed organizational structure can enable seamless communication and collaboration among different departments, ensuring that relevant data flows freely across the entire organization. This interconnectedness allows for quicker decision-making and a more agile response to market changes.

Information technology, on the other hand, provides the necessary tools and platforms for sharing data efficiently. From cloud-based storage solutions to advanced data analytics tools, IT infrastructure supports the collection, analysis, and dissemination of primary data. By leveraging these technologies, businesses can ensure that all team members have access to the information they need to perform their roles effectively.

In essence, the combination of a robust organizational design and cutting-edge information technology creates an environment where knowledge sharing thrives. This not only enhances business performance but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Benefits of Information Sharing

Information sharing is essential for improving business performance, and it has numerous benefits for organizations. By sharing relevant information across departments, businesses can streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive growth. Here are some key benefits of information sharing:

Improved Supply Chain Management

Information sharing can significantly improve supply chain management by enabling real-time tracking and monitoring of inventory levels, shipping, and delivery. This transparency helps reduce delays, improve efficiency, and increase customer satisfaction. When organizations share relevant data, they can make informed decisions about their supply chain operations, optimizing processes for better performance.

For instance, real-time data on inventory levels allows businesses to manage stock more effectively, preventing overstocking or stockouts. Similarly, sharing shipping and delivery information with customers keeps them informed and sets accurate expectations, reducing the likelihood of returns due to delayed or lost shipments.

In conclusion, effective information sharing within an organization leads to a more efficient and responsive supply chain. This not only enhances operational performance but also builds trust and loyalty among customers, ultimately contributing to long-term business success.

Conclusion: The Long Term Benefits of Information Sharing

In summary information sharing is key to reducing returns and improving customer satisfaction in today’s online retail world. By providing accurate product information, using customer reviews, keeping communication consistent, using data insights and following best practices for data sharing retailers can reduce returns and improve their overall customer experience.

Ultimately information sharing reduces returns and builds trust, loyalty and long term relationships with customers. In a competitive market businesses that are transparent, personal and customer focussed will be better placed to succeed in the future. By following these 5 steps retailers can reduce returns and create a seamless enjoyable shopping experience for their customers – one that leads to more satisfaction, fewer returns and long term growth.

Summary

WeSupply helps reduce returns by ensuring consistent, transparent communication. Features like proactive return notifications, and personalized post-purchase messaging keep customers informed and set accurate expectations. Additionally, return policy clarity and self-service portals streamline the return process, minimizing confusion. With data-driven insights, businesses can refine policies and enhance customer satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can WeSupply reduce returns through clear communication?

WeSupply provides proactive return notifications, and clear return policy communication, helping customers make informed decisions and reducing confusion.

Can WeSupply help with personalized customer messaging?

Yes! WeSupply enables personalized post-purchase messaging to keep customers informed and set the right expectations, which helps prevent returns.

How does WeSupply’s data-driven insights reduce return rates?

By analyzing return trends, WeSupply helps businesses identify issues with products or policies, allowing for improvements that reduce return rates.

What features help WeSupply ensure customers are informed?

WeSupply offers self-service portals and clear return instructions, ensuring customers have all the necessary information to reduce dissatisfaction and returns.

Does WeSupply have an Official Shopify App?

Yes. WeSupply has an Official Shopify App. You can download it and start integrating with your Shopify Store.

Does WeSupply have an official Magento extension?

Yes, WeSupply has an official extension for Magento. The WeSupply x Magento integration allows for automating order tracking experiences, reducing customer inquiries, automating shipping email and SMS notifications, and providing a fully branded order tracking experience

Does WeSupply have an official BigCommerce App?

Yes, WeSupply has an official BigCommerce App. You can integrate WeSupply with your BigCommerce store to improve your post-purchase customer experience.

Keep your customers engaged during the delivery experience

Show me how
WeSupply Post Purchase Emails
WeSupply Post Purchase Emails

Keep your customers engaged during the delivery experience

Show me how
Jump Ahead!

In this article you'll learn:

Learn How To Create Successful Post Purchase Email Campaigns

Build an effective post-purchase email flow that helps you increase customer satisfaction and drive revenue growth!

Download guide

Key Details:

Related articles

WeSupply Logo White No Safespace

Effortless Customer Experience that drives sales and improves customer loyalty.

Linkedin Twitter Facebook Youtube Vimeo
footer badges

Solutions

Order Tracking

Branded Tracking Page

Delivery Notifications

Estimated Delivery Dates

Self Service Returns

In-Store & Curbside Pickup

Post-Purchase Analytics

Store Locator

Product

Platform Demo

Integrations

Carriers

Partners

Support

Product Updates

FAQ

API Docs

Release Notes

Resources

Request a FREE Website Review

Case Studies

Blog

Brand Assets

Big Retailer CX Research

Post-Purchase App Reviews

Narvar vs WeSupply

Aftership vs WeSupply

Post Purchase ROI Calculator

Pre-built Return Policies

Blog

Klaviyo Integration

Order Confirmation Emails

We Partner with EasyPost

Zapier Integration

Magento Order Tracking

Company

About us

We're hiring

Terms of Services

Privacy Policy

GDPR & CCPA

Security

System Status