From Dailymail · · 1m 30s
Shoppers face fees and shorter return windows as retailers tighten policies
Online shoppers now pay surprise fees and face shorter deadlines for returns as retailers crack down on free returns.
In brief
Online shoppers now pay surprise fees and face shorter deadlines for returns as retailers crack down on free returns. Online retailers are charging fees and reducing return windows to cut costs after years of flexible return policies. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Online returns policy shift
Shoppers increasingly face surprise fees and shorter deadlines for returning unwanted purchases.
Return fees rise
68 percent of retailers now charge a fee for returns at least some of the time, up from 43 percent five years ago.
Return costs
Returns cost an average of 27 percent of a product's purchase price to process.
Retailers tighten policies
Retailers are reducing return windows and sometimes charging fees to cut costs.
Consumer backlash
Shoppers report surprise fees and lack of transparency in return policies.
Amazon's policy change
Amazon flags listings as 'frequently returned' and asks customers why they are sending products back.
Home Depot's deadline
Home Depot now allows just 30 days for certain Halloween and holiday decorations.
Seasonal products
Some portable heating and cooling products have a seven-day deadline, compared with a previous 90-day window.
Retailer justification
Retailers say tighter policies align with industry standards and reduce costs.
Consumer blame
Shoppers blame retailers for creating the return culture that now costs them money.
Retailer warning
Retailers warn heavy returners could face denied future refunds.
Consumer advice
Check return policies carefully before ordering to minimize returns.
What matters most
Online retailers are charging fees and reducing return windows to cut costs after years of flexible return policies.
