This guide outlines 3 expert strategies that can improve the e-commerce platform shopping experience for your clients.
Many e-commerce stores operate with razor thin margins. There is a lot of competition, so prices have to be kept consistently low. This means that returns can eat away at profits and put your store at a disadvantage. It is really important to get a handle on returns and prevent them from happening.
Several issues specific to e-commerce stores cause a high number of returns. For instance, customers can’t handle a product before buying, so they don’t always get what they expect. Another problem is that they expect the delivery fast and will return an item if it doesn’t arrive on time.
Improve e-commerce platform experience
In this article, we will review several solutions to these e-commerce platform problems so you can lower the number of returns your store gets and boost your business.
1 – Streamline the shipping
One of the most common causes of e-commerce platform returns is issues with the ordering and shipping process. There could be delays in the shipping process, wrong orders being shipped, or items being damaged on the way that contribute to returns. Knowing that these are possibilities, it makes sense to have these processes streamlined and organized so they don’t occur.
Try to get a third-party fulfillment center that ships accurately, on time, and professionally. For instance, Ryder Ecommerce by Whiplash is a great service since it reduces the number of returns and cancellations.
Some customers may be willing to pay extra for faster shipping, especially if they need the product by a certain date. Offering expedited shipping options can improve customer satisfaction and reduce the likelihood of returns.
2 – Understand your customers
Sometimes e-commerce platform returns happen because the customer is not getting what they expected or the product doesn’t solve their problem as advertised. This usually happens when the customer and their needs are not understood.
Take the time to research to understand the customer to ensure you match the product with the right person. Use analytics tools to identify trends in your customer data. Look for patterns in customer behavior, such as which products are most frequently returned or which pages on your website have the highest bounce rates.
Gather feedback from your customers and use that information to improve your products. Better products matched with the right people are less likely to be returned.
3 – Improve product descriptions
Confusion over what a product is and what it can do is a primary reason for e-commerce platform returns. When writing product descriptions, be as detailed as possible.
Include information on the product’s features, dimensions, and materials, as well as any care instructions or other essential details, so there is clarity about what the product is and what it can do.
Hiring a professional photographer and editor to take your product pictures is a good idea. Product images are a key factor in the online shopping experience.
Use high-quality images that accurately reflect the product, and provide multiple views or angles if possible. Since the potential customer can’t handle the product before buying, these images will help them make a purchase.
