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In an effort to enhance customer experience and reduce unnecessary returns, Amazon has begun implementing a warning label on products that are frequently returned. The warning label aims to encourage consumers to thoroughly examine product details and reviews before making a purchase. By doing so, customers can avoid buying low-quality products, and sellers can save money from returns, while also reducing the environmental impact associated with excessive returns.
Amazon's current return policy permits customers to return new and unused items within 30 days of purchase, typically without any cost, unless the item is nonreturnable. However, the process of returning products can be frustrating for customers and sellers alike.
The new warning label not only deters consumers from purchasing such items but also incentivizes retailers to provide accurate listings and address issues that contribute to high product return rates.
“We’re currently showing return rate information on some product detail pages to help our customers make more informed purchase decisions,” Amazon spokesperson Betsy Harden said.
The new label has already appeared on several third-party listings fulfilled by Amazon. By highlighting products with high return rates, consumers may be more inclined to research items before purchasing. This will also inspire sellers to maintain integrity and smart business practices when it comes to selling on Amazon.
The environmental impact of product returns cannot be overlooked, as returned items often occupy warehouse space until they can be resold or discarded in landfills. Online retailers experienced an increase in return rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, with return rates remaining higher than pre-pandemic levels. This situation results in increased costs for sellers who must handle storage and disposal. Reducing the number of returns is beneficial for companies, particularly as Amazon has already cut 27,000 jobs this year to reduce operational expenses.
The new warning label displaying return rate information on product pages is intended to help customers make informed purchasing decisions, according to Amazon spokesperson Betsy Harden.
This label follows another recent Amazon feature that reveals the approximate number of units sold for a product. However, it remains unclear when the "frequently returned item" label will be widely available or which regions it will be accessible in outside the United States. The warning label does not currently appear to be visible for UK-based consumers. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from Amazon.
As always, customer service is crucial when selling on Amazon. Staying on top of not only returns, but all customer inquiries and shipments, is the way that sellers attain five star ratings and sell even more products. Head over to our smart suite of products and digital tools that help you optimize your listings and bring in profits. Join Elenco and 1000s of businesses elevating their seller and product ratings and selling better on Amazon.
