The State of E-Commerce Returns in 2023

The State of Ecommerce Returns Ecommerce returns are a major cost for online retailers, with an estimated $550 billion spent on return deliveries in 2020 alone. This statistic is a stark reminder of the immense financial burden that ecommerce return deliveries are placing on businesses in the United States.

Clothing has the highest return rate among all ecommerce verticals, with over 56% of total returns. Other industries have average rates between 20-30%. Consumers often consider a retailer’s return policy before making purchases, as 92% will buy something again if it is easy to do so.

Furthermore, 41% of shoppers purchase items with the intent to return some or all of them – up to 10% according to one statistic – and 67% are considered “serial returners.” Free and easy returns can increase sales by 357%, but 27% abandon carts when they find that process unclear or complicated.

Looking ahead to 2023, ecommerce returns are expected to rise even futher, with most experts predicting that returns will double this year and beyond. This trend is expected to continue, with return volumes remaining higher than pre-pandemic levels through at least 2026. Retail and e-commerce return…