Topic of the Week - Amazon UK Introduces Stricter Return Policies for International Sellers
Amazon UK has recently introduced new return policies for international sellers, which will be effective from November 11. These changes aim to establish clear guidelines and simplify the return process for customers. According to Amazon, international sellers must now provide a domestic return address or issue a return label for UK customers. If a seller fails to do so, the customer will automatically receive a refund without needing to return the item.
Sellers have a four-day window to offer one of the above return options to UK shoppers. To ensure compliance with these new policies, international sellers should prioritise customer satisfaction and convenience. This should involve investing in return shipping labels or partnering with international return providers to streamline the process. By doing so, sellers can reduce the risk of disputes and maintain a positive reputation on the platform. To assist sellers, Amazon has provided a list of international return providers, including Evri, Royal Mail, UPS, DHL, and La Poste Groupe.
These changes are designed to increase customer confidence and convenience, particularly around returns. Additionally, Amazon has recently introduced an extended return period for the holiday season, allowing customers to return items purchased between November 1 and December 25 until January 31 or within 30 days of the purchase date (whichever is later). This measure applies to Amazon stores in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Belgium.
For international sellers, it is essential to review and update return policies to ensure compliance with Amazon's new requirements. Researching and partnering with international return providers can also help streamline the return process. Implementing a prepaid return label with tracking can also ensure customer satisfaction and reduce potential disputes. By staying informed about these changes and adapting to Amazon's new return policies, international sellers can maintain a competitive edge and ensure a smooth customer experience.
eCommerce Market Stats
See some statistics relating to this week’s topics in the eCommerce market below.
Amazon’s return eCommerce stats
Amazon's return rate is around 10-15%, which is lower than the industry average of 20-30%.
Amazon's return policy is one of the most lenient in the industry, with 72% of customers saying they are satisfied with the company's return policy.
The return rate for different product categories on Amazon varies, with:
- Clothing and accessories: 15-20%
- Electronics: 10-15%
- Home goods: 5-10%
- Toys and games: 5-10%
- Books: 2-5%
That’s all for this week…
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