Returns management need not be the tailspin that it normally turns out to be for most ecommerce businesses.
That’s why we have rounded up the 5 best returns management software for you.
As you might have noticed, there are hundreds of options in the Shopify marketplace. It goes without saying though that not all of these are cut from the same cloth.
We hope to shine some light on which ones are suited for what situations.
Let’s get started.
What are the Best Returns Management Software?
Here are our top picks of the best returns management software to try this year.
1. Returnly
Returnly aims to make returns a pleasurable experience for customers, and subsequently businesses. That sounds unlike ‘Returns’ the way we picture it. Nobody likes returns, do they? Customers hate having to be put through the ordeal.
Businesses generally look at it as a loss. But Returnly irons out the creases on the entire process making it as smooth as a knife through butter.
How they do that, you might wonder. For starters, they allow customers to get an instant refund in store credits. This way, they don’t have to wait until the payment is processed through the processor and returned to the source of purchase. This is usually a long and tedious process, which at times, gets stuck midway.
Secondly, they encourage the customer to shop right away in a completely branded, custom returns page. This increases brand loyalty and also repurchases. Returnly is a complete suite of products that can be bought individually or as a package though.
Here’s a look at some of the key features.
Key Features:
1. International Returns
If you dropship from China or are shipping to Europe from America, you’d love the International Returns feature. This allows businesses to automatically generate labels and customs forms, includes multi-currency support, and offers localized return centers. Rather than the shipment making all the way back to the country of origin, Returnly allows them to return it to local warehouses.
2. Green Returns
If there’s a product that you’d rather discard, or if there are priority customers that you’d rather not create a bad experience for, then you can use the Green Returns feature. This provides the customer with an instant refund without them having to ship it back.
3. Custom Rules
Every automated returns workflow can have custom rules. You can set eligibility, configure non-returnable products and create smart return windows.
4. Upsell
The custom-branded returns page can be tailored to automatically recommend the next best alternative. This is also a terrific place to upsell by the way.
5. Omnichannel Returns
Your customers can also return the products in-store, in case your business has brick and mortar outlets. The returns process is completely contactless, allowing them to drop it off without waiting in queue.
6. Reduce Support Calls
Returnly can proactively inform customers about the expected time for them to receive refund in case of non-returnable products. Alerts can be sent through multiple channels which keeps them updated and reduces support calls.
7. Returns Logistics Automated
Returnly automates the entire returns logistics process, which otherwise is manual and tedious. It will automatically generate labels, shipping, track packages and process returns, taking the load off your shoulders.
Pricing:
Returnly does not display pricing on their website. But based on our research, it starts from $9/month for the basic app. There is a 7-day trial too, after which you can choose from the Ace plan which is priced at $59 per month, or the Business Plan which is priced at $149 per month.
Our thoughts about Returnly:
Despite being a new tool, Returnly brings in a lot of automation into returns management. The suite is extensive and it relies on multiple channels of communication. There’s a lot of customization too, which can benefit large brands that handle multiple returns every day.
2. Loop Returns
Loop Returns is a returns management tool that offers ample customization and automation at the front end of returns management, which happens within your storefront. But it also has a seamless backend interface that takes some of the complex tasks and presents it in a visually appealing interface.
The result is that you never feel overwhelmed. Be it handling returns logistics or dealing with edge-cases, you or your support team are always in control.
There are four primary parameters that Loop is based on. That’s exchanges, automation, logistics and intelligence. Clubbing these four parameters will reduce the workload and improve your bottom line, loyalty and credibility.
Key Features:
1. Exchanges Instead of Refunds
Let’s start with one of the features that we like the most. When your customer initiates the refund process, Loop can be configured to make them an offer they might not refuse.
You can add an additional ‘monetary value’ to their refund amount, provided they opt for store credit. This saves you a lot of money, retains your revenue and also increases customer satisfaction. The monetary value can be customized of course. Loop states that this feature alone can be 10x more impactful on your bottom line.
2. Exchange Walkthrough Guide
Loop allows easy exchanges by showing the customers the different sizes, colors or variants that they can choose. The page is completely branded and exchanging a product is as easy as shopping for a new one.
At the backend, Loop will connect to your inventory, automatically updating stock and this reflects in the store in real time. So, you will not have the customer ordering something that’s not in stock.
3. Automates Returns
Loop sets up an easy return interface that lets the customer return the product themselves without assistance from your support team. They enter the order details and select from pre-enforced returns rules which Loop will use to approve, reject, or flag the return.
You can also set automatic approval or rejection rules. If there are abusive customers who use this frequently, you can blacklist them. Any automatic rule is easy to override, in case you determine that there needs to be a good old manual supervision.
4. Integrations
Loop can integrate with a variety of business tools, including an ERP like Netsuite, or the best shopify reporting app, your 3PL program, your warehouse management tool or anything else that requires seamless data transfer to enable better business operations. The integrations are one-click, which means that you do not have to break your head over it. You can also contact the support team for a custom API integration.
5. Logistics
Loop offers a plethora of options for managing returns. Your team can choose the return destination from specific warehouses or hubs, donation centers and so on. Loop also lets you rate shop between warehouse locations allowing you to pick the cheapest one.
Last but not the least, Loop shows you negotiated shipping prices for returns logistics. At the same time, if you prefer working with your own logistics provider, Loop does not shoehorn you into signing up with anyone.
Pricing:
Just like Returnly, Loop has a custom pricing plan that is not displayed on their website. But our research suggests that it starts from $99/month. They do have a 14-day trial that you can use to gauge whether the service works for you.
Our thoughts about Loop:
Loop has one of the best returns/exchange interfaces that we’ve seen. It’s as good as shopping for the customer, and gives you complete control to automate the entire process at the backend. The integrations are top notch too.
3. Happy Returns
Happy Returns is a reasonably new ecommerce returns management software that allows the business to choose between seamless online and offline returns. For instance, a customer can shop for your product online and choose from multiple offline return destinations for a quick drop.
More options make it easier for the customer to select the most convenient choice. For the business, it’s less demand on the support team because the customer now has a bevy of self-help options.
Also Happy Returns guarantees a bare minimum of 10% savings for the business on returns and reverse logistics costs. There are case studies galore that show how their end-to-end returns management software has helped some of the largest retail brands improve their bottom line.
Key features:
1. Return Bars
Happy Returns has their own return kiosks spread across America, that they call Return Bars. This is an in-person return service, where the customer is encouraged to choose a return bar close to their location and drop the item. They cover 2,500 locations in every state in the continental US and Washington DC.
Return Bars are the best thing that happened to ecommerce return management. These kiosks can accept items without boxes, packaging, or labels. The return takes less than 60-seconds on an average and the customer can instantly choose to receive store credit for the return. Return Bar is now included in their 10% cost saving guarantee.
2. Fast Online Returns and Exchanges
Happy Returns will integrate into your ecommerce store creating your personalized return flow. The customer can initiate return even with an email id.
There’s no need for the order number. Automated rules allow returns/exchanges to be approved or flagged. Shipping labels can be customized to determine the destination for the item.
Happy Returns is one of the only brands that offers one-click exchanges. For instance, you can allow the customer to choose why they are exchanging/returning the product. Happy Returns then automatically detects the next best option depending on their choice and displays it. You can even top this up with a neat discount.
3. Returns by Mail
Happy Returns uses smart routing to reduce on your returns shipping costs. Automated product labels ensure that the product is sent to the nearest return hub, where it will be inspected, donated if so desired, or aggregated for bulk returns. The average saving in returns cost is 20%, of which 10% is guaranteed under the service.
4. Returns to Store
Have offline stores? Use them to accept online returns, presenting the customer with more choices. The returned items can be added to the offline store inventory, or shipped to the nearest Happy Returns hub.
5. Self Service Kiosk
Many stores are functioning with limited staff at the moment. Happy Returns also offers a free-standing, secure kiosk that can be used to collect your returns. This way, none of your in-store personnel are burdened with handling online returns.
These kiosks have an integrated tablet that allows the customer to enter order information. The item can then be dropped into the kiosk collection box with a tamper-proof door.
Pricing:
Happy Returns has three packages based on the monthly return volume your business generates. The Pro plan is priced at $350/month and is for businesses that deal with less than 500 returns a month. The Plus Plan priced at $500/month processes 1500 returns, while the enterprise plan has a custom price.
Our thoughts about Happy Returns:
If you sell only in America and deal with a lot of returns, Happy Returns Bar might be a great addition to your customer support offerings. Besides, they back up their service with a yearly 10% savings guarantee.
4. ReturnGO
ReturnGO is an online return portal and returns management system that integrates seamlessly with your eCommerce store to automate your entire returns process.
With its many customization options, ReturnGO is one of the most advanced return solutions on the market.
ReturnGO’s self-service return portal encourages exchanges over returns, offers store credit, and generates pre-paid labels so that customers can easily request returns without having to contact your customer support team.
Use the user-friendly returns management dashboard to track all your return requests in one place and gain data-driven insights to improve customer experience.
Thousands of eCommerce merchants of all sizes around the world use ReturnGO to manage their returns, from small eCommerce businesses to leading global brands.
Key Features:
1. Customizable Return Policy
Customize your return policy rules, eligibility conditions, return windows, return methods, and more to fit your return policy to your store’s needs.
Set up custom rules and statuses, send automated emails to your customers, and automate many steps of your return process with automation rules such as auto-refund, auto-exchange, and auto-approve.
2. Branded return portal
ReturnGO provides a branded self-service return portal through which your customers can request a return or exchange.
Your ReturnGO return portal integrates seamlessly with your eCommerce store’s design and layout. Fully customize your return portal layout, logo, colors, design, and return labels to fit your brand.
3. Detailed return analytics
Track your store’s return data on a detailed return analytics dashboard.
On the ReturnGO analytics dashboard, you can view RMA reporting such as return rate, retained revenue, return reasons, and more.
The clear visual representation of your return data helps you identify return trends and patterns as well as track which products are being returned most frequently and why.
4. Seamless integrations
ReturnGO offers easy integration with your shipping carriers, 3PLs, helpdesks, or fulfillment providers. Connect all your favorite tools to streamline your returns process and sync all your return information.
The ReturnGO API lets you integrate with any system so that you can manage your entire returns process in one place.
5. Flexible return resolutions
One of the unique things about ReturnGO is that it offers a wide range of return resolutions you can provide to customers.
Configure your return portal to offer flexible return resolutions such as refund, one-click exchange, and store credit. Give customers options of returning the item to the store, shipping it back with a pre-paid label, or even donating it.
Pricing
You can try ReturnGO for free for 14 days and then select from a pricing plan, starting at $17.99, based on your monthly return volume and needs.
Our thoughts about ReturnGO:
ReturnGO is the right choice for you if you’re looking for a flexible and customizable returns management solution.
ReturnGO’s high level of flexibility, wide range of resolutions, and detailed analytics make it stand out as a powerful returns automation platform.
5. ShippyPro
Shippy Pro is not a dedicated returns management software. It’s more of an order management suite with a dedicated returns module that can be purchased as a standalone software. Notably, the features are on par with the rest of the options in this list.
Generally, order management suites only have basic returns features. But ShippyPro can do it all from customizing the returns page, to setting multiple rules and printing customer labels. If the customer does not have a printer, they can generate QR code labels for returns.
Key Features:
1. In Store Return Portal
ShippyPro can be branded to match your store’s design so that it looks and feels pretty much like a part of the store. All that the customers need to initiate returns is a simple detail, like their email id. The workflow is easy and makes it pretty much like shopping online.
2. Multiple Return Rules
ShippyPro allows you to customize your return approval or rejection rules using conditional logic. Some options are to disallow returns for orders older than ‘x’ days or lesser than ‘x’ in value. You can of course be creative with this depending on the business and the products.
3. Copy Paste Installation
ShippyPro is a simple blurb of text that needs to be pasted into your CMS or website code. The integration is super easy. If you are using any of the common sales platforms, like Shopify or Bigcommerce, it offers one-click integration.
4. Convert Refunds to Exchanges
ShippyPro can encourage customers to choose exchange instead of returns. You can offer store credits as well as offer promotions and upsells to encourage the customer to spend more than the current order value.
Pricing:
ShippyPro has a fully functional free trial for the first 30 returns on your store. After this, it has a custom pricing plan.
Our thoughts about ShippyPro:
We chose ShippyPro because it’s a well-rounded suite of returns management tools. Rather than working with multiple software and integrating each one with the other to manage returns, ShippyPro is easier to deal with.
How to Select the Best Returns Management Software for Your Ecommerce Business
We have used a simple checklist to evaluate the top 5 returns management software listed here. Here it is.
1. Does it offer operational efficiency?
Returns management software must allow operational efficiency. It must be easy to install, must integrate seamlessly with other ecommerce software such as inventory or warehouse management tools, and must allow automation so that you do not have to process returns manually.
Accepting and rejection of returns, printing labels (QR if no printer), routing shipments based on label and notifying you of edge cases, everything must ideally be automatic.
We don’t mind a one-time onboarding session. But beyond that, you shouldn’t have to spend a lot of time tinkering with things.
2. Does it offer Custom Branding?
Customers hate being rerouted out of the store to initiate returns or even to track shipments. To this end, most return management tools allow you to customize the returns page to match your website’s design.
That said, we have come across some apps on the Shopify store that do not offer much in terms of customization. The return page looks rudimentary in comparison with what’s possible with these 5.
3. Encouraging Exchanges
We like tools that encourage customers to opt for a fast exchange instead of a refund. Even better if you have the option to add promotional codes or offer upsells at this point.
4. Easy workflow
We have selected returns management tools that have an easy and smooth workflow. Right from entering minimal details to initiate returns, to offering a shopping cart like experience makes it a pleasurable experience for the customer.
5. Data Logging
We prefer tools that gather every tiny bit of data that’s generated during the returns process. Bonus points for tools that allow you to quickly generate reports based on various parameters.
If the tool does not integrate directly with your ERP, it should at bare minimum allow you to export reports in various formats.
6. Custom Rules
A. Part of the automation process to accept, refuse and flag returns demands conditional logic. If the software lacks options, then you’ll be left with the short end of the stick, and will have to resort to old school manual approvals. Look for tools that allow custom rules and conditional logic.
7. International Support
Not all of the returns management tools support international businesses. Some of them are limited to USA and Canada. Some, only work in the UK.
If you operate internationally, you need a software that supports international business. Be it in terms of warehouses in international destinations or currency support or multiple languages, ensure that it matches your primary market.
To Sum it up
That sums up our list of the best returns management for ecommerce businesses. Each one ticks off all the boxes that we have used to evaluate them.
In case you missed it, all these software offer free trials. We recommend that you try each one out to get a hang of how easy or difficult it is to work with. In case you seek more personalized attention towards returns management, click here now to speak to us.
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