Shipwire Offers Insight and Tips for Successful Online Returns Policies

PALO ALTO, CA--(Marketwire - December 22, 2009) - With the holiday shopping season drawing to a close, online shoppers and retailers alike are gearing up for the next surge: post-holiday returns and exchanges. Although likely dreaded by online retailers, returns don't have to be problematic or a "margin drain." In fact, studies show that with the right processes in place, an online retailer can actually benefit from a generous returns policy -- in the form of repeat customers, higher sales and increased revenue.

Shipwire, the leading e-commerce product fulfillment company, offers online retailers some specific tips to establish returns policies that will keep customers knocking at their virtual door time and again. First, it's important to remember that communication plays a big role in a positive returns experience for online customers. Let them know what products they can return, how to return them and where they should be sent. Likewise, keep customers in the loop by letting them know a return has been received, and when they can expect the refund or exchange.

It's also a good idea to make a return policy very accessible and very clear to customers. Ensure it is front-and-center with a link to the policy during checkout, and clearly spell out any return restrictions, including how long a customer has to return an item, and any restocking fees. Finally, make it easier logistically for customers to return merchandise. Include return instructions and a return address label with each shipment. Online retailers may consider even picking up the cost for return shipping. Customers will appreciate such generosity.

If returns are still a daunting prospect this holiday season, Shipwire reminds online retailers that they can seek help from their product fulfillment partner. Order fulfillment partnerships offer big payoffs, and can allow the retailer to outsource the hassles of managing day-to-day product returns and exchanges.

About Shipwire (http://www.shipwire.com)

Shipwire, the leader in e-commerce order fulfillment services, effectively eliminates the hassle of storage and shipping for growing merchants with a global warehouse network and its innovative Store-Sell-Ship™ platform. Shipwire's warehouses -- in Los Angeles, Reno, Chicago, Toronto, Vancouver and London -- are conveniently located close to buyers, drastically reducing merchants' shipping costs. Shipwire is the only warehouse logistics service that instantly integrates with shopping carts and inventory management systems. Shipwire is developer- and partner-friendly; learn more about our shipping affiliate partner program or get our how to outsource order fulfillment guide at http://www.shipwire.com/partner. Stay up to date with our shipping fulfillment distribution blog. Print online USPS postage. For a free trial or more information, contact 1-888-SHIPWIRE or visit http://www.shipwire.com/trial.

Contact Information: CONTACTS: Shipwire Nate Gilmore 888-Shipwire BOCA COMMUNICATIONS Ashley Wilkinson +1-415-738-7718