The end of free returns?

In recent years, and especially as a result of the pandemic experienced in 2020, online stores experienced an unprecedented boom, with all that this meant for shipping and logistics.

Currently, we are living in a time when the focus is being placed on logistics because of the impact it has on the environment, especially in large cities. And the best example of this is the introduction of the Amazon tax.

In this context, there is something that is already a reality: online stores are starting to charge for returns made to home addresses. 

Summer is coming (with wedding season on the horizon) and, with it, the wardrobe change. In these cases, for those who do not use apps like Vinted, the most common thing is to buy several models online, try them on at home and, once the right one is chosen, return the rest.

This practice (which even has a name in English, bracketing) so convenient for customers, is having a significant impact on logistics. If we add this practice to the increase in online orders, the result is that more and more delivery vehicles are on the road. And the main affected area is reverse logistics, which until now, in most cases, was free for the customer. Until now. 

The pioneer in starting to charge for returns has been Inditex, committed to the goal of curbing the environmental impact caused by orders in its online store. In the specific case of Inditex, for everyone who decides to return any of the products they have bought, they will be charged €1.95. But beware, because this only applies if home return is chosen.

This measure, implemented by Inditex (for now only in Zara), is being applied in the UK and Germany, but it is expected to be rolled out to different countries.

Another giant that has also started applying charges for returns is Shein. In this case, they do it a little differently: one item from the order can be returned for free, but the following ones cost €4.50 each.

Logically, this is going to be a rather controversial issue, since we were used to not having to pay for online returns. For now, we will wait to see what effect this has on sales, although from Inditex itself(opens in a new tab) they already assure that there is no impact on sales, with the response being positive.

Given all this situation, how can we save money when buying from online stores? The best option is to choose delivery to pickup points, which at InPost we are pioneers. With our extensive network of Punto Pack | Locker locations, you can receive your orders with total convenience near your home, work or wherever you want. And the best part? It is much more economical than home delivery, in addition to helping reduce environmental impact.

In addition, you will be able to find the shipping method with InPost in your favorite stores, such as Shein or Zara.