I just saw an interesting article in relation to the volume of returned shipments, for items bought online. The article quoted that in 2018, Americans sent back 10% of their purchases (up from 8% two years earlier). And that in Sweden, return rates of up to 60% have been seen for some products.
As well as the increased commercialism that is provided by online retailers in making the purchase process easier and perhaps more impulsive, and the resultant impacts of all of those purchases being packaged and shipped, we should also consider that a percentage of that volume will also be returned, further increasing the logistical and environmental toll.
The article quotes that Optoro (a company that helps retailers manage their returns) estimated that only 10% of the merchandise ends back for sale. Some are sold to discounters and recyclers, or sent to charities. But a large proportion ends up in landfills or incinerators. All of that adds to the operational costs, which obviously need to be absorbed into the original sale price.
So, how relevant is that info to the Australian market?
Just for my interest, I've added a poll for you to indicate the percentage of online purchases that you make, that you eventually return to the online seller.
I only send things back if they are damaged/broken or not what I ordered.