News

Actions

Online shopping returns have never been easier thanks to these sites

Posted at 10:26 PM, Jun 05, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-05 23:28:23-04

Allison King loves online shopping for its convenience, but she doesn’t enjoy the uncertainty that comes with it.

“You really never know. Everything varies, the size and style," she explains.

So, she was thrilled to discover HappyReturns.com, a company that allows her to send back her online purchases at a kiosk in her local mall.

She says, “I didn’t even need a box. It was that simple.”

In just two minutes, the company took Allison’s email and scanned her item. Then, it took care of the return and she was on her way. Her account was later reimbursed.

Amazon is now in the game, too. It offers lockers at a growing number of locations, like convenience stores.You get a special code to open specific lockers.

UPS also offers lockers, and works with some merchants for free pickup.

“We’ve seen some really interesting partnerships where retailers are working together or with shippers to make it easier for consumers to return things," said consumer expert Kyle Taylor with thepennyhoarder.com.

It’s not just about lockers and kiosks. For example, you can return purchases from flash sale site Hautelook.com at your local Nordstrom store.

Taylor says the purchase is no longer the end of the story for shoppers, and companies know it.

And while the new options aren’t quite as easy as purchasing in PJ's, proponents say there is a big advantage.

“You’ll also avoid the hassle of standing in a line at USPS or UPS,” Taylor explains.

Allison says letting someone else handle her return makes her one happy customer.

“Convenience is key for me,” she says.