Return prevention
Reduce returns. Increase profitability.
For more profitability in e‑commerce. We analyze the causes of returns in the company, identify optimization potentials and assist you with the implementation with relevant experience. In this way, we create the basis for profitable, sustainable e‑commerce growth from which customers, the environment and your company benefit equally.
Reduce returns, increase performance
Fewer returns. More net revenue. No trade-off.
Return prevention is one of the rare true triple-win situations in e‑commerce: companies increase their net revenue, the environment is relieved and consumers save time. This combination inspires me so much that I have decided to further advance the topic scientifically in my doctoral thesis.
Return prevention in brief
Why?
Returns harm everyone involved – every return is time-consuming for customers, burdens the environment and costs companies a lot of money. Reducing them not only improves your financial and ecological balance, but also the relationship with customers.
That’s why return prevention is a real business lever:
- Up to 14% more net revenue through holistic interventions.
- Reduced return rates by up to 5%, without any return fees.
- Better customer satisfaction through less time expenditure.
- Sustainable contribution to CO₂ reduction: approx. 850 g CO₂e per avoided return.
Specifically, this means: One percent fewer returns can more than double the profitability of companies with 100 million euros in revenue and a 1.4% margin.
What?
Return prevention is not a coincidence, but the result of a holistic strategy. We identify where, how and why avoidable returns occur and design the touchpoints so that customers make better decisions from the start.
Our service includes:
- Holistic analysis of all return causes in the company – from internal key figures to shopping cart and return portal.
- Psychological optimization of customer decisions.
- Data-driven interventions that positively influence customer behavior in the long term.
- Measurable effect: fewer returns, higher conversion, better customer experiences and higher profitability per customer.
We create the basis for profitable, sustainable growth – with decisions that really help customers.
Why?
We combine data analysis, behavioral psychology and technology into an effective system. Along the five dimensions of return prevention, this means, for example:
- Pre-Purchase: AI-supported fit assistance, data-based nudging, etc.
- During-Purchase: Optimized payment methods, realistic expectation management, etc.
- Post-Purchase: Intelligent return portals, package inserts, etc.
- Internal Processes: Optimal return KPIs, improved intervention backlogs, etc.
- Proactive return prevention: Predictive return forecasting, data-based merchandising, etc.
Among other things, our PsyConversion method is used, which is based on over 120 researched Behavior Patterns – the psychological mechanisms behind purchase and return decisions.
The results are proven: significantly lower returns, higher conversion and more profit per visitor.
Convinced? Get in touch with us now.
Or learn more in our deep dive.
Deep DIve
All questions about return prevention at a glance
- Why is return prevention so important for business success?
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Returns cause direct costs, tie up capital and damage customer satisfaction. Even small reductions have a strong effect: as little as 1% fewer returns is enough to more than double the net margin of a typical German retailer with 100 million euros in revenue. In addition, every avoided return saves around 850 g of CO2e and significantly improves customer satisfaction.
- What results are realistic?
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In practical projects, holistic return prevention shows significant effects: up to 14% more net revenue, 5 – 10% fewer returns, up to 5% higher conversion rates and improved customer satisfaction. All without costly returns.
- Is return prevention synonymous with restrictive return policies?
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No. We focus on preventive measures instead of prohibitions. The goal is to support customers, not to slow them down. This keeps the customer and brand experience positive.
- How quickly are initial results visible?
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Depending on the data situation and setup, in a few weeks. Initial pilot A/B tests usually show valid effects on return and revenue key figures after 4 – 6 weeks.
- What distinguishes elaboratum’s approach from other providers?
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We combine psychological research with data-driven technology. No gut feeling, but validated Behavior Patterns and real business KPIs.
- How can success be proven?
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All measures are proven by randomized A/B tests or causal machine learning approaches. KPIs such as return rate, conversion rate and net profit per visitor show effects transparently and comprehensibly.
Our expertise for you. Just a few clicks away.
Find out how you can reduce your return rates.
Dr. Philipp Spreer
Managing Director
+49 172 45 41 914
philipp.spreer@elaboratum.de
Improve your financial and ecological balance by focusing on holistic return reduction. Feel free to contact me for a non-binding consultation.
Best regards
Philipp Spreer
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