Using Data to Reduce Returns, Retain Customers, and Improve Supply Chain Operations

Data is a powerful tool for your team's wide range of operating requirements. When you leverage data analytics to support your needs, you can take advantage of numerous benefits that help you stay ahead of the curve. Returns management is a vital omnichannel retail solution

Let's take a look at how using data to reduce returns is worth the investment.

Why Returns Matter

Growing your brand is always a priority for your business. Returns can be a key to helping you reach your goal. Your returns analysis can tell you how your current strategies are working, from providing insights into your customers to supporting product improvement. 

Returns are a critical part of your business's data evaluations and processes. You need to understand where they're coming from and why because they can help you troubleshoot and grow. Returns management is a powerful profit driver, giving you a comprehensive look at your sales processes and customer responses. 

With the right analytics, you can pinpoint concerns and areas for improvement, such as:

• Sizing uncertainty: Properly sizing products is critical to maintaining customer satisfaction. You want to evaluate effectiveness regularly with the right data.
• Quality: If a minor performance issue is causing complaints or the product's overall design needs tweaking, your returns data can help you identify the problem and solution.
• Client preferences: By evaluating the feedback you receive, you can build a more detailed profile of your customer base and better target their needs.

Collect Returns Reason Data

Whatever your business goals, collecting and analyzing returns should be an essential quality control measure. You might be surprised by the range of insights you can get by collecting information from customers on why they're returning items. Was it the size or color of the product? Did they experience an issue with their order? Did the product not work correctly?

Paying attention to your customers' feedback and collecting reasons for returns is essential to finding the root issue. It may be a one-time client preference or a repeated concern that your customers want to be addressed. Determining the reason for returns can help you learn from your target audience and hone your business approach. That way, you equip your company to meet their needs.

Analyze Data and Adjust Product Descriptions

As you evaluate the data you receive from customers, respond to their concerns and preferences promptly. For example, if a product size is consistently not meeting client expectations, clarify for them. Rework product descriptions to represent the product better and ensure you're communicating effectively with potential buyers. 

Making adjustments based on your customers' expectations will help you increase client satisfaction.

How Osa Can Help Reduce Returns and Retain Customers

At Osa, we manage all your backend e-commerce operations with an operating system that optimizes your entire supply chain system: the Unified Commerce Platform. With over 100 integration options with everything from Shopify to eBay, we can support your needs and help you grow. 

Our cohesive, intuitive, and intelligent system lets you track your inventory and orders in real-time, equipping you to make strategic decisions for your business. Contact us today to learn more.