Openpay highlights seismic shift to online returns culture
British shoppers are returning £5.2 billion worth of goods bought online each year, according to research from buy now, pay later specialist Openpay.
This is based on the nation sending back £69.80 each over the last six months. 12 per cent, meanwhile, have made purchases with returns in mind as living rooms increasingly become the new changing rooms.
The company surveyed 2,004 Brits and also found that nearly a third of Gen Zs feel pressured to buy things they see endorsed on their social media channels and a sixth of Brits admit to having made impulsive purchases as a result of platforms like Instagram. 12% don’t like to recycle outfits due to pressures from social media.
Also of note is that 28% of consumers feel retailers make it too easy to send things back. Just 26% would buy less if retailers charged return fees.
Andy Harding, UK Managing Director at Openpay, comments: “It’s indisputable that consumers have the right to return any item that they purchase online. However, encouraging responsible behaviour towards returns is in the interests of all parties involved.”
“Our research shows that there is a consumer appetite for a revamp of the returns process, but it’s important that the industry now comes together to work towards driving down returns in a coordinated and committed way. It’s also crucial that the environmental impacts are kept front of mind when considering any new solutions as consumer awareness around this issue continues to grow,” he adds.
