But while the kids are busy hunting for eggs, here's some food for thought on the latest retail and e-commerce news.
Shippo, an e-commerce technology firm that links technology, fulfillment, and shipping partners just conducted a survey about consumer returns, and here are their findings.
Alphabet Inc.'s Wing will begin the most extensive drone-delivery test program in the United States, beginning in suburban Dallas.
Tax Refund spending spree underway.
Sellers are poised to raise prices following the Amazon fuel inflation fee.
Here's what's going on in customers' minds. Shippo, an e-commerce technology firm that links technology, fulfillment, and carrier providers surveyed 1,000 online shoppers to uncover what consumers want most when it comes to returns.
According to data from the National Retail Federation, retail returns from online sales in the United States rose to 20.8% in 2021. More than 85% of online customers returned at least one product in the previous six months, with 75% of returnees returning between 2 and 9 items.
Shippo discovered that the return policies established by the brand had a significant impact on initial sales for many customers. An overwhelming 84% of respondents said they would read the return policy before purchasing, whereas, 44% would look for an alternative product or retailer if they were unhappy with the return policy.
Consumers, on the other hand, are not enthusiastic about returning items in-store, with just 14% preferring to do so. The preprinted label is popular (22%), but a QR code or no label at all (22%) for leaving at a drop-off location is also considered as convenient.
Moreover, 39% of consumers would prefer to start the return process online and utilize a preprinted return label sent with the initial shipment. On the contrary, the least popular option for starting a return is to contact a customer service representative (41%).
Get Your Packages Delivered By a Drone: Drone-Delivery Test Program Begins
Test the future of package delivery.Alphabet Inc.'s Wing is preparing to begin the United States' first large drone-delivery test program, beginning in Dallas. Last October, the company announced its plan to commence Texas deliveries, and the Federal Aviation Administration has given the green light for the program.
The deal allows Alphabet's Wing to sell products at a Walgreens shop, which it will do alongside other suppliers to deliver ice cream, pet medications, and first-aid kits. Alphabet Inc. is the parent company of Google, Nest, Wing, and a slew of other technology firms.
Tax Refund? Yes, Please!: Tax Refund Season Will Be a Boon for Apparel Sales
In tax refunds, we trust! As tax season winds down, apparel retailers are poised to benefit from a bump in sales as shoppers receive their refunds.
According to a study from Earnest Research, taxpayers who received tax refunds in the first weeks of April outspent non-recipients by 7 points, up from 3 points in 2019.
So far, electronics, off-price websites, and big-box retailers have benefited the most from the tax refund bonanza, along with dining out and air travel.
This week's "screw you!" from Amazon... Sellers onAmazonare bracing for a new fee to offset the cost of fuel inflation, which is already being passed on to customers in the form of higher prices.
According to documents reviewed by Bloomberg, Amazon.com Inc. will charge a 5% fuel and inflation fee on online merchants that use its shipping services, putting pressure on sellers to raise prices. The extra fee, which is set to take effect on April 28, will apply to sellers in the United States that utilize Fulfillment by Amazon, which stores, packs, and ships items.
A LITTLE MORE
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Lululemon begins a trade-in and resale program as customers are affected by inflation.
Around the world, 53% of online consumers would rather pay with their credit cards.
QUICK TIP
Try this. Customers nowadays want their queries answered fast. Real-time query resolution and live interactions have become critical for delivering a high-quality customer experience. Integrating live chat functionality into your website is the best way to meet this crucial client demand.
TWEET TWEET
“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” — Estée Lauder
A look back at the ebay app from over a decade ago.
LISTEN UP
On this 28th episode of The E-Comm Show, our host and BlueTuskr CEO Andrew Maff is with Kimberly Aya of FunCakes. Kimberly is a long-time baker who devised a way to create artificial tiered cakes that looks exactly like a real one! These pseudo-custom designed cakes are available for rent, are easy to transport, and way more affordable for wedding couples on a budget.
Listen in as Kimberly shares her full experience of swimming with the sharks on one of the most coveted TV shows today, Shark Tank. Get hot and fresh insights and tips on how to land an opportunity to pitch your business to the sharks and how to handle the sales after the show.