While return volumes may not break records this summer, the stakes have never been higher. With major events like Amazon Prime Day and back-to-school shopping driving up order volumes, return rates in some categories could reach 30%. Add to that the pressure of global events, inflation, tariffs, and cautious consumer behavior, and it’s clear; retailers and brands must treat return management as a mission-critical function to protect margins, customer loyalty, and inventory health this season.
Here’s how to prepare for what could be a returns-heavy summer.
Understand What’s Driving the Surge
According to ReturnPro’s Consumer Returns Sentiment Report, 78% of consumers fear tariffs will raise the cost of goods, and 67% believe these costs will extend to return fees. Nearly 30% are already panic-purchasing essential items, echoing early COVID behavior.
When consumers buy in bulk or impulsively to hedge against future inflation, the eventual return wave becomes inevitable, especially as economic conditions stabilize or as buyer’s remorse sets in. This pre-emptive behavior is likely to drive short-term spikes in both sales and returns, as consumers hedge against uncertainty.
Map Out Return Capacity by Category
Return behavior is not uniform. The top panic-purchased categories include:
- Beauty & Personal Care (60%)
- Clothing & Accessories (47%)
- Electronics (24%)
Retailers in these verticals should model multiple return scenarios based on past peak seasons and current economic signals. Apparel might require additional processing for inspection and sanitizing, beauty products may not be resellable and require waste operations, and electronics may need detailed testing, data wiping, refurbishing and repackaging. Ensure you have the right infrastructure, staffing, and partner support to manage returns efficiently across all product types. Then allocate resources, warehouse space, and staffing accordingly.
Automate the Pain Points with Returns Management Software
Every day a returned item sits in a warehouse waiting to be processed manually, the items value can decrease. Manual return workflows can’t keep up with today’s volume or complexity. AI-powered SaaS platforms like ReturnPro help automate:
- Return initiation and tracking
- Fraud flagging and claim resolution
- Inventory sorting for ReCommerce or restock
Returns management software provides tools to eliminate manual tasks which are prone to human error. The software also improves policy enforcement following pre-set business rules which can minimize fraud and margin erosion. These tools allow teams to handle high volumes efficiently, reduce errors, and speed up time-to-refund, which is critical during peak consumer anxiety.
Offer Omnichannel Return Models
Despite the nature of online purchases, 81% of consumers say they prefer to return items in-store. Offering multiple return methods, mail, locker drop-off, in-store, adds flexibility and improves retention.
Give customers options:
- Store drop-off for quick refunds
- Prepaid mail labels
- Third-party return kiosks
This omnichannel strategy encourage customers to Buy Online and Return In Store (BORIS) which supports convenience while funneling traffic back into physical stores, where additional purchases are likely.
Turn Returns into Revenue
Returns don’t have to equal lost sales. Consider
- Instant exchanges
- Store credit incentives
- Upsell offers at return intiation
Combine these with a well-oiled ReCommerce strategy to turn returned inventory into a new revenue stream. For example, ReturnPro’s SaaS employs Smart Routing to process returns directly back into the original sales channel. When this is not possible, the intelligence automatically routes the return into secondary DTC, wholesale, or liquidation markets, maximizing recovery and minimizing loss.
Overcommunicate with Customers
Transparent communication is key to managing expectations. Be upfront about return policies, fees (if any), and timelines. Use proactive notifications throughout the process from return initiation to refund confirmation.
Any additional friction in the return process could be the tipping point for losing a sale, especially as shoppers seek to stretch every dollar.
Use Returns Data to Forecast Inventory and Marketing
Every return tells a story. Use the data to understand why items are coming back, whether it’s doesn’t fit, poor quality, or not as pictured by SKU/category.
Use those insights to:
- Refine product descriptions
- Improve sizing tools
- Adjust paid media strategies
- Refine pricing and promotions
- Improve return policies
Understanding and acting on returns data can turn costly returns into valuable insights that helps you recover more, waste less, and sell smarter.
You cannot hear this enough. Returns are no longer a cost center, they’re a customer touchpoint, a data goldmine, and a competitive differentiator. As summer heats up, the brands that win will be those who treat returns as a strategic advantage, not just an operational chore.
Retailers must lean into this new reality by investing in technology, adapting policies, and planning proactively. Whether it’s panic-driven overbuying or price-sensitive shoppers looking for flexible policies, the message is clear: the return experience could make or break you this season.
Don’t let returns break your summer, let ReturnPro show you how to stay ahead.
