Let's be honest: returns are annoying. They cost time, money and nerves - on both sides. But instead of simply "handling" them, you could also organise them cleverly - and even turn them into a service that impresses your customers.
A dedicated returns portal can do just that. In this article, we take a look at what's behind it, when it's worthwhile - and when it's not.
What exactly is a returns portal?
Instead of requesting a return by email or hotline, your customers can do everything themselves directly on your website.
In a returns portal, they enter their order number, select the item, a reason for return and immediately receive a return label. Some portals even offer status tracking or a returns dashboard for you in the backend.
If you have just Build up your shopa returns portal may not yet be a must - but it is an important building block for professional returns management. Returns management in e-commerce.
Why a returns portal is more than just "nice"
Many retailers believe that a returns portal is an expensive extra. But the truth is that it can Reduce support costs, speed up processes and strengthen your customers' trust.
Especially if you regularly receive returns - for example in the fashion, technology or lifestyle sector - and are already dealing with several returns. Shipping service providers for online shops a centralised return process quickly becomes valuable.
A good returns portal will help you with this:
- Process returns more quickly and automatically
Reduce support requests - systematically record reasons for returns - often in conjunction with tools from the area of E-commerce tracking & Website Analytics (e.g. the Google Analytics Alternative Trackboxx)
- to create a consistent brand experience, right down to the last interaction
What does it all cost?
Returns portals are not free - but they don't have to be. If you are currently setting up your shop with a modular system or CMS (see Creating an online shop - guide for beginners), you can integrate many of these solutions on a modular basis. Especially in conjunction with tools such as Sendcloud or returnsportal.de, processes can be greatly simplified - and you still retain control.
What returns portals are there - and what can they do?
If you want to integrate a returns portal into your online shop, you don't have to reinvent the wheel. There are now a number of providers who specialise in exactly this - from simple tools for small shops to comprehensive solutions for growing brands.
Here is an overview of well-known and proven providers:
Sendcloud
Sendcloud is one of the most popular all-in-one shipping platforms in Europe - and also offers a fully integrated returns portal. Customers can register returns directly online, print labels themselves and you receive a clear analysis of all returns in the backend.
Special features:
- White-label-capable (can be used in own branding)
- Reasons for return recordable & exportable
- Direct integration in Shopify, WooCommerce, Shopware & Co.
- Very beginner-friendly
Ideal for: Small and medium-sized shops with high usability requirements
returnsportal.de
A German provider that focuses exclusively on digital return processes. Returnsportal.de offers a lightweight system with a return form, automated label creation and transparent processing.
Special features:
- Data protection compliant according to GDPR
- Integration into existing shops via embedding or subdomain
- Recording of reasons for return & status tracking
Ideal for: Retailers looking for a dedicated tool for the returns process without having to book a shipping platform straight away
shipcloud
Shipcloud is primarily a multicarrier shipping solution, but additionally offers Return APIs and optional returns services. The platform is aimed more at technically savvy retailers or developers who want to map customised processes.
Special features:
- Support for many shipping service providers (DHL, DPD, UPS, GLS etc.)
- Return label creation can be automated
- Focus on interfaces & API utilisation
Ideal for: Shops with their own IT or a high need for customisation
DHL Returns Online
With DHL Returns Online the market leader in German parcel shipping offers an easy way to process returns digitally - especially if you are shipping with DHL anyway.
Special features:
- Returns portal can be integrated into your shop
- Choice between national and international returns
- Label creation & returns overview for retailers
Ideal for: Retailer with DHL volume contract or focus on the German market
Narvar, Loop, ReturnGO (for international shops)
If you sell internationally or are a D2C brand with strong growth, it is worth taking a look at Narvar (USA), Loop Returns (especially for Shopify) or ReturnGO (AI-supported). These providers focus on Customer experience, automation and reselling in the return process.
Ideal for: E-commerce brands with a focus on the USA, UK or global market
When is a returns portal really worthwhile?
If you already have several Payment provider If you have connected your own returns portal, are scaling shipping processes and the returns rate is slowly increasing, it's high time to think about automation. And this is exactly where a dedicated returns portal fits in perfectly.
Conclusion: Not just a cost brake, but a customer loyalty booster
Having your own returns portal isn't just a nice extra - it's a real service module. It takes work off your hands, makes your shop more professional and helps to ensure that customers are happy to order from you again - even if something has been returned.
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