Press Release 4th July 2023 | Paris, France
e-PAQ Returns is a comprehensive end-to-end solution which complements the panel of international e-commerce delivery solutions Asendia already offers. It enables international retailers to accelerate growth, reaching consumers in more than 200 countries.
Returns are one of the biggest retailer challenges. A recent global study (*) by Asendia revealed that on average, retailers said their returns rate was approaching a quarter of their total purchases (23%). This figure increases to 27% in the US and in Switzerland, and 26% in Germany and the UK. And when shoppers were asked to consider, when having an international order fulfilled, what would influence their decision to make a purchase currently, their top three responses revolved around shipping. Nearly one shopper in three (32%) will ensure their preferred returns method is available (paperless, drop off box, collect, postal office, in-store) before finalising an order.
As shopper returns expectations vary from one country to another, and from one purchase to the next, it is essential for retailers to seamlessly offer shoppers a range of return options. Satisfying various customer expectations, e-PAQ provides a selection of methods to choose from.
Involving easy-to-use return QR codes instead of labels, automated tracking, high density drop-off points, and flexible return options, Asendia’s e-PAQ Returns platform allows shoppers to monitor the entire returns process; from when the package is shipped to when it is received by the retailer, giving them complete visibility and control over the process.
Six in ten (57%) retailers are projecting an increase in returns volumes in the next two and five years and therefore a third (29%) want to tackle this issue and reduce the number of returns. The urge to tackle returns is readily understood in the context of lost income and the costs of processing them. It is worth noting that in the US alone, industry figures show that shoppers returned $816billion of goods in 2022.
By choosing e-PAQ Returns, retailers are selecting a 100% carbon neutral solution. Sustainability is a core aspect of the business, Asendia has offset all of its scope 1, 2 & 3 CO2 emissions and as of 2023, the company has been awarded the carbon offsetting certificate for 2022, keeping its promise of becoming 100% neutral.
“Returns are a significant headache for retailers, but shoppers want to buy with the confidence that they can return their items if they wish to. We’re excited to join forces with ESW to offer an end-to-end global solution entirely focused on our customer’s needs and which simplifies the returns process from A to Z. We believe that by designing and providing a sustainable returns solution, we can help our customers meet their sustainability goals whilst also improving the e-commerce experience for shoppers. “ Explains Marc Pontet, CEO at Asendia.
“Globally, we’re noticing people are cutting back on their spending, so they are more likely to choose retailers who provide the best end-to-end shopping experience. With tightened budgets, consumers are only keeping purchases they truly love and plan to use, so brands and retailers must ensure they have the proper logistics network and technology in place to keep up with shifting behaviours. The state-of-the-art technology behind e-PAQ Returns provides retailers and consumers with full control and visibility of the return journey.” Comments Tommy Kelly, CEO of ESW.
e-PAQ Returns is completing the 360° e-commerce value chain Asendia is offering to retailers. This solution, as part of the company’s e-PAQ range, complements the panel of international e-commerce delivery solutions Asendia is already offering. It represents a highly competitive advantage to handle and propose shipping and returns solutions.
