5 Awesome tips to reduce customers refusing to receive goods for your e-commerce business

21 December, 2023 by
5 Awesome tips to reduce customers refusing to receive goods for your e-commerce business
Lameco JSC

Hey friends! Are you tired of customers refusing to receive the products you sell on Marketplace? I totally get it. As a seller myself, it can be super frustrating to deal with.

But don't worry! In this blog post, Lameco team will share 5 awesome tips to help reduce the rate of customers refusing goods. These tips have worked wonders for our own e-commerce business.


Let's get started!


Why Do Customers Refuse Goods in the First Place?

Before we get into the solutions, it's important to understand why customers refuse delivery in the first place. There are a few key reasons this happens:


1. Wrong or Damaged Product

This is probably the most common reason. If the customer receives an item that is different or damaged compared to what they ordered, they will likely refuse delivery.


2. Failed to Meet Expectations

Sometimes there is a mismatch between how you presented the product versus what the customer actually receives. They may refuse delivery if it doesn't meet their expectations.


3. Changed Their Mind

Buyer's remorse is real! Some customers simply change their minds about a purchase after placing an order.


4. Suspicious of Scam

Unfortunately, scams do happen. Some cautious customers may worry your business is not legit and refuse delivery to be safe.


5. Not Home for Delivery

If no one is available to receive the parcel, the customer won't be able to accept it.


Now that we know why customers refuse packages, let's look at how to fix it!


Tip #1: Improve Product Quality Control

The #1 reason customers refuse goods is because the product is wrong, damaged or poorly made. That's why strict quality control is so important!


Here are some product quality tips:

  • Carefully inspect each item before shipping. Look for any defects or flaws.
  • Test products to ensure they function properly.
  • Pack items very securely to prevent damage in transit. Use bubble wrap, foam peanuts etc.
  • Work only with reliable suppliers who provide high-quality products.
  • Offer a quality guarantee - this builds trust!


Taking the time to get quality control right will really reduce refusals due to wrong or damaged items.


Tip #2: Set Accurate Product Expectations

Sometimes customers refuse items simply because the product did not match the description or photos you provided. Here are some tips for setting accurate expectations:

  • Write detailed product descriptions that capture every feature. Be totally transparent about what customers get!
  • Take high quality photos showing every angle. Include photos of any defects.
  • Clearly state the size, material, color and other specs so there is no room for interpretation.
  • Mention whether items are new, used or refurbished. Customers appreciate transparency.
  • List any disclaimers (ex. "Color may vary slightly").
  • Avoid inflated claims ("World's Best Headphones"). Stick to facts.
  • Manage expectations on shipping time. Make sure customers know how long it will take.


Taking the time to accurately describe and photograph your products will really help avoid those "not as described" refusals and complaints.


Tip #3: Liberal Return Policy

One easy way to reduce refusals is simply to offer hassle-free returns or refunds. This gives customers peace of mind that they won't be stuck with an item they don't want.


Here are some tips for creating a liberal returns policy:

  • Offer a generous return window like 30 or 60 days. This reduces the fear of being "stuck" with a bad purchase.
  • Provide a full money-back guarantee. Refund their purchase price once you receive the returned item.
  • Make returns free and easy. Let customers return items without paying shipping fees.
  • Accept returns for any reason - no questions asked! This gives customers flexibility.
  • Make your returns policy very visible on your marketplace storefront and website.


Having an open and flexible returns policy helps create a worry-free shopping experience where customers feel comfortable taking a chance on new purchases without fear of being denied a return later on. This leads to fewer customers immediately refusing deliveries.


Tip #4: Outstanding Customer Service

Providing amazing customer service can also reduce refusals and make customers more willing to accept deliveries. Here are some service tips:

  • Respond quickly to all questions and concerns before and after purchase.
  • Offer friendly and flexible cancellation for customers who change their minds about a purchase.
  • Provide regular shipping updates so customers can plan to be home.
  • Include customized notes with each order thanking the customer.
  • Follow up after delivery to make sure they are satisfied.
  • Make returns and exchanges easy in case of issues.
  • Have 24/7 customer service availability just in case of problems.


When you really invest in customer service, buyers will trust you more and be less likely to automatically refuse a delivery out of skepticism.


Tip #5: Positive Brand Reputation

Finally, focusing on building up positive brand reputation will create customer trust that reduces refusals. Some ideas:

  • Gather reviews and testimonials to showcase satisfied customers.
  • Be active posting content and interacting on social media.
  • Sponsor community events and nonprofit causes.
  • Run ethical promotions that deliver real value.
  • Partner with influencers and bloggers to increase awareness.
  • Earn certifications or badges that prove your business credibility.
  • Join the chamber of commerce or industry associations.


The more you can do to make customers see your business as credible, ethical and involved in the community, the more it will inspire buyer confidence and trust to accept deliveries without fear or skepticism.


Wrap Up

Alright friends - now you're armed with 5 awesome tips to reduce e-commerce delivery refusals:


  1. Improve product quality control.
  2. Set accurate expectations.
  3. Offer a liberal returns policy.
  4. Provide outstanding customer service.
  5. Build a positive brand reputation.

Putting these tips into action can seem like a lot of work. But trust me, it will pay off big time by earning customer trust and dramatically reducing the number of refused or returned orders. This saves you time, money and headaches in the long run.


As a bonus, these tips will also improve customer satisfaction, repeat purchase rate and word of mouth for your e-commerce business. So they really benefit you in multiple ways!


Let me know if you have any other great tips for reducing delivery refusals. I'd love to hear what has worked for you. Thanks friends - now get out there and start reducing those pesky refused deliveries. You've got this!

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