Consumers welcome controversial new ASOS returns policy

In April ASOS announced that it is to crack down on serial returners with a change to its returns policy. The main changes are to close accounts of those consumers who are suspected of wear and return activity or ordering and returning an excessive volume of items.

UK wide research by Whistl has found that the majority of consumers (76%) welcome the changes, but they are less popular with younger (63%) and less affluent shoppers (66%).

Overall only 8% of consumers disagree with the changes but this increases to 16% when related to ASOS shoppers.. Interestingly, Argos shoppers are the most negative with 19% against the changes.

Those in favour of the policy changes think others are being dishonest and negatively impacting on everyone else by making items second-hand and pushing prices up. The respondents against the policy think it is against the principle of being able to buy and return and worry genuine customers might be unfairly penalised.

Interestingly, the research established that people who are classified as serial returners were predominately in favour of the changes:

Melanie Darvall, Marketing and Communications Director, Whistl, said:

“Although the changes brought in by ASOS created a lot of debate at the time, our research indicates that the changes are widely welcomed, even by those who are considered to be serial returners.

“It’s a good lesson for retailers when looking at developing their return policies for online purchases.  If explained well and seen as reasonable, the general public will welcome them, no matter how controversial they may first appear.”

Getting a returns policy right depends on many factors and more guidance is available here.