Not only the process of managing returns, also the resale of the goods can offer numerous starting points for optimization. Intelligent matching of product categories with the most suitable sales platforms can significantly increase the sales value achieved. When selling via public marketplaces or auctions, software solutions with AI-supported algorithms can help to sell at the best possible price.
But using your own store or web-shop for selling returned products can also be a way to differentiate yourself from the competition and offer customers an attractive alternative. This way, interested parties can purchase goods that are almost as good as new as well as products with transparently documented minor defects or signs of use, at attractive prices. Not only for financial reasons, but also in terms of environmental aspects and sustainability, this becomes an increasingly exciting option for many buyers – and perhaps a reason for choosing a specific web-shop or brand.
In the apparel market, this trend has already established itself. German business magazine Wirtschaftswoche recently reported that more and more industry giants are reselling returned and even second-hand clothing via their own online stores. Studies also confirm a clear trend toward the secondary use of goods. YouGov recently reported that almost 20 million Germans say they prefer to buy second-hand rather than new.
“This sustainability trend is now also increasingly taking over other segments, such as electronics, household appliances, furniture or toys,” confirms Alexander Lange, Business Development Manager at BuyBay. “Suppliers, especially well-known brands, are often concerned that they will cannibalize their offerings and brand image if they also make so-called B goods available to their customers. However, our experience in working with well-known vendors has shown that the offer of returned goods can help them to reach exciting new customer groups, who are attracted by the attractive price-performance ratio or by the sustainability concept.”
Make sure you check out our Effective Returns Management whitepaper, and learn how to put theory into practice.