Walmart raises return shipping rates for orders fulfilled by third-party sellers, citing "changing market conditions" as the reason behind the adjustment. Walmart spokesperson, John Forrest Ales emphasizes that the rates, which went into effect on March 20th, are minimal and represent the first increase in two years. Ales highlights that despite this adjustment, Walmart maintains competitive rates within the industry and continues to offer cost-effective fulfillment solutions for sellers of all sizes through Walmart Fulfillment Services.
The backdrop of this decision underscores the ongoing challenge faced by businesses in balancing consumer-friendly return policies with the imperative to manage reverse logistics costs. With online returns comprising a significant portion of total retail returns, crafting an effective returns strategy is crucial for eCommerce sellers. Walmart Marketplace sellers now have the option to implement a "Keep It Rule," allowing customers to keep items and receive a full refund, thereby avoiding return shipping fees. This approach, as outlined in Walmart's Seller Help page, is particularly advantageous for low-cost items where return shipping expenses may exceed the product's value.
The effectiveness of "keep it" policies is reinforced by a report from goTRG, which indicates that over 59% of surveyed U.S.-based retailers have adopted such services for items deemed uneconomical to ship back. This highlights the growing trend among retailers to optimize returns processes while maintaining customer satisfaction.
