On Monday, FedEx Corp. announced it would launch FedEx Consolidated Returns, a low-priced, easy ecommerce returns option for merchants, in early 2023.
The return program would allow merchants to provide a return solution to their shoppers that does not require a box or label.
“As the returns market grows, FedEx continues to explore innovative alternatives for our customers. While this solution will provide a low-priced returns option for merchants, it’s also a simple, convenient process to help retailers deliver a shopper-friendly experience,” said Ryan Kelly, Vice President, E-Commerce & Retail Marketing, FedEx Services.
Facilitated through supply chain services offered by FedEx logistics and FedEx Office, the program would let shoppers from participating merchants drop their return items off at one of approximately 2,000 FedEx Office locations. The returned items would be consolidated with other returns from a variety of merchants before being processed through FedEx Logistics and sent back to the merchants through a less-than-truckload option.
The company said data from Forbes shows that consumers prefer in-person box-free returns to mail-in returns that require labeling. “Nearly half of the shoppers surveyed do not have continuous access to a printer that can be used for printing return labels,” data indicated.
“FedEx Consolidated Returns is another way FedEx is helping merchants build customer loyalty by making the returns process simple and effective. Having a streamlined but low-cost option helps retailers stand out in a competitive market and adds to the overall returns portfolio at FedEx,” said Patrick Super, Vice President, Retail, FedEx Supply Chain.