Top Mistakes People Make When Returning Online Orders

Returns are frustrating enough without making common mistakes that cost you time, money, and stress. Here are the top mistakes people make and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Waiting Until the Last Minute

The Problem

What happens:

• You wait until day 29 of 30-day window
• Start return process
• Processing takes 24-48 hours
• By the time you get label, deadline has passed
• Result: Missed deadline, lost refund

The Cost

Average loss: $100-300 per missed return

How often: 40% of shoppers have missed a deadline

How to Avoid

Return items immediately:

• Don't wait until deadline
• Return within first 2 weeks
• Start return process right away
• Use 5-day buffer rule

Benefits:

• Never miss deadlines
• Faster refunds
• Less stress
• Peace of mind

Mistake 2: Not Reading Return Policy

The Problem

What happens:

• You assume 30-day return window
• But it's actually 14 days
• You miss deadline
• Result: Lost refund

Or:

• You assume free returns
• But there's a restocking fee
• You're surprised by charges
• Result: Unexpected costs

The Cost

Average loss: $50-200 per mistake

How to Avoid

Always read return policy:

• Check when you purchase
• Note return window
• Note any fees
• Note restrictions

Benefits:

• Know what to expect
• Avoid surprises
• Never miss deadlines
• Save money

Mistake 3: Not Keeping Original Packaging

The Problem

What happens:

• You recycle box immediately
• Need to return item
• Can't find packaging
• Have to buy new box ($5-15)
• Result: Extra cost, time wasted

The Cost

Average cost: $5-15 per return (if you buy packaging)

Time wasted: 10-30 minutes searching

How to Avoid

Keep original packaging:

• Save boxes for 30 days
• Store in closet or garage
• Label with purchase date
• Recycle after 30 days (if no return)

Benefits:

• No packaging costs
• Faster returns
• Less stress
• Save money

Mistake 4: Not Using QR Codes

The Problem

What happens:

• You print label at home
• Printer is out of ink
• Have to go to library or office store
• Waste time and money
• Result: Extra time, extra cost

The Cost

Average cost: $0.50-2 per print (if you go somewhere)

Time wasted: 10-30 minutes

How to Avoid

Use QR codes:

• Most retailers offer QR codes
• Show on phone at drop-off
• No printer needed
• Fast and easy

Benefits:

• No printer needed
• Faster returns
• Less hassle
• Save money

Mistake 5: Going at Peak Times

The Problem

What happens:

• You go Saturday morning
• Everyone else is there too
• Wait 30-45 minutes in line
• Waste time
• Result: Long wait, frustration

The Cost

Time wasted: 20-30 minutes per return (vs. off-peak)

Stress: High

How to Avoid

Go at off-peak times:

• Weekday mornings (9-10 AM)
• Mid-afternoon (2-3 PM)
• Tuesday-Thursday (avoid Monday/Friday)

Benefits:

• Shorter lines
• Faster service
• Less stress
• Save time

Mistake 6: Not Batching Returns

The Problem

What happens:

• You make separate trip for each return
• 5 returns = 5 separate trips
• Waste time and gas
• Result: Inefficient, expensive

The Cost

Time wasted: 2-4 hours (vs. batching)

Gas wasted: $10-25 (vs. batching)

How to Avoid

Batch returns:

• Collect returns all month
• Process all at once
• Make one trip (or use pickup service)

Benefits:

• More efficient
• Saves time
• Saves money
• Less stress

Mistake 7: Not Tracking Returns

The Problem

What happens:

• You don't track deadlines
• Miss return window
• Lose refund
• Result: Lost money

The Cost

Average loss: $100-300 per missed return

How to Avoid

Track returns:

• Use tracking app
• Set calendar reminders
• Create spreadsheet
• Use pickup services (we track for you)

Benefits:

• Never miss deadlines
• Know status
• Less stress
• Save money

Mistake 8: Not Using Store Returns When Available

The Problem

What happens:

• You ship return back
• Takes 5-14 days for refund
• Could have returned to store
• Get immediate refund
• Result: Slower refund

The Cost

Time lost: 5-14 days (vs. immediate)

How to Avoid

Use store returns:

• Check if available
• Return to physical store
• Get immediate refund
• No shipping needed

Benefits:

• Immediate refund
• No shipping
• Faster
• Easier

Mistake 9: Not Packaging Items Securely

The Problem

What happens:

• You package item poorly
• Item gets damaged in transit
• Retailer rejects return
• You lose refund
• Result: Lost money

The Cost

Average loss: $100-300 per damaged return

How to Avoid

Package securely:

• Use proper box
• Use bubble wrap
• Pack tightly
• Use strong tape
• Label clearly

Benefits:

• Item arrives safely
• Return accepted
• Get refund
• Save money

Mistake 10: Not Getting Proof of Drop-Off

The Problem

What happens:

• You drop off return
• Don't get receipt
• Retailer says they never received it
• No proof
• Result: Lost refund

The Cost

Average loss: $100-300 per lost return

How to Avoid

Get proof:

• Get receipt from carrier
• Take photo of drop-off
• Save tracking number
• Use pickup services (we provide proof)

Benefits:

• Proof of drop-off
• Can dispute if needed
• Peace of mind
• Save money

Mistake 11: Not Checking Item Condition Before Returning

The Problem

What happens:

• You return item without checking
• Item is damaged
• Retailer rejects return
• You lose refund
• Result: Lost money

The Cost

Average loss: $100-300 per rejected return

How to Avoid

Check item condition:

• Inspect before packaging
• Note any damage
• Take photos if needed
• Package securely

Benefits:

• Return accepted
• Get refund
• Less stress
• Save money

Mistake 12: Not Using Fastest Drop-Off Options

The Problem

What happens:

• You use slowest option (post office)
• Wait 30-45 minutes
• Could have used faster option
• Waste time
• Result: Long wait, frustration

The Cost

Time wasted: 20-30 minutes per return (vs. faster options)

How to Avoid

Use fastest options:

• Amazon Lockers (5-15 minutes)
• Kohl's (20-35 minutes)
• Whole Foods (15-30 minutes)
• Drop boxes (2-5 minutes)
• Pickup services (1 minute to book)

Benefits:

• Faster returns
• Less time
• Less stress
• Save time

Mistake 13: Not Contacting Retailer If Issue

The Problem

What happens:

• Refund is delayed
• You don't contact retailer
• Wait weeks
• Could have resolved faster
• Result: Delayed refund

The Cost

Time lost: Days or weeks

How to Avoid

Contact retailer:

• If refund is delayed
• Provide tracking number
• Ask for status
• Request expedited processing

Benefits:

• Faster resolution
• Get refund sooner
• Less stress
• Save time

Mistake 14: Not Using Return Pickup Services

The Problem

What happens:

• You do returns yourself
• Waste 60-90 minutes per return
• Stress and hassle
• Could have used pickup service
• Result: Wasted time, stress

The Cost

Time wasted: 60-90 minutes per return

Stress: High

How to Avoid

Use pickup services:

• We come to you
• We handle everything
• We track deadlines
• You get photo proof

Benefits:

• Saves 60-90 minutes
• Zero stress
• Zero hassle
• Peace of mind

The Bottom Line

Top mistakes to avoid:

1. Waiting until last minute: Return immediately
2. Not reading return policy: Always read policy
3. Not keeping original packaging: Save boxes 30 days
4. Not using QR codes: Use QR codes when available
5. Going at peak times: Go at off-peak times
6. Not batching returns: Batch returns monthly
7. Not tracking returns: Track deadlines
8. Not using store returns: Use when available
9. Not packaging securely: Package properly
10. Not getting proof: Get receipt/photo
11. Not checking condition: Inspect before returning
12. Not using fastest options: Use fastest drop-off
13. Not contacting retailer: Contact if delayed
14. Not using pickup services: Use for convenience

Cost of mistakes:

• Time: 2-4 hours wasted per year
• Money: $200-600 lost per year
• Stress: High

How to avoid:

• Follow best practices
• Use tools and apps
• Use pickup services: We prevent most mistakes

The ultimate solution: Return pickup services that handle everything correctly. We track deadlines, we package securely, we get proof, we use fastest options. You avoid all these mistakes automatically.

Ready to avoid these mistakes? Learn how Returnful works or text us at 469-790-7579.

---

Want to avoid return mistakes? Text us at 469-790-7579 and we'll handle everything correctly.