How to navigate holiday shipping and returns with CX guide

Peak shopping seasons can make or break your year. When customers expect fast (and often free) delivery, the pressure is on to balance cost control with a great customer experience. And with nearly 40% of shoppers abandoning carts over unexpected shipping fees, the stakes are high. Learn how to build a smart, transparent shipping strategy that works for both your business and your customers: https://lnkd.in/gaxciWAE

Should e‑commerce brands offer free returns? It’s a core question in fashion and retail: the right returns policy can boost loyalty and repeat purchases, or erode margins. In this guide, we compare free returns vs paid returns, show when exchanges outperform refunds, and outline how REVER turns return requests into saved sales and retention. Read: How to balance profit, free returns, and customer loyalty 👉 https://lnkd.in/dYF4cqCS

In eCommerce, the sale doesn’t end at checkout. It starts there. What happens after a customer buys defines how they feel about your brand. That’s why real-time tracking isn’t just a logistics feature. It’s a customer experience strategy. Here’s what it drives: ➡️ Improved Post-Purchase Experience Customers stay informed every step of the way no surprises, no frustration. ➡️ Customer Retention Transparency builds trust. And trust keeps people coming back. ➡️ Proactive Communication Instead of reacting to complaints, you can notify customers before they even ask. ➡️ Efficient Carrier Management Track performance, reduce delivery delays, and fix bottlenecks instantly. ➡️ Stronger Brand Reputation Fast, reliable updates turn casual buyers into loyal advocates. In a world where speed and clarity define loyalty, real-time tracking isn’t optional. It’s essential. Because when your customers know exactly where their order is, they know exactly where your brand stands. #ecommerce #logistics #customerexperience #supplychain #realtimetracking #shippingautomation #brandtrust #customerretention

Last week I had the chance to speak at Shopping Today and one theme came up again and again: loyalty. We all want loyal customers, but real loyalty doesn’t start with campaigns or discounts. It starts with keeping your promises; especially the delivery ones. Here are a few thoughts on what I’ve learned from working with retailers on how to align promise and delivery, and why that small shift can transform customer trust. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eZzYYfsM #SHT25

We couldn’t agree more with Michiel Arnoldus’ message from Shopping Today last week: real customer loyalty starts after the click. In his blog, Michiel shares what he’s learned from working with leading retailers on how to keep delivery promises, and why trust, not speed, is the new measure of success. #ecommerce #OMS #orderfulfilment #customerexperience

Inflation has some repair shops talking about price. Almost none are talking about people. At a recent industry session, 72% of shops said they’re leading their marketing with price-focused messaging. Only 1–3% mentioned emphasizing quality, reliability, or frequency of engagement. Not a single shop identified callbacks, the simplest, most human way to protect customer relationships. That’s where loyalty quietly leaks out. When you chase acquisition with discounts and ignore post-service connection, you train customers to shop price instead of trust. Callbacks aren’t automation or text blasts. They’re a real person, following up because they care. A voice that reinforces trust, appreciation, and belonging. “You’re lowering prices to bring them in. Who’s calling to keep the ones you already earned?” #AutoshopAnswers #AutoRepair #CustomerRetention #ServiceLoyalty #CX #AutoShopCallbacks

A smooth checkout might win the sale, but a smooth return earns the customer. Returns are the moment when trust is tested. If the process feels confusing or slow, that trust disappears fast. But when returns are simple and transparent, customers feel confident buying again. An easy return policy does not encourage refunds...it removes fear from the buying decision. For #ecommerce brands, that means clear instructions, automated tracking, and quick refunds or exchanges without the back-and-forth. Customers remember how you treat them after the purchase. Make that experience easy, and they will come back for the long run!

A smooth checkout might win the sale, but a smooth return earns the customer. Returns are the moment when trust is tested. If the process feels confusing or slow, that trust disappears fast. But when returns are simple and transparent, customers feel confident buying again. An easy return policy does not encourage refunds...it removes fear from the buying decision. For #ecommerce brands, that means clear instructions, automated tracking, and quick refunds or exchanges without the back-and-forth. Customers remember how you treat them after the purchase. Make that experience easy, and they will come back for the long run!

When sales season hits full swing, checkout efficiency can make or break your day. Your store gets busier, lines grow longer, and suddenly loyalty becomes the bottleneck... Staff pausing to find customer accounts and asking for phone numbers eats into efficiency, creating pressure for staff and frustration for customers waiting in line. When things get hectic, loyalty is often the first thing to go. Staff skip the extra steps, fewer customers are recognized, and those moments that make shoppers feel valued — earning points, redeeming rewards — are lost in the rush. The result? Lower engagement and less customer data. Digital Wallet Passes change that. Customers identify themselves instantly, keeping participation high without slowing down checkout. No hold-ups. No missed opportunities. Just loyalty that moves as fast as your business.

Why Costco's website is dangerously effective at emptying your wallet. 1. Offer multiple delivery options (Standard, Same-Day, 2-Day) Catering to different customer needs with flexible delivery options can significantly boost satisfaction. Some customers prioritize speed, while others are more budget-conscious. 2. Show trusted brands upfront When customers are in the market for something big (like a refrigerator), seeing familiar and trusted brands encourages them to explore your options more. Brand recognition builds confidence = leads to more clicks and higher conversion rates. 3. Enable filtering by category Nobody wants to scroll endlessly. By adding category filters, you save customers time and make it easier for them to find what they’re looking fo 4. Give customers control over delivery options Allowing customers to choose their preferred delivery method (whether it's faster delivery or a specific time slot) empowers them and reduces cart abandonment. 5.Helps customers quickly find what fits their budget. The more relevant options you offer, the more likely they are to buy. 6. When users see that others have rated a product highly, it builds social proof, increasing their confidence to make a purchase. 7. Early Customers don’t like waiting in uncertainty. By showing the delivery date upfront, you’re letting them plan accordingly. 8. Displaying reviews with ratings like “3.1 stars (27 reviews)” gives shoppers a quick snapshot of product quality. 9. Size guidance or a fit-check feature can help avoid disappointment and returns—just like a helpful sales associate offering advice before a purchase. 10. When users see a limited-time offer or a significant discount, it can make the purchase feel like a no-brainer. Encouraging quicker decisions and boosting sales. Costco’s website proves that great design doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple touches—like flexible delivery, trusted brands, and clear pricing. Combine to create a seamless shopping journey that keeps customers coming back. ===== PDF link: https://lnkd.in/g9-Vj9F9