FedEx has announced the launch of FedEx Consolidated Returns in the US, a solution designed to offers a low-priced, easy ecommerce returns option that merchants can pass on to shoppers.
The solution will launch in early 2023, and will be facilitated through supply chain services offered by FedEx Logistics and FedEx Office.
Shoppers who purchased from participating merchants can drop off the items they wish to return – no box or label required– at approximately 2,000 FedEx Office locations. The returned items will then be consolidated with other returns from a variety of merchants, saving materials and space. The items are then processed through FedEx Logistics and sent back to the merchants via a less-than-truckload option.
“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, ecommerce & retail marketing, FedEx Services.
This marks the latest addition to the growing FedEx Returns portfolio, which also includes printer-less and package-less return options at over 10,000 locations across the US.
According to data from Forbes, consumers now rank in-person box-free returns as the number one preferred method for online returns, while mail-in returns have dropped to the fourth-ranked position. Nearly half of the shoppers surveyed do not have continuous access to a printer that can be used for printing return labels.
“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,” added Patrick Super, vice president, retail, FedEx Supply Chain.
This service will initially be introduced in the US, the delivery firm did announce earlier this month [12 December] that it is introducing new package sorting technology at its Stansted Airport facility.
