Reviews and social proof could prove key in reversing the issue of fashion returns, according to new research.
The study, from eCommerce marketing platform Yotpo, reveals fit and quality issues proved the top reasons prompting fashion returns for 83% of UK shoppers, followed by items appearing different in the flesh compared to what they looked like online for a further 47%.
When it comes to sizing reassurance when shopping online, 63% of shoppers turn to user-generated content, such as reviews, to get further clarity on fit information, while 86% said that real-life photos of other customers wearing items of clothing were important when validating how a product would look like or fit them.
This, the report suggests, shows the critical roles of reviews and social proof, not only in assisting with online conversions but also, ultimately, reducing returns, as Talia Shani, Director at Yotpo, explained:
“We know that confidence around sizing is a significant contributor to both conversions and returns, so it’s imperative that online fashion retailers support the buying journey at each stage by instilling confidence in the size, style and fit of a product. Luckily, simple changes to the online UX can support this.”
“By having reviews from other customers displayed alongside product imagery, or showing user generated content, such as photos and videos from other shoppers, can help customers validate their buying decision, making them more likely to convert and less likely to make a return – a win-win for the retailer,” she concluded.
For more insights on how to reduce the impact of returns on fashion businesses, download the full report here.