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E-commerce Returns Statistics

Estimated e-commerce returns benchmarks: typical return rates, category breakdowns, return reasons, costs and seasonal trends.

Approximate industry estimates
•
Verify with primary sources before relying on them
30-40%
Fashion & Apparel Return Rate
20-30%
Average Return Rate
$10-$20
Typical Cost Per Return

Overall Industry

20-30%
Average E-commerce Return Rate
vs 8-10% for brick-and-mortar
16.5%
Returns as % of Sales
average across all categories
$10-$20
Cost Per Return
logistics + processing

Key insights for store owners

What These Numbers Mean

  • •If you're seeing 20-30% returns, you're at industry average
  • •Fashion stores should expect higher rates (30-40%)
  • •Each return typically costs $10-$20 in logistics and handling (estimate)
  • •Size and fit is commonly the most frequent return reason

Action Items

  • •Improve size guides to reduce "wrong size" returns
  • •Offer exchanges with incentives to reduce refunds
  • •Prepare for higher return volume after the holiday season
  • •Track your return reasons to identify patterns

About these figures

These are approximate estimates compiled from publicly available industry reports and surveys. They vary by source, region and year, may be out of date, and are provided for general information only. Please check the primary sources before relying on them for business decisions.

Returndotai. E-commerce Returns Statistics. Retrieved from https://returndotai.com/resources/statistics

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