Sustainability is also becoming more and more relevant in shipping and returns management. Online retailers see the greatest potential for optimization in more sustainable shipping packaging.
In the EHI study “Shipping and returns management in e-commerce 2021”, most respondents (24 percent) state that the sustainability of the packaging is the most urgent optimization measure. “Nevertheless, ecological criteria such as sustainability in general or the reusability of returns do not yet play the role for online retailers that one might expect given the current discussions,” explains Thomas Kempcke, Head of the Logistics Research Department and author of the study .
Packaging size and material must be right
In addition to the general focus on sustainability, when it comes to packaging, those surveyed attach importance to an optimal size ratio (20 percent), optimal use of materials (17 percent) and the avoidance of filling material (15 percent). Only ten percent of online retailers consider the reusability of packaging or the use of reusable packaging as a current optimization measure.
Surcharge for fast deliveries
For particularly fast delivery times that deviate from the standard times, the dealers sometimes charge a surcharge. Mostly they demand this from the fastest possible delivery within 24 hours or less (cumulative share of 25 percent). Of the eight percent of companies that offer same-day delivery, six percent charge a surcharge. The longer the delivery time, the less often a surcharge is required. Retailers often offer different options: faster shipping, for which shipping costs are charged, and slower standard shipping with free delivery.
Returned articles often remain A-Ware
A good half of those surveyed (53 percent) are able to resell at least two-thirds of the returned items as A-goods. The proportion of retailers from the areas of fashion and accessories, as well as sports and leisure, which are heavily influenced by returns in terms of volume, is particularly high. If a certain proportion of the returns cannot be resold as A-goods, there are various reasons. For almost two-thirds of the online retailers surveyed (62 percent), the reason is that the quality of the respective items is so bad that processing is either impossible or too costly. All other reasons such as signs of wear (24 percent), limited durability or hygiene requirements (each 18 percent) fall significantly.
Database:
72 well-known online retailers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland were asked about their requirements and trends in shipping and returns management, most of which have their headquarters in Germany. In one case, the headquarters are in the United States. The survey was conducted as an online survey between May and July 2021. A look at the sales channels shows that almost all participating dealers (99 percent) operate their own online shop, almost half (46 percent) sell products via an online marketplace and 23 percent via classic mail order.
The study will soon be available in the EHI shop and is free of charge for members.
Source: https://www.ehi.org/de/pressemitteilungen/nachhaltigere-packaging/
