online retail returns/regs

[Insurancejon]

Further to the previous post about the EPOS/Website for my wifes upcoming clothing retail venture, I just want to get a handle on the regulations surrounding the online sales.

What are the current regs? any returns pitfalls? Any tips? Any links to useful pages? is it still call distance selling regs?

[48k]

Distance Selling Regulations was replaced in 2014 by the Consumer Contracts Regulations.

Knock yourself out: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/3134/conte...

[Mr Pointy]

What level of returns has she budgeted for? Some sources say that 30% of clothes are returned & they have been worn, not just tried on:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7031391/O...
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2019/04/com...

If a massive company like ASOS is struggling then it could kill a small company quite quickly.

[Canute]

Mr Pointy said:

What level of returns has she budgeted for? Some sources say that 30% of clothes are returned & they have been worn, not just tried on:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7031391/O...
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2019/04/com...

If a massive company like ASOS is struggling then it could kill a small company quite quickly.

I think their (ASOS) problems are more to do with SEO and SEM failings than handling returns, having a returns problem would also mean healthy sales and marketing (in a weird kind of way).

[Insurancejon]

48k said:

Distance Selling Regulations was replaced in 2014 by the Consumer Contracts Regulations.

Knock yourself out: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/3134/conte...

thank you

[Insurancejon]

Mr Pointy said:

What level of returns has she budgeted for? Some sources say that 30% of clothes are returned & they have been worn, not just tried on:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7031391/O...
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2019/04/com...

If a massive company like ASOS is struggling then it could kill a small company quite quickly.

we've not done any budgets yet...literally given ourselves 12-18m for researching and planning her next business.

I'm erring to a mix of bricks and mortar and online to mitigate this as I reckoned it could be a killer

also bear in mind, part of this project isn't to get rich....its to create purpose and sanity for my wife after spending the last 6 years popping out and raising 3 rug rats

[Insurancejon]

48k said:

Distance Selling Regulations was replaced in 2014 by the Consumer Contracts Regulations.

Knock yourself out: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/3134/conte...

is there a synopsis/overview document? that lot looks like the FCA wrote it

[48k]

Insurancejon said:

48k said:

Distance Selling Regulations was replaced in 2014 by the Consumer Contracts Regulations.

Knock yourself out: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/3134/conte...

is there a synopsis/overview document? that lot looks like the FCA wrote it

I don't mean to sound harsh but with all due respect, if you can't even use Google I don't fancy your chances at setting up a business.

[ctrph]

Canute said:

I think their (ASOS) problems are more to do with SEO and SEM failings than handling returns, having a returns problem would also mean healthy sales and marketing (in a weird kind of way).

Returns are a big problem for many clothing retailers, I have known people who run them and 50% returns is not unheard of plus a good proportion of that has been worn or intentionally damaged which have to be cleaned/repaired if economically viable otherwise you write the stock off.
Plus having to pay return postage for damaged or faulty goods, your profit margins quickly get eroded and one of the reasons I decided not to start one.

[DSLiverpool]

Over 15 clothing sites I’m aware of they run at 25 to 40% returns for ladies, much less for men.
Having a really really good size guide helps.

I set up an eBay venture for my wife I’ve mentioned before, she agreed to 10 orders a day and we do gadgets and bundles of stuff. Works well.

[Insurancejon]

DSLiverpool said:

Over 15 clothing sites I’m aware of they run at 25 to 40% returns for ladies, much less for men.
Having a really really good size guide helps.

I set up an eBay venture for my wife I’ve mentioned before, she agreed to 10 orders a day and we do gadgets and bundles of stuff. Works well.

Good tip with the size guide

And agree..... men tend to not buy 15 things to keep one

[Wacky Racer]

You have to ask yourself why would people buy from your wife's website, compared to the thousands and thousands of sites out there already.


Price? Exclusive designs? It's very tough out there. The returns factor would put me off straight away.

[Insurancejon]

Wacky Racer said:

You have to ask yourself why would people buy from your wife's website, compared to the thousands and thousands of sites out there already.


Price? Exclusive designs? It's very tough out there. The returns factor would put me off straight away.

It’s more likely going to be shop and website, but totally agree with your logic

[Insurancejon]

48k said:

I don't mean to sound harsh but with all due respect, if you can't even use Google I don't fancy your chances at setting up a business.

I’ve set up, built and sold businesses. I’ve done very well thanks;) I was simply asking if you knew of a good précis to the complex link you posted. Retail isn’t my forte, but knew to others on here it was

[DSLiverpool]

Jon if you want we can have a chat and I can show you examples of what makes a clothing site a success. Unfortunately money and dogged determination feature highly but there are a few exceptions.
I would look at something more crafty / essential that can be sold on NOTHS / ETSY as well as a site.
However and to my surprise I know a few UK drop shippers (from China) who are doing very well.

[Insurancejon]

Ta buddy. Will give you a shout next week

[48k]

Insurancejon said:

48k said:

I don't mean to sound harsh but with all due respect, if you can't even use Google I don't fancy your chances at setting up a business.

I’ve set up, built and sold businesses. I’ve done very well thanks;) I was simply asking if you knew of a good précis to the complex link you posted. Retail isn’t my forte, but knew to others on here it was

Fair enough.

Might be worth speaking to Tom at Clicksit (https://www.clicksit.com/) he's ex Metapack and set up an automated Returns business he knows his stuff.