Will Return Fees Stop You from Online Clothes Shopping?
A last-minute weekend order and a Monday return for unwanted items have become the norm for many of us, thanks to the convenience of online shopping. However, this might change as more retailers introduce return fees.
Asos Introduces Return Fees
From Tuesday, online retailer Asos has implemented a return fee for frequent returners, citing the unsustainable volume of returns. According to the new policy, customers who return items “regularly” will have £3.95 deducted from their refund if they keep less than £40 worth of goods. Premium subscribers, who pay £9.95 annually for next-day delivery, will need to retain at least £15 worth of their order. Although the exact definition of a “regular” returner is unclear, Asos stated that most customers will still enjoy free returns.
Other retailers have adopted similar policies. Pretty Little Thing faced backlash when it introduced return fees in June, and H&M reversed its decision to charge for in-store returns last year.
The Environmental Impact of Online Shopping
Online shopping has been on the rise in the UK, peaking in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, online sales account for 25% of all retail sales in the UK.
The fashion industry is a significant contributor to environmental issues, responsible for 2% to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Research from South Korea in 2022 found that online shopping generates 4.8 times more packaging waste than in-store shopping, with paper and plastic making up 60% of global packaging.
Professor Christian Dunn, a sustainability expert at Bangor University, explained that fast delivery options, like next-day shipping, can also increase carbon emissions. He encouraged consumers to consider alternatives, noting, “Anything that discourages unnecessary purchases is a positive step.”
Will Return Fees Deter Shoppers?
Fashion students at Cardiff and Vale College are already thinking about sustainability. Henry Sengpiel, 20, expressed concern about the environmental impact of returns and urged retailers to be more transparent about what happens to returned items. He believes return fees could make consumers think twice before buying.
Debra Hart, who shops both online and in-store, highlighted that sizing and accessibility could influence people’s decisions. “We all have a part to play,” she said, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility in sustainable fashion.
The Shift to Second-Hand Shopping
Younger consumers, like Ira, 17, and Nancy, 16, are increasingly turning to second-hand shopping through resell sites like Vinted and Depop, as well as charity shops. Nancy noted that while return fees may discourage some shoppers, it might just lead them to cheaper alternatives. She also pointed out the impact of fast fashion, stating, “The environment is getting worse, and I don’t want my kids growing up with these issues.”
The rise of return fees could signal a shift in online shopping habits, pushing consumers to rethink how they shop, not just to avoid extra costs, but to reduce their environmental footprint.
