When you run an online store on BigCommerce, you pay a lot of attention to design, product presentation, checkout flow, and shipping. What many stores still treat as a “necessary evil” is returns. That’s changing fast. Returns are no longer one-off headaches. They’re a regular part of the ecommerce lifecycle. Returns volumes are growing.
Customer expectations around returns are rising. What used to feel like a cost center can become a strategic advantage. That’s where purpose-built BigCommerce returns software solutions come into play.
Take a deep dive with us as we explain how returns software optimized for BigCommerce helps you tame returns — reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and even accelerate repeat sales.
The Rise of Returns in Ecommerce: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
Ecommerce growth brought convenience and selection to shoppers. That also led to an explosion in returns. Nearly one in three ecommerce purchases ends in a return. Did you know that more than 40% of shoppers intentionally order multiple sizes or styles, expecting to return at least one item. 67% of consumers check your return policy before completing a purchase. What’s more, 90% of consumers say a positive return experience encourages them to shop again.
Returns aren’t just a logistics burden anymore. They’re part of the customer journey. Poor return processes create frustration, churn, and lost trust. A single bad return experience can send a customer to a competitor.
Returns are devastating retailers. In 2024, it was estimated that returns amounted to over $685 billion in lost revenue in the U.S. alone. That’s not just a logistics problem; it’s a significant business challenge.
As the director of sales & strategic partnerships for a company that makes a popular e-commerce returns software solution, I often talk with e-commerce leaders. And one thing I’ve noticed is that some treat returns as an afterthought, something to handle only when it becomes unmanageable. But the most successful brands I’ve worked with view returns differently. They don’t just absorb the cost; they use returns to inform better decisions, boost customer retention and open new doors for growth.
What’s more, returns aren’t just one-off events. For many retailers, returns volumes are rising steadily. In fact, they cost retailers an estimated $685 billion every year, according to Forbes. The cost isn’t just shipping. It includes labor, support volume, inventory mismanagement, and potential lost future purchases. That makes returns a critical factor for long‑term business health.
Why BigCommerce Merchants Need Dedicated Returns Software
BigCommerce offers robust tools for product management, checkout, payment, and shipping. What it doesn’t handle well out of the box is an efficient, scalable returns workflow. Handling returns manually — via emails, spreadsheets, manual label creation, and return logistics — quickly becomes a burden as volume rises. That results in delays, errors, unhappy customers, and wasted labor.
A dedicated returns solution built for ecommerce adds the missing piece. It connects order management, shipping, refunds, and returns into a unified workflow. That saves time for your support and operations team, reduces the risk of mistakes, and ensures customers have a consistent, predictable return experience.
The result is that you get better visibility into what’s returning, why it’s returning, and how often. That insight is hard to get when returns are managed ad hoc.
What’s more, a strong returns software helps protect your reputation. When customers see that returns are easy and the process feels as smooth as the purchase checkout, they’re more likely to trust your brand — and shop with you again in the future.
What to Look for in Returns Software for BigCommerce
When evaluating returns software for a BigCommerce store, specific characteristics matter more than others.
First, platform compatibility is essential. The solution needs to plug directly into BigCommerce (or integrate cleanly via API), syncing orders, shipments, and returns seamlessly.
Second, customization matters. You should be able to define return rules by product type, return eligibility windows, item condition requirements, and shipping/label handling. You want branding control so your return portal feels like part of your store: not a generic third‑party page.
Third, automation is a must. That includes generating return shipping labels or QR‑code returns, automating return approvals, automatically updating inventory, syncing refunds or store credit, and sending status notifications to customers.
Fourth, data and reporting capabilities are valuable: reasons for returns, SKU-level return rates, carrier performance, return frequency per customer — those insights help you improve listings, reduce return reasons, and control cost.
Finally, scalability and flexibility are key. The software should support growing order volumes, consolidating returns from multiple orders, managing numerous warehouses or shipping origins, and handling peak periods or seasonal spikes.
| Feature | Why It Matters for BigCommerce Returns Software |
|---|---|
| Platform Compatibility | Direct integration with BigCommerce or clean API sync ensures orders, shipments, and returns are connected and updated automatically. |
| Customization | Control return rules (product type, return windows, item condition, label options) and fully brand the return portal to match your store. |
| Automation | Auto-generate return labels or QR codes, approve returns, update inventory, process refunds or store credit, and send real-time notifications. |
| Data & Reporting | Track return reasons, SKU-level rates, carrier performance, and customer behavior to reduce returns and optimize operations. |
| Scalability & Flexibility | Handles higher volumes, consolidated returns, multiple warehouse locations, and peak-season demands without missing a beat. |
The Role of Automation in Reducing Return Costs
Manual returns are expensive. Labor costs add up fast when you process returns individually — handling emails, verifying orders, generating labels, communicating with carriers, restocking items, issuing refunds or credits.
Automation transforms returns from a drain into a streamlined process. Return requests can be approved or declined automatically based on predefined rules. Return labels or QR codes can be generated instantly. Inventory adjusts automatically upon receipt or restocking. Refunds or store credits can be issued promptly.
Your returns process is one of the most important aspects of conversion rate optimization (CRO) outside of the actual conversion itself. This is because the vast majority of consumers want to know that once they click the “buy” button, they’ll have a method of sending back any purchases that don’t work out. Given that research indicates that a mere 22% of consumers were satisfied with the ease of a recent return experience, ensuring that yours is fully optimized for success is critical.
Speed matters to customers. Faster refunds or exchanges mean happier customers. That often translates into higher loyalty and repeat business. Fewer manual touchpoints also mean fewer errors — mislabelled returns, lost packages, delayed refunds — reducing overhead related to support and dispute management.
Automation also makes it feasible to handle higher return volumes without scaling headcount. For growing BigCommerce retailers, that means they can breathe easier during busy periods without compromising customer experience or incurring unsustainable labor costs.
Improving the Customer Experience with Seamless Returns
Today’s customers expect convenience. They shop on mobile. They expect returns to be as frictionless as checkout. When returns are complicated, slow, or opaque, that frustration reflects poorly on your whole brand — not just on that order.
A branded return portal helps maintain consistency. Customers recognize your brand, not a third‑party service. They initiate returns using their email and order number. They get return labels or QR codes. They receive tracking updates. They can see exchange or store credit options. All of it happens without ever leaving your website.
Real-time notifications keep them in the loop. That reduces support requests. It builds trust. Customers who enjoy a smooth return process are far likelier to buy again.
A great return experience can reduce negative reviews and improve long-term loyalty. Rather than seeing returns as a loss, customers see you as reliable. That can turn a potentially damaging moment into an opportunity that builds trust, long-term loyalty, and retention.
How ReadyReturns Integrates with BigCommerce
ReadyReturns is built to integrate with major ecommerce platforms — including BigCommerce. It delivers “Amazon-like” returns directly on your site.
Setup is fast and straightforward, no coding required. Once installed, ReadyReturns lets you create return rules tailored to your policies: product type, eligibility windows, conditions, and more. It syncs with orders in real time so that customers can begin returns immediately after delivery confirmation.
The merchant dashboard gives you complete visibility into returns: what’s being returned, by whom, and when to expect it. Returns lead to updated inventory status and trigger refund or store credit workflows as defined. You can even offer exchanges or store credit instead of refunds, helping retain sale value when possible.
Multi-carrier support is built in. Retailers can use their own carrier accounts or fully integrated BigCommerce shipping solutions. Return labels can be pay‑on‑use, so you’re not charged until a label gets used. You can even offer advanced options like QR‑code returns, no-box returns, or return consolidation — grouping items from multiple orders into a single return package. That reduces return shipping costs and simplifies logistics.
That level of integration and flexibility makes ReadyReturns a powerful tool for BigCommerce merchants focused on efficiency, customer experience, and scalability.
The Competitive Edge: Using Returns Data to Drive Sales
Every return holds valuable data. When you standardize and track returns, you collect insights with a more brilliant returns strategy that you couldn’t get otherwise.
Which products get returned most often? What are the common return reasons: sizing, description mismatch, quality, shipping damage? Are specific product categories or seasons more return‑prone? Answers are neatly packaged on your dashboard with the right solution.
With that data, you can make informed decisions: Improve product descriptions, sizing charts, packaging, or even discontinue high‑return items. That leads to fewer returns in the future — better margins, fewer customer service headaches, smarter procurement decisions.
Analytics can also help you tailor return policies. For example, you might allow easier returns for high‑margin products or offer store credit instead of refunds for some categories. You might pre‑empt return problems by improving product imagery or descriptions. You might use return history to identify customers who often return items and offer incentives for exchanges instead of refunds.
Return data isn’t just a cost-control tool. It’s a lens into customer behavior, product performance, and inventory health. Innovative brands use that lens to improve overall operations, cut costs, and drive repeat purchases.
A great e-commerce experience requires more than competitive prices, a robust selection of goods, fast shipping and easy returns … it takes them all. Today’s consumer mindset has changed. Services like Amazon Prime have set the bar at a higher level, with speedy delivery, low prices, a vast selection and hassle-free returns.
Real-World Results: Stats That Show Returns Software Works
Using a purpose-built returns solution correlates with real improvements across customer satisfaction, cost control, and revenue retention. For example, retailers adopting returns software report up to 50% fewer return-related support tickets, 30 to 40% faster refund or exchange processing, and higher inventory turnover thanks to faster restocking.
For customer retention, returns software can make a big difference. A frictionless returns process helps preserve customer loyalty even when the order didn’t meet expectations. Some retailers using smooth return workflows see significant repeat-purchase rates among returners — turning what could be a lost customer into a repeat buyer.
When returns are easy, transparent, and customer‑friendly, they become less of a cost center and more of an avenue for retention, second-chance sales, and improved brand reputation.
ReadyCloud + BigCommerce: A Smarter Post-Purchase Strategy
Running a BigCommerce store is about more than sales. It’s about lifetime value, customer trust, and efficient operations. Integrating a full-featured returns tool like ReadyReturns turns returns from a pain point into a business advantage.
With ReadyReturns for BigCommerce, you get: an easy-to-use, branded returns portal; automation to slash labor and speed up refunds; data and analytics to improve listings; multi-carrier support; consolidation; QR returns; and scalability to handle growth or seasonal spikes.
| ReadyReturns Feature | What It Does for Your Store |
|---|---|
| BigCommerce Integration | Plugs directly into your BigCommerce store to sync orders, customers, shipments, and return data in real-time. |
| Custom Return Rules | Set return eligibility by product type, condition, purchase date, or customer history — full control over how returns are accepted. |
| Branded Return Portal | Custom brand your return page with your logo, colors, and language so it looks and feels like part of your site. |
| Automated Return Labels | Generate prepaid return shipping labels or QR codes automatically — no need for customer service involvement. |
| Return Approvals & Workflows | Approve returns automatically or set manual review triggers based on conditions like item type, order value, or return reason. |
| Inventory & Refund Sync | Restock items upon return and trigger refunds or store credits instantly once returns are approved or received. |
| Notifications & Tracking | Send real-time email updates to customers about their return status, label creation, refund processing, and more. |
| Return Analytics | Gain visibility into return reasons, high-return SKUs, customer behavior, and shipping performance to improve operations. |
| Multi-Warehouse Support | Route returns to the correct location automatically, even across multiple warehouses or shipping origins. |
| Scalable Infrastructure | Handles spikes during holiday seasons, supports growing order volumes, and adapts as your business expands. |
With ReadyReturns, your business will spend less time managing returns, make fewer mistakes, create an experience that results in happier customers, more repeat purchases, and smarter merchandising. You get to treat returns not as a burden but as part of your brand experience — and your growth strategy.
If you operate a BigCommerce store and haven’t built a return workflow yet, you’re missing a central lever. It’s time to think of returns not just as logistics but as a key part of the customer experience and profitability.
Ready to get started? Schedule a free Demo of ReadyReturns Today!
FAQs About BigCommerce Returns Software
What is returns software for BigCommerce?
Returns software for BigCommerce is a tool that integrates with your BigCommerce store, enabling automated returns workflows: initiating returns, generating labels, processing refunds or exchanges, updating inventory, and tracking—all without manual effort.
Does BigCommerce include built-in returns software?
BigCommerce offers basic return policy options but lacks an automated returns management system. For complete automation, including tracking, analytics, and branded portals, you need a dedicated returns platform.
Can I offer self-service returns to customers using a returns tool on BigCommerce?
Yes. With ReadyReturns, customers on BigCommerce can initiate returns themselves, access return labels or QR codes, select exchanges or refunds, and track their orders — all through your store’s branded return portal.
Can returns software help reduce return-related support tickets and operational labor?
Yes. Automation reduces manual steps — no more handling each return request manually, generating labels, updating inventory, or emailing customers. That cuts support volume and frees team time for higher-value tasks.
Will returns software help improve customer loyalty and repeat purchases?
When returns are hassle-free and straightforward, customers are more likely to trust your brand and return. Some retailers using returns platforms report significant repeat sales from return customers.
Does ReadyReturns support multiple shipping carriers and return methods?
Yes. ReadyReturns supports multiple carriers, pay-on-use return labels, QR-code returns, no-box returns (where allowed), and consolidation of items from multiple orders into a single return.
Is setting up returns software on BigCommerce difficult or time-consuming?
No. ReadyReturns integrates seamlessly with ecommerce platforms like BigCommerce and installs without any coding. Setup can be finished quickly, allowing you to start offering returns immediately.
Can returns software provide data and analytics about returns?
Yes. Returns platforms gather data on return reasons, item condition, frequency per SKU or customer, carrier performance, and return outcomes (refund, exchange, store credit)—providing you with actionable insights to enhance products and operations.
Does using returns software increase costs due to return label fees?
Not necessarily. With pay‑on-use return labels, you are only billed when the label is actually used. This avoids upfront costs for unused returns, making returns management more cost-effective.
Your Post‑Purchase Experience Just Got an Upgrade
Returns aren’t going away. Shopping behavior and customer expectations make them fundamental to ecommerce. Instead of seeing returns as a cost and a headache, you can treat them as a strategic opportunity.
For BigCommerce merchants, an automated returns solution like ReadyReturns gives you the tools to offer a return experience that feels as smooth as checkout. That helps save time, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and drive repeat business. Get started now!
Get Started With ReadyReturns
ReadyReturns powers some of today’s leading retailers with its customer-centric approach.
Learn more about ReadyReturns. Reach out with any questions by Contacting Our Sales Team.