Returns & CX Apr 3, 2027 5 min read
How to Handle International Return Addresses
International returns are expensive. Strategies: regional warehouses (most expensive, best CX), third-party returns providers (Loop's international service, Returnly), customer-pays-international (cheap, hurts CX).
The Chart
| Strategy | Cost | CX |
|---|---|---|
| Regional warehouse (UK + EU) | $$ | Excellent |
| Third-party return provider | $$ | Good |
| Hub-and-spoke (single global return point) | $ | Slow |
| Customer pays international shipping | $ | Poor |
| No international returns | $ | Brand damage |
FAQs
When does regional warehouse make sense?
When you have 200+ orders/month from a region. Below that, third-party return service is more cost-effective.
Customs on returns?
Returns to original country usually exempt from duties (re-import). Mark return as 'returned merchandise' on customs forms. Provide customer with proper paperwork.
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