Returns & CX Mar 7, 2027 5 min read
How Much Do Returns Cost Your Shopify Store?
Each return costs more than just shipping. Total: $15-30 per return for typical apparel. Multiplied across 25% return rate = significant margin impact.
The Chart
| Cost | Per Return | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Return shipping label | $5-15 | Usually you pay |
| Inbound handling | $3-5 | Receive, inspect, restock |
| Restocking labor | $1-3 | Sort, fold, photograph if damaged |
| Refund processing | $0.30-2 | Payment processor fees |
| Customer service | $2-5 | Email handling time |
| Quality re-check | $1-2 | Damage/missing-tag inspection |
| Lost margin if discounted | $5-15 | Returned items often go to liquidation |
| Total | $15-30+ | Per single return |
FAQs
Free returns hide costs?
Yes. 'Free' return = customer doesn't pay shipping; you do. Plus all internal processing costs. Typical free-return store loses $15-25 per return.
How to calculate ROI of size chart investment?
Per-return cost × current return count − new return count = savings. If size chart cuts returns 20%, savings = 20% × $20 × monthly returns. Often 10-50x ROI on app cost.
Need this on your store?
Tailor Size Guide ships pre-built size charts for Shopify.