How to Use QR Codes for Returns (And Why You Should)

In 2023, customers returned a record $743 billion worth of merchandise. Those billions of dollars represent a serious challenge for retail and ecommerce brands—and an opportunity. 

Returns might seem expensive upfront. But when brands offer an easy return service, they reap the rewards in customer loyalty. Even better, streamlining your returns process can lower the cost of returns and help you understand customers better.

Keep reading to learn how you can improve returns management by using QR Codes for shipping to make returns fast, simple, and hassle-free.

Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.

How to simplify customer returns with QR Codes

According to the National Retail Federation, that $743 billion in returns means that return costs cancel out 14% of sales. For ecommerce businesses, especially clothing and accessories brands, the percentage can be even higher.

But it’s not all doom and gloom—96% of customers say that they would keep buying from a brand that makes returns easy.

Retailers and ecommerce brands need a way to maximize the benefits of customer loyalty while minimizing their return management costs. That’s where QR Codes come in. 

QR Codes are the latest evolution of barcodes. Unlike conventional barcodes, they hold a lot more information, which means they’re useful for everything from inventory and asset management to return shipping labels and customer feedback forms.

In recent years, Dynamic QR Codes have begun to replace Static QR Codes, which means you can update the information they contain or link to at any time. Plus, Dynamic codes offer QR Code tracking, giving you insights into when, where, and how customers use return labels.

Let’s take a closer look at how you can use QR Codes throughout the return experience.

Guide customers through the return process

One of the most common uses of QR Codes is sharing additional information about products and services. You can include QR Codes on product packaging and shipping materials that educate customers on the return process.

For example, you could use a Dynamic QR code to link to your online return policy, FAQ page, or even a video tutorial that guides customers through printing labels and shipping a return. QR Codes can also link to your customer support email address or phone number, so customers don’t have to hunt for your contact details.

Create printable return labels with PDF QR Codes

If you offer free return shipping via FedEx, UPS, or the postal service, empower customers to print their own shipping labels with PDF QR Codes. 

They simply scan a QR Code on the product packaging or invoice to access a PDF of a pre-filled return label. Then they can print their label at home, affix it to their package, and take it to the nearest drop-off location for your chosen shipping service or schedule a pickup. 

Help customers ship with USPS Click-N-Ship

Even if you don’t offer free returns (or you reimburse return costs after receipt), you can make the return process more convenient with QR Codes for shipping that link to USPS Click-N-Ship.

With Click-N-Ship, customers can print their own return shipping label, get it delivered to them, or get it printed at the drop-off point through USPS Label Broker. It’s a versatile, hassle-free way for customers to send returns via the post office. But it has another benefit for retailers too.

When you use USPS Click-N-Ship, you can have customers pay for their return shipping and reimburse them once the return has safely arrived. This protects smaller businesses from the upfront costs of returns and means that you can offer a more generous return policy. 

Gauge customer satisfaction with QR Code tracking

A smooth return process can have a big impact on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. You can measure that impact with QR Code tracking and use the insights to improve your returns management process.

Let’s start with how to track QR Code scans. When you create QR Codes, you can choose between Dynamic and Static codes. Dynamic Codes are trackable—they record when they are scanned, where, how often, and whether an Android or iOS mobile device was used.  

Those metrics are invaluable for retailers. For example, you could track scans of a QR Code that links your return policy. If a lot of customers scan the code, but you don’t get many returns, that could indicate that customers find your process too complicated and not worth the hassle. 

While fewer returns seems like a good thing, customers who are disappointed with their purchase but frustrated by a complex return process are unlikely to become loyal customers or recommend your brand to others.

Why are QR Codes the best way to simplify returns?

QR Codes can improve the return process for businesses and customers and help you reduce your return costs. Let’s take a closer look at how their versatility can support your business.

Eliminate barriers that harm the customer experience

When a customer returns a product, something about it didn’t work for them. The most common causes of returns are damaged deliveries, products that don’t match descriptions, and poor fits.

While most people are willing to give you a chance to make it right, a bad return experience can turn them off your brand forever.

QR Codes make it easy for people to access information, print shipping labels, and let you know how they feel about your products and services. In other words, they remove barriers to a positive, seamless customer experience.

But remember that clear, consistent branding is an essential part of a great customer experience. So customize your QR Codes with your logo and brand colors to create a cohesive experience and enhance trust. Add a matching frame that includes a call to action, and customers will know exactly where the QR Code leads and how it will help them.

Avoid unnecessary printing and shipping costs

Some brands opt to include a return shipping label with every purchase to make the return process more convenient. But all those unused labels add up to a lot of wasted spend—not to mention the impact on your carbon footprint. 

QR Codes support sustainability initiatives by reducing your paper usage and associated printing costs. With a QR Code, you can give customers instant access to return labels when and where they need them—and eliminate unnecessary waste in the process.

Plus, when you use QR Codes to link to things like your return policy and FAQs page, you don’t have to include full printouts of those details in your packaging, further reducing waste.

Share the most relevant assets, regardless of what they are

QR Codes’ power lies in their versatility. You can use a QR Code to share any digital media: PDFs, videos, web pages, shipping labels, online forms, contact details, and more. 

That means you’re not limited by space and can share almost any information with your customers. For example, you can illuminate the return process with images and videos, instead of just providing written instructions.

QR Codes linked to your contact info also make it easy for customers to get in touch with your support team when they need extra help. You can even use a QR Code to collect customer feedback about your delivery and returns processes to keep refining the customer experience.

Streamline supply chain logistics, from first shipment to return processing, with QR Code Generator PRO

QR Codes are a sustainable, simple way to improve your return management. You can use them to share information with customers, provide return shipping labels, track how customers interact with your returns process, and more.

Ready to start using QR Codes for your returns? QR Code Generator PRO makes it easy to create and manage all the codes you need.

QR Code Generator PRO is ideal for businesses that want to upgrade the customer experience without increasing their costs. Create custom, branded codes that feature your colors and logo, then track scans in real time through a centralized, user-friendly dashboard for detailed insights into customer satisfaction.

Sign up for QR Code Generator PRO to build a returns process that your customers love!