And there we have it. In a single tweet one person has summed up just one reason why online retailers are thriving, even during a recession. Tapping into the human condition of wastefulness, laziness and materialism has been a prosperous model for many for some time, the internet has just magnified and optimised the model.
You see that must have item online, you’re not quite sure if it will fit or be suitable but ‘Hey it is reasonably priced’ and you can always return it and with one click it is in your basket and winging its way to your door.
The fact that the cost of returning an item that isn’t fit for purpose or in the case of clothing and shoes, is ill-fitting means we are left with the economic quandary which usually spits out the answer of ‘waste.’
If item ‘A’ cost x amount and needs y more funds for postage, when it arrives and doesn’t fit, does the higher cost of return postage offer (z) any benefit to the consumer or is the lesser physical effort of returning an item a more tempting prospect, after all you did originally say: ‘Hey it is reasonably priced.’
Of course ill-fitting items can be given as presents (What else are siblings for?) or indeed could be donated to a charity shop (Yes, new clothes can be given to charity!) but ultimately, the online company gets the money and you get the product that is of little or no use to you and are out of pocket, sure it may only be the £15 of the shoes and the £3.95 for p+p but let’s face it, this is and will be a repeat behaviour.
