Parcel locker network InPost and fashion retailer Missguided have launched a label-free returns service, the first such in the UK.

Customers will scan a QR code on their phone with no need for printed labels, taking just 10 seconds and improving the returns experience.

The Instant Returns service has been launched in return from customers or retailers to make returns easier and to fit in with their lifestyles.

Missguided has seen sales increase by 200% in the pandemic and is the first UK retailer to introduce Instant Returns to its customers.

Returns have been difficult thanks to the pandemic with many stores being shut. With this service, Missguided customers can drop the item off at InPost’s large network of parcel lockers without such inconvenience.

InPost’s research has shown that many shoppers lack a printer at home, which includes 44% digital native 18-34 year olds. This impacts their ability to return their items. A QR code scanned into their phone gets around this issue. The customer research of 2,000 UK consumers also found that 86% of customers say that a poor returns service could result in a retailer losing repeat business. Almost half put that poor experience down to admin and paperwork around those returns.

 
Jason Tavaria, CEO at InPost UK said: “We know that returns are one of the most painful parts of the eCommerce journey and can be stressful and time-consuming. So InPost have built a solution that takes away the pain and ditches the label, making it possible to return items in seconds whilst at super convenient locations. It also helps reduce the wasted returns labels that retailers send in their packaging. 

“For retailers, returns are becoming a huge part of the customer experience, core to driving customer lifetime value and competitive advantage. This is even more important at a time when the trading environment remains challenging. InPost partners with retailers to offer an easy and stress-free returns experience so they can enjoy happier, more loyal customers.”

Nick Bamber, Chief Growth Officer at Missguided said: “We’re really excited to be able to offer our customers even more choice when it comes to returns. Keeping things super simple and convenient for our shoppers is more important than ever, especially given how much of their shopping experience is already on their mobiles. Having the option to send returns back within seconds, using just a phone, is exactly the type of innovation that will appeal to our customer base.”