From Amazon to Urban Outfitters: online shops offering free postal returns


Updated on 19 May 2016 | 0 Comments

Order what you like from these shops without worrying about what you'll have to pay to return them.

Shopping online is easy and convenient, but it has its downsides.

When it comes to purchasing things like clothes and shoes you can’t try things on and sizes often vary between brands.

This has led to the rise of the ‘serial returner’, or those who have no intention of keeping every item they order, according to a new report from Barclaycard.

It found around 30% of shoppers over-buy and subsequently return unwanted items.

Nearly six in 10 (58%) surveyed said an online retailer’s returns policy influences their decision to buy and nearly half (47%) of these people would not order an item if they had to pay to send it back.

If this sounds like you, then this guide could be just what you need. We’ve taken a look at the online retailers that are offering free returns by post and highlight some who currently don’t.

The online shops that offer free postal returns

We’ve rounded up the major online retailers which offer free UK returns by post and have taken a look at what other options each offer that may be more convenient. We’ve also included what you need to spend in order to get free delivery.

Online retailer

Delivery

Postal return policy

Other ways to return

Asos

Free on orders over £20

Free

Free Collect+

Free with Doddle

Free with Hermes

Free via selected Asda toyou service

Free with Pass My Parcel

Amazon

Free on orders over £20

Free - on some items like shoes and clothes. Look for ‘Free returns’ next to the price to ensure the item qualifies when shopping.

Free via Amazon Lockers

Free with Collect+

Banana Republic

Free on orders over £50

Free

Free in-store

Free with Collect+

Boohoo

n/a

Free

n/a

Boots

Free on orders over £45

Free

Free in-store

Burton

Free on orders over £30

Free

Free in-store

Free with Collect+

Clarks

Free on orders of £50 or over

Free

Free in-store

Free with Collect+

Debenhams

Free on orders over £30

Free – for parcels under 5kg and 61cm x 46cm x 46cm in size

Free in-store

Free with Hermes

Dorothy Perkins

Free on orders over £30

Free

Free in-store

Free with Collect+

Gap

Free on orders over £50

Free

Free in-store

Free with Collect+

H&M

Free on orders over £50

Free

Free in-store

Free with Hermes

Free via Hermes ParcelShop

John Lewis

Free on order of £50 or over

Free - Parcel must be 61x46cm or smaller and weigh less than 5kg

Free in-store

Free with Collect+

Free with myHermes

Mango

Free on orders over £30

Free

Free in-store

Free home pick-up

Marks & Spencer

Free on orders over £50

Free - for parcels under 5kg and 61cm x 46cm x 46cm in size

Free in-store

Free with Collect+

Free via InPost locker

Miss Selfridge

Free on orders over £50

Free

Free in-store

Free with Collect+

Oasis

No offer - standard delivery £3.99

Free - excluding 90-minute delivery orders

Free in-store

Free Collect+

Free with Doddle

 

River Island

Free on orders over £100

Free

Free in-store

Free with Collect+

Free with Doddle

Free with Hermes ParcelShop

Size?

Free on orders over £60

Free

Free in-store

Topman

Free on orders over £50

Free

Free in-store

Free with Collect+

Topshop

Free on orders over £50

Free

Free in-store

Free with Collect+

Urban Outfitters

Free on orders over £60

Free

Free in-store

Free with Collect+

Zara

Free on orders over £50

Free

Free in-store

Free home collection/drop off

The online retailers that don’t offer free postal returns

Here is a rundown of some of the most popular online retailers which don’t currently offer free UK returns by post, but may offer other ways to return items without incurring a charge. Again the minimum spend to get free delivery is included for reference.

Online retailer

Delivery

Postal return policy

Other ways to return

House of Fraser

Free on orders over £50

Responsible for the cost of returning goods, unless faulty.

Free in-store

Free with Collect+

 

Lipsy

Free on orders over £75

Does not offer pre-paid postal returns. It strongly recommends you use a recorded delivery service and keep your proof of postage.

Free in a Lipsy or Next stores

Matalan

Free on orders over £50

You will need to pay for the postage but Matalan will refund the delivery charge if it has made an error in despatch or if the item received is faulty or unfit for purpose.

Free in-store

Misguided

Free on orders over £60

The cost of processing the return will be deducted from your refund. For returns via Royal Mail  £2.50 will be deducted.

Hermes drop-off/collection - £2.50

Collect+ -£2.50

Asda toyou - £2.50

Doddle - £1.95

 

 

New Look

Free on orders over £75

Returns by post are at your own cost.

Free in-store

Free with Collect+

Free with Doddle

Office

Free on all full-priced shoes

No mention of free returns by post.

Free in-store

Collect+ for £2.50

TK Maxx

Free on orders over £50

Returns sent by post are at your own cost.

Free in-store

How to save when shopping online

When shopping online you can save money by using a cashback website like Quidco or TopCashback.

You should also double check for voucher codes before heading to the virtual checkout.

For more tips on how to save when shopping online read: Online shopping tricks that could save you hundreds.

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