What is reCommerce?

ReCommerce is a revolutionary way of reducing waste and retaining revenue from returns, resulting in a win-win scenario where customers get affordable and sustainable products while stores can retain revenue by reselling items that would otherwise end up in landfills.

What is reCommerce?

ReCommerce involves the process of reselling returned or used products online. This can be done through online marketplaces or dedicated reCommerce platforms. 

Reselling products enables eCommerce stores to recover some of the costs associated with returns while reducing waste and providing an opportunity for the products to find new homes.

ReCommerce is a concept that has gained more ground in recent times as more online stores look for ways to make the returns process more sustainable.

Reselling returned items can be a way to increase revenue while demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.

The Importance of reCommerce

ReCommerce plays a vital role in the eCommerce ecosystem by providing a sustainable solution to the growing problem of returned products. 

Here are a few benefits of reCommerce:

Reduces Waste

ReCommerce provides an opportunity for products to find new homes and reduces the environmental impact of returned items that would otherwise be thrown away. By reducing waste and contributing to a circular economy, this helps to promote a more sustainable future.

Saves Revenue

Reselling returned items helps eCommerce stores recoup some of the costs associated with returns and even make a profit from otherwise worthless items.

Meets Customer Expectations

Customers increasingly are looking to buy from environmentally responsible stores, and reCommerce helps online stores meet this demand, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and sales.

Overall, reCommerce offers eCommerce stores a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable way to manage returns.

How to Resell Returned Items

There are several ways to resell returned items in reCommerce, including:

Online Marketplaces

One of the most popular ways to resell returned items is through online marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon, or Etsy. These platforms provide you with the opportunity to reach a wide audience and sell a variety of used products.

Dedicated reCommerce Platforms

There are specialized reCommerce platforms that focus on reselling returned items. Platforms such as these streamline the process of reselling returned items and often provide additional services such as product inspections, cleaning, and repackaging.

Wholesale Auctions

Another option is to sell returned items through wholesale auctions. These auctions are held by liquidators or wholesale brokers who buy returned items in bulk and resell them to customers at a discounted price.

Outlet Stores

Many stores have an outlet store or section of their website where they sell returned or used items at a discount. Reselling items online can be a good way to recoup some of the costs associated with returns.

When deciding which reselling option to choose, it’s important to consider factors such as the condition and volume of returned items, fees associated with each platform, as well as the time and effort it takes to list and sell the items.

RESOURCES

What is considered a return?

Shopify Returns

Returns vs. exchange

Product Returns Factors

Returns Best Practices

Returns Metrics