Return Shipping Cost Calculator
Free returns raise conversion and returns.
Monthly return shipping
$2,722
net effect $4,733
Free returns raise conversion more than they cost here — $4,733 a month net. The uplift comes from removing purchase risk, which matters most in categories where fit or fabric cannot be judged online.
How the Return Shipping Cost Calculator works
Free returns raise conversion by removing purchase risk and raise the return rate at the same time. Whether the trade is worth it depends on margin and shipping cost — it usually is in fashion and usually is not in heavy or low-margin categories.
Not financial advice. Marketplace fees change, and they vary by country, plan and seller status. Every rate here is an editable default, not a quoted price — check the platform's current fee schedule before you price a product against it. This is not tax or business advice.
Frequently asked questions
Should I offer free returns?
Compare the contribution from the conversion uplift against the label cost plus the cost of the extra returns. In high-margin, low-weight categories it is usually clearly worth it.
How much does free returns lift conversion?
Reported uplifts vary widely, commonly in the 5% to 15% range for considered purchases. The effect is largest where fit or suitability is uncertain.
How much does it raise the return rate?
Enough to matter — removing the cost of returning removes the friction that made people keep marginal items. Model both effects or the decision is half-informed.
What is the middle option?
Free returns above an order threshold, or free exchanges with paid refunds. Both capture most of the conversion benefit at a fraction of the cost.