Should customers be charged to return online orders - have your say

20 September 2023 , 09:54

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H&M is charging customers to return online orders - do you agree? (Image: GettyImages)

Would you be happy to pay a fee to return an item you bought online?

Fashion retailer H&M is doing just that, with shoppers told they must fork out £1.99 when taking an item back either in store or online, unless the product is faulty or incorrect. But if you’re an H&M member, you can still return an item for free even if there is nothing wrong with it.

"It's interesting that companies seem to be doing it by stealth, but it's a sensible thing to be doing," retail expert Jonathan De Mello told the BBC.

"It makes economic sense, as it discourages shoppers from bulk buying online products and then returning the majority of them. That's been a real problem for companies."

A host of other retailers, including New Look, Zara, Boohoo, Uniqlo and Next, already charge for online returns. New Look has introduced a £1.99 fee for online returns, but you can still take goods back in-store for free.

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Many people agree with charging to return goods. Some say social media influencers take advantage of companies by buying things to show off online, before returning them for free. While others say constantly returning items is a waste of time, effort and packaging.

But others have accused stores of 'money-grabbing' and say such a charge is unfair.

If you can't see the poll, click here

So what do YOU think? Take our poll above and expand on your decision in the comments below.

Paul Speed