Amazon to Shut Down ‘Prime Try Before You Buy' Service

Core Point - Amazon is shutting down its "Prime Try Before You Buy" service on January 31, as part of its cost-reduction efforts [1][2] Group 1: Service Details - The "Prime Try Before You Buy" service was launched in 2017, allowing Prime members to order clothing, try it on, and decide whether to keep it before being charged [1] - After the service ends, Prime members can still order clothing, make normal returns, and receive refunds [2] Group 2: Alternative Features - Amazon offers other features for clothing shoppers, including personalized size recommendations, improved size charts, and a virtual try-on tool [2] - The virtual try-on feature uses augmented reality to help customers visualize products like sneakers, sunglasses, and makeup in real time [3] Group 3: Industry Trends - Many clothing brands are adopting artificial intelligence to manage the issue of returns, aiming to help consumers select products they are more likely to keep [3] - The practice of "bracketing," where consumers buy multiple sizes or colors with the intention of returning some, contributes to rising return rates, with nearly two-thirds of consumers engaging in this behavior [4] Group 4: Challenges for Retailers - Increased return volumes create logistical and financial challenges for retailers, as handling returns is more complex than shipping orders [5] - Each return requires manual unpacking, checking, and restocking, necessitating additional staff and warehouse space, which increases costs [5]