Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the issue of high return rates in the clothing e-commerce sector, particularly due to students returning worn clothing after events, leading to financial losses for merchants [1][8]. Group 1: Merchant Experiences - A merchant in Heze reported a loss after students returned 40 performance costumes, which were worn and could not be resold [1]. - Another merchant from Shenyang experienced a loss of approximately 80,000 yuan due to over 60 students returning clothes after a sports event, claiming quality issues [8]. - Merchants are increasingly frustrated with the high return rates, which are often not due to product quality but rather misuse of the "no reason return" policy [8]. Group 2: School Involvement - The vice principal of the school involved stated that the returns were personal actions by students, and the school had not issued any return instructions [6]. - The school paid a deposit to the merchant and planned to handle refunds after students returned the items [6]. Group 3: E-commerce Platform Response - The e-commerce platform's customer service suggested that merchants file complaints regarding returns that exceed seven days and show signs of use, indicating a process for reviewing such cases [4]. - The platform aims to protect merchants' rights by potentially reversing incorrect refund decisions [4]. Group 4: Industry Trends - Some merchants are implementing measures to prevent misuse of return policies, such as attaching large tags or locks to clothing to deter customers from returning worn items [8][12]. - The trend of high return rates in the clothing sector is causing significant distress among merchants, prompting them to seek innovative solutions to mitigate losses [8].

Core Points - A clothing store owner in Heze reported economic losses due to students returning purchased performance costumes after use, which could not be resold [1][2] - The store owner expressed frustration over the condition of the returned items, which showed clear signs of use beyond the 7-day return policy [2] - The e-commerce platform's customer service suggested that the merchant file a complaint to protect their rights, indicating a review process for disputed refunds [4] Group 1 - A school official stated that the students acted individually without any instructions from teachers regarding returns, acknowledging the school's responsibility in the matter [6] - The school paid a deposit to the merchant and will adjust payments after the students return the items [6] - A similar incident occurred in Shenyang, where over 60 students returned clothing after an event, leading to significant losses for the store owner [7] Group 2 - High return rates in certain categories, particularly clothing, have caused distress among merchants, with many returns not related to product quality but rather exploiting the return policy [7] - Some merchants have implemented measures like oversized tags to deter misuse of the "no reason return" policy [7] - A Beijing clothing merchant resorted to using a visible lock on clothing zippers to prevent customers from returning items after wearing them, indicating a growing trend of protective measures among retailers [11]

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming "Double Eleven" shopping festival is causing significant challenges for merchants due to high return rates, particularly in the apparel sector, where many returns are attributed to consumers exploiting the "seven-day no-reason return" policy [2][4]. Group 1: Return Rate Issues - Many merchants are facing exorbitant return rates, especially in clothing, leading to financial strain [2][4]. - A significant portion of returns is not due to product quality but rather consumers wearing items briefly and returning them within the return window [2][4]. - The return rate for women's apparel is reported to be as high as 50% to 60%, with live-streamed sales seeing rates exceeding 80% [4][5]. Group 2: Merchant Responses - Merchants are implementing physical deterrents, such as oversized tags and locks on clothing, to prevent consumers from taking advantage of return policies [3][4]. - One merchant reported using a password lock on zippers to discourage "wear and return" behavior, stating that the cost of the lock is minimal compared to potential losses from returns [3][4]. - The cost of oversized tags was noted to be around 8 yuan, which some merchants found ineffective [3][4]. Group 3: Financial Impact - A head of a major online sales company revealed that despite annual sales exceeding 100 million yuan, net profits are only around 2 to 3 million yuan due to high costs associated with returns [5][6]. - A small business owner reported a staggering 75% return rate, leading to significant financial losses, including 12,000 yuan in shipping insurance costs and over 800,000 yuan in total losses from unsellable returned items [6]

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming "Double Eleven" shopping festival is causing significant concern for merchants due to high return rates, particularly in the apparel sector, where many returns are attributed to consumers exploiting the "seven-day no-reason return" policy [8][14]. Group 1: Merchant Strategies - Some merchants are resorting to extreme measures, such as attaching oversized tags to clothing, to deter consumers from returning items after wearing them [8][11]. - A Beijing clothing merchant has implemented a strategy of using a visible password lock on zippers to prevent customers from wearing items and then returning them without reason [9][11]. - The cost of a password lock is approximately 3 yuan, which is considered a worthwhile investment compared to the losses incurred from returns and the cost of oversized tags [14]. Group 2: Return Rate Statistics - The return rate for women's apparel in e-commerce is reported to be as high as 50% to 60%, with live-streamed sales seeing rates exceeding 80% [14]. - Many returns are not due to quality issues but rather consumers wearing items for events and then returning them, leading to significant losses for merchants [14][16]. Group 3: Financial Impact on Merchants - A leading online sales company with annual sales exceeding 100 million yuan experiences a net profit of only 2 to 3 million yuan, primarily due to costs associated with returns, which can reach nearly 10 million yuan annually [16]. - A small business owner reported a staggering 75% return rate, resulting in losses exceeding 800,000 yuan during the previous Double Eleven festival due to high return volumes and associated costs [16]. Group 4: Industry Concerns and Recommendations - The overall situation highlights the need for a balance between consumer rights and merchant protection, with suggestions for improving return processes to reduce the burden on merchants [16][17]. - The introduction of measures like oversized tags could help align the interests of both consumers and merchants, potentially leading to a more sustainable retail environment [17].