1) Squarespace eCommerce Returns
In today's era, returns have become standard for many eCommerce businesses. While not all may be capable of managing them appropriately, many online stores deal with them efficiently.
Every platform that hosts eCommerce stores experiences these returns. One such platform is Squarespace, a well-known company. With around 1 million eCommerce stores on Squarespace, it's become one of the most popular abodes for eCommerce brands.
So how does Squarespace fare when it comes to returns? We're glad you asked because that is precisely what we'll cover in today's article!
2) What is Squarespace?
For the ones that have zero clue as to what 'Squarespace' even is, we'll go over the platform first. Squarespace is a company headquartered in New York and was founded in 2004.
They identify worldwide as a website hosting and building platform. For the tech-savvy, they're a simple SaaS firm that offers customers templates to create websites.
Squarespace does not restrict itself to the eCommerce industry. Others who wish to make a website portfolio, open a blog, or even have their CV online can utilize Squarespace.
One of Squarespace's most appealing aspects is the drag-and-drop editor that lets users create websites effortlessly.
3) What Are the Return Policies for Squarespace eCommerce Stores?
While Squarespace has plugins that help stores enhance their return process, many might be clueless about them. Now, every eCommerce firm has its own unique return policy.
Squarespace allows eCommerce brands to make their return policies and add links to them on their checkout page. We cannot list down every single return policy on the Squarespace platform.
Hence, we've decided to give you gist and assist you in understanding the average return policy on Squarespace. We'll use data from Squarespace stores such as The Warre Store, Bembien, and AAKS.
There's a varying level time window for these stores to accept returns. For instance, AAKS, a store specializing in women's bags, allows returns within seven days of receipt.
Another store selling women's bags has a month-long time frame to return a product from the date of purchase. However, this store does not support returns for orders shipped internationally.
Similarly, another eCommerce brand, 'The Warre Store,' is a one-stop solution for buying all bee-related things. Their return policy is more lenient and allows consumers to return products for 60 days from the order date.
One more store by the name of 'Gubi' sells furniture online. They have a 14-day time window where customers are eligible for a return. Further, they ask for all returns to have insurance while shipping.
Albeit, any other claims, such as defects in a product, can be raised within 24 months from purchase.
4) How Can I Process A Return or Exchange On My Squarespace Store?
If you're relatively new to the platform, it's natural not to know how to process returns/refunds/exchanges. To help you, we've compiled the types of refunds Squarespace offers in layman's terms.
So, let's look at these steps in detail to understand how you can issue a return from your store.
There are two main types of refunds available on Squarespace; Full and Partial. You can do either, depending on the circumstances.
Before we dive into the two types of returns, there are some crucial things that you should know as a Squarespace merchant:
- You cannot 'undo' any refund.
- You cannot issue refunds in exchange for your store credit.
- Avoid giving refunds through your payment process. Such refunds do not sync with your inventory and orders dashboard.
4.1) Full refund
For full refunds, you'll first have to open the order you want to refund. If the order is in the 'fulfilled' status, change it back to 'pending.' Next, go to the order details and choose 'cancel order.'
This is where you'll also get an option to restock your inventory for the ordered product. You can then click on 'confirm' to refund your customer their entire amount. Once an order is refunded completely, it is marked as 'canceled.'
4.2) Partial refund
When it comes to partial refunds, you do not need to change their status from fulfilled to pending. They will remain in their current state by default. To issue a partial refund, navigate to the order you wish to refund.
Click on the specific order to bring up its details, and click the 'REFUND' option at the top. Enter the amount that you wish to refund to your customer. Next, click on 'Issue Refund' and confirm to complete a partial refund.
5) The Benefits of Using Squarespace eCommerce Returns
As a merchant, issuing a return on Squarespace can be simple. Although, integrations and certain plugins can make the entire thing even more manageable. Let's look at some benefits of using such integrations/plugins.
5.1) Automate returns
You can automate the refund process and even streamline returns with Squarespace return extensions. There is no need to manually monitor these orders, which is another plus point. It also enables you (as a store owner) to take control of other aspects of your store, such as marketing.
5.2) Issue returns seamlessly
There can be numerous return requests in a day which can be tough to attend to. However, with Squarespace's return portal, you can send multiple returns without hassle.
This return portal can be self-serve, i.e., customers can initiate a return themselves compared to relying on your support staff.
5.3) Customize the returns page
Store owners can also create their own branded page, which helps to keep engaging with a consumer post-purchase.
5.4) Lower customer queries
Another factor that eCommerce brands can take advantage of is lowering their customers' queries. This can be made possible by sending customers regular notifications and updating them about the status of their returns.
6) What Are the Steps for Issuing A Refund Through Squarespace eCommerce Stores as Customers?
As customers, we should always check for the return policy of an online store before making any purchase whatsoever. Knowing the T&Cs of a return policy help you make better purchasing decisions.
Squarespace eCommerce stores are no different. For issuing a refund, find the return policy of the specific store since brands can have hyperlinks that direct customers to initiate the returns process.
If the store supports a returns portal, you can fill in the necessary details and get things going. If there's no portal nor mention of how a return can be placed, you can contact the customer support team and request a return.
7) Conclusion
Overall, Squarespace is simple to use and contains impressive features to allow retailers to sell their products. You can seamlessly manage orders, process payments, and customize and return items from their platform. However, it is best to use a return extension to automate it and convert return requests to repurchases.
8) FAQs
8.1) How long does it take for customers to receive the refunded amount?
Ans: Depending on the getaway you choose (PayPal or Stripe), the time taken for customers to receive the entire amount can vary accordingly.
8.2) Can I process a refund for an order if my PayPal or Stripe has zero balance?
Ans: Yes. You can still process a refund with no balance. To understand how to do this, contact PayPal or Stripe's customer support.