What a return costs in time

Short answer: A return takes between twenty minutes and an hour in total. That is the real cost, even when the shipping itself is free. The time is easy to overlook because it is spread across several small tasks.

The time falls into three parts

Repacking, dropping off and waiting for the money take half an hour to an hour altogether. First the item goes back in its packaging, and a return slip has to be found. Then the parcel has to be dropped off, and finally you keep an eye out for the refund. This applies whether you return popular styles for women or something else entirely.

Packing takes longer than expected

Putting an item in a bag sounds quick, but in practice it has to be folded, packaging found and the return form filled in. If you have thrown away the original packaging, you need to find something else. Many people leave the parcel for a few days before getting round to it. That time counts too, even if it does not feel like work.

The trip to the pickup point

If the pickup point is not on your usual route, it becomes a trip of its own. There may be a queue, and the opening hours do not always suit your day. So plan to drop off the parcel when you are nearby anyway. That makes the trip shorter, and you do not have to keep remembering it for days.

Waiting for the money counts

It usually takes ten to fourteen days before the amount is back in your account. In the meantime, you have neither the item nor the money from popular styles from Copenhagen Bamboo. If you needed a replacement, you may already have ordered and paid for it. Then money is tied up in two orders at once until the return is processed.

Avoid returns with good measurements

Measure before you order, and you get the size right the first time. Take a garment you are happy with, lay it flat and measure the width and length. Compare with the size chart for the style you are considering. Check the measurements on the bamboo jogging suit before choosing, so both top and trousers fit as you want.

Read the description carefully

Many returns happen because the item was different from what was expected. So read the description of fit, material and care before ordering. If it says a style is loose or close fitting, take that into account. If you are between two sizes, choose based on how you usually wear that type of clothing.

Try the clothes on straight away

When the parcel arrives, try the clothes on the same day. The longer you wait, the greater the risk that the deadline passes or you never get round to it. Try them with the clothes you usually wear alongside, so you can see whether they fit in. Decide quickly, so you either keep them or send them back.

Time is a cost too

Even when a return is free, it costs something. An hour of your free time is worth counting when you choose what to order. That is why it pays to order what you are sure of and to take time to measure. It is the simplest way to save both time and bother.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a return take

Twenty minutes to an hour, including the trip to the pickup point. On top of that come the days when the parcel sits waiting to be dropped off.

When do you get your money back

Usually ten to fourteen days after sending. Check your account and contact the shop if the amount has not arrived within that time.

Can you avoid returns completely

Almost, if you measure and use the size guide every time. It takes a few minutes before ordering but often saves a whole hour afterwards.