Reducing Furniture Returns: A Simple Way to Boost Profits

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Returns are a normal part of online shopping. They’re important for customer satisfaction and help people feel comfortable buying online instead of going to a store. In fact, Forbes reports that 65% of customers are less likely to buy again if they had a bad return experience.

Unlike fashion or beauty, though, furniture returns come with extra challenges—mainly due to size, weight, and high shipping costs.

In this blog post, we’ll share easy ways to reduce furniture returns and how technology can play a big role.

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Table of Contents

• The real issue with furniture returns
• 5 common reasons customers return furniture
• Tips to lower returns and improve customer satisfaction
• How Orbitvu can help increase profits
• Why good returns = loyal customers

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The Real Issue with Furniture Returns

According to the National Retail Federation, furniture and home goods have the highest return rates—around 15.8%, compared to the overall e-commerce average of 17%.

Furniture is also one of the hardest things to return. It’s bulky, heavy, and often gets damaged in transit—think broken tables, scratched sofas, or cracked mirrors. Returns cost retailers a lot, and many find it hard to make a profit because of them.

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5 Common Reasons for Furniture Returns

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1. The product didn’t match the description
If details like color, size, or material are unclear or incorrect, customers will likely return the item. They want to know exactly what they’re getting—and see it clearly.

2. Shipping or delivery problems
Slow delivery, damaged items, missing parts, or the wrong product can lead to frustration and returns—especially for custom-made furniture. Set clear expectations upfront.

3. A better price elsewhere
Even after placing an order, shoppers may find a cheaper option online and regret their purchase. It's a common reason for returns.

4. Size or fit didn’t work
Without clear measurements or visuals, customers may not know if a piece will fit in their space—and end up returning it.

5. Change of mind
Sometimes, the item just doesn’t feel right once it arrives. Maybe it’s not the quality they expected, or it doesn’t suit the room.

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How to Reduce Returns and Keep Customers Happy

1. Clear return policy
Make your return policy easy to understand. Explain what can be returned, when, and how. If you offer store credit or exchanges, say so. This builds trust and avoids confusion.

2. Accurate size info and visual content
Give shoppers all the details—precise measurements, fabric info, and multiple visuals. Add photos, 360-degree spins, and videos to help people picture the item in their space.

3. Use 3D or AR tools
Let customers interact with products using 3D or Augmented Reality. These tools show every detail and help people judge size, texture, and fit—just like in a store.

4. Easy return process
Make returns simple. Offer multiple ways to return items and make sure support is fast and friendly. The smoother the process, the more likely people are to buy again.

5. Learn from returns
Look at why items are returned. Use customer feedback to improve descriptions, images, or packaging. Over time, this helps lower your return rate and boost repeat purchases.

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How Orbitvu Can Help You Boost Profits

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Returns hurt your bottom line. But many returns happen because customers didn’t have the right info before buying. That’s where Orbitvu comes in.

Orbitvu’s automated photography solutions—like Furniture Studio for large items or Alphastudio Compact for smaller ones—help you create top-quality visuals fast and easily.

With Orbitvu, you can:

• Lower returns with accurate photos, spins, and true-to-life colors
• Speed up content creation using automation instead of full photo teams
• Keep visuals consistent across your store for a more professional look
• Add new products faster by reducing delays in photo production
• Cut photo costs by avoiding expensive studios and photographers

Using Orbitvu leads to better visuals, happier customers, and higher profits.

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Listen to Karolina explain more in the video below:

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