eBay Australia Expands Partnership With HUBBED Offering New Convenient Returns Option

eBay Australia has expanded its partnership with parcel collection service HUBBED offering another easy and convenient returns option for eBay buyers.

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What you need to know: The two companies are already partners with the Click & Pick program, an alternative click and collect service for ecommerce merchants who don’t have physical storefronts.

The new returns portal program provides customers with a convenient, cost-effective, and sustainable returns solution that doesn’t rely on traditional methods. HUBBED is founded on these principles of convenience, choice and control.

How it works: The returns portal expands on HUBBED’s existing Pick-Up Drop-Off (PUDO) network offerings to streamline the return process on eBay Australia.

A buyer creates a return in eBay Australia’s returns portal, HUBBED can be selected from the list of service options, and the buyer then drops off their return parcel at their preferred location on their own schedule.

Of note: The launch of this new returns portal program comes as the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) reported that 11- 13 percent of the Christmas spend could be returned or exchanged.

According to the ARA, $2.5 billion to $3 billion worth of Christmas gifts is expected to be exchanged or returned.

What they said: “Exchanges are typically far more common than refunds in the Christmas period because it’s about finding a more suitable gift, rather than a cash refund,” commented Paul Zahra, CEO at ARA.

“Convenience is the overriding factor people consider when it comes to picking up and returning parcels,” said David McLean, Founder and CEO of HUBBED.

“Our recent research revealed 61 percent of consumers prefer to return their parcels to a point that is close to home and at a time that suits them via a Pick-Up Drop-Off (PUDO) network. HUBBED utilizes key local and global carriers, including CouriersPlease, DHL, FedEx, Sendle, Team Global Express, TNT, and UPS.

“eBay connects thousands of buyers and sellers across Australia. Christmas is one of the biggest selling periods for eCommerce providers and, while some purchases are well received, there are a lot of unwanted gifts in need of return especially in the months of January and February when we see an influx.”

Marie Griffiths, Head of Shipping at eBay Australia added, “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with HUBBED and provide our buyers and sellers with another option for returns.

“Customer satisfaction is our number one priority, and we are constantly looking at ways to improve our customer experience.

“Along with HUBBED’s Click & Pick, adding the drop-off returns for eBay buyers will create an enhanced shopping experience with a convenient, secure and sustainable returns option to accommodate busy schedules.”