Start hereFix a problemAll helpCalculatorsDownloadsVintedeBayEtsyWhatnotSourcingUK tax
🧯 Returns problem

Returns Are Wiping Out My Reselling Profit

Measure returns as a cost of the business and find patterns by item type, platform and reason.

Quick diagnosisNo jargonUpdated September 2026
Short answer

Measure returns as a cost of the business and find patterns by item type, platform and reason.

Check these things in order

1. Record the true cost of every return

Change one thing at a time where possible so you can see what actually helped.

2. Group return reasons

Change one thing at a time where possible so you can see what actually helped.

3. Improve measurements, condition notes or packaging where patterns appear

Change one thing at a time where possible so you can see what actually helped.

4. Stop buying problem stock if the return rate stays poor

Change one thing at a time where possible so you can see what actually helped.

What this can look like

Three avoidable sizing returns can wipe out the profit from several successful clothing sales.

Do not do this

Do not hide return costs in a general expense bucket if you want to learn what caused them.

What should I track?

Keep the item cost, current price, age, platform and final sale result together. That makes it much easier to tell whether the problem is visibility, price, demand or simply slow stock.