Sources
About This Toolkit
This toolkit was developed by Sabine Claassens, a graduating student in BA Fashion and Textile Technology – International Business and Management at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute, Hogeschool van Amsterdam.
The content is based on research conducted between February and June 2025, which included a systematic analysis of academic literature, industry reports, technology provider documentation, and relevant case studies. These case studies provide insights into how leading fashion e-commerce businesses have implemented software tools that reduce returns.
By synthesizing publicly available case study results and academic insights, the toolkit aims to support improved operational efficiency, enhanced customer satisfaction, and greater alignment with sustainability goals.
Research Methodology
1. Literature Review
To establish a solid foundation, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. Academic databases (e.g., Google Scholar, Scopus) and industry sources such as Business of Fashion, McKinsey, WGSN, and Thuiswinkel.org were consulted.
Keyword searches included: "fashion e-commerce returns," "sizing technology," "return policy impact," "consumer behavior," "virtual try-on," and "environmental impact fashion returns."
The review focused on key return drivers (like sizing issues and perception gaps), the financial and environmental impact of returns, and the theoretical basis for technological solutions.
2. Technology Evaluation
To assess existing solutions, a detailed evaluation of return-reducing software tools was carried out. These were grouped into:
Preventative tools (e.g., sizing assistants, virtual try-ons, enhanced visualization), and
Reactive tools (e.g., return platforms and AI-powered feedback analysis).
Information was collected from technology providers such as Faslet, 3DLOOK, True Fit, Returnless, Returnista, and Mopinion. Tools were evaluated based on functionality, impact (including case study results), ease of integration, and adoption potential. These evaluations are featured in the research report and form the foundation of this toolkit.
3. Industry Practice Analysis
To provide market context, a qualitative review was conducted of 10 major fashion e-commerce players active in the Dutch market: Zalando, Wehkamp, H&M, ASOS, Bol.com, De Bijenkorf, About You, C&A, Shein, and Under Armour.
Public sources such as websites, press releases, and annual reports were used to examine their return policies, use of sizing tools, product presentation strategies, and outcomes.
Note: This analysis is not part of the public-facing toolkit, but is included in the research document.
4. Case Studies & Financial Impact Estimation
Case studies were analyzed to demonstrate how companies benefit from implementing return-reducing tools, with outcomes including lower return rates, higher conversion rates, and improved customer satisfaction. These practical examples help illustrate the effectiveness of various software solutions in real e-commerce environments.
While one of the limitations of this research was the lack of access to detailed financial data on return costs across the industry, indicative financial impact estimations, based on public return rates and cost benchmarks, are included in the full research document (not in the toolkit).
To help address this limitation, the toolkit incorporates an interactive ROI simulator. This feature enables companies to estimate their potential savings based on company-specific inputs, making the financial value of return-reduction technologies more tangible and actionable.
For all referenced sources, please consult the source list included in the research document.
Image & Visual Content Sources
The images and visual content used throughout the toolkit are sourced from the following publications and websites:
Casey, N. (2025, 4 maart). 1 dress, 5 ways: Why good product descriptions are essential for your online store. Fete Creative.https://fetecreative.com.au/fashion-copywriting-examples/
De voetafdruk van verpakkingsmateriaal – Kuwi.org. (z.d.).https://nl.kuwi.org/de-voetafdruk-van-verpakkingsmateriaal/
Kraus, M. (2023, 7 februari). Omnichannel Fulfillment Strategies. Expak Logistics.https://expak.com/logistics/blog/omnichannel-fulfillment-strategies/
Lower returns rate. (z.d.).https://www.returnista.nl/nl/lower-returns-rate
Netgains Fashion Digital Marketing Agency NY, USA. (2021, 28 december). How to help your Customers Pick the Right Size and Reduce Order Returns – Ecommerce Size Guide. Netgains Fashion Digital Marketing Agency.https://www.ilovefashionretail.com/user-experience/how-to-help-your-customers-pick-the-right-size-and-reduce-your-order-returns/
NOS. (z.d.). Retour Rumoer.https://app.nos.nl/op3/pakjes/index.html
Zhang, D., Frei, R., Wills, G., Gerding, E., Bayer, S., & Senyo, P. K. (2023). Strategies and practices to reduce the ecological impact of product returns: An environmental sustainability framework for multichannel retail. Business Strategy And The Environment, 32(7), 4636–4661.https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3385
All images and visual content are used in accordance with fair use guidelines for educational and research purposes. Original copyright remains with the respective authors and publishers.