For all its conveniences, online shopping still has one major drawback: returns. Sending items back is such a time-suck that in half the instances, we wind up keeping
the merchandise, even if we’re not totally crazy about it.
Well, that’s
about to change. You might already know Shyp as a quick and easy way to send packages. But now, the S.F.-based
company is launching Shyp
Returns, a new feature within the app that will send items back to a selection of retailers for you.
Wondering how it works? Enter your
order number, along with the reason you are returning the item (or items). From there, you snap a
picture and get charged a flat rate of $5. Within 20 minutes, your item will be picked up by a courier and back on its way to the retailer. You'll
get an email with a confirmation from Shyp once the merch has been returned,
followed by a note from the store, as well.
Currently, Shyp
has 13 featured retailers, ranging from smaller brands like Everlane to big box stores like Urban Outfitters and Madewell.
The company reports that these stores are some of the most common for returns, and plans to add to the pool over time. The service is currently available in S.F., NYC, and Miami, and will launch in SoCal soon.
So, will this
change the face of online shopping? It definitely means you can take more risks. Now, you don’t have to sweat bullets over whether
something will fit, or if those shoes that you bought in the middle of the night will seem like such a good idea the next morning. And, let's be real — it's certainly better than a trip to the post office.