Calculating the Cost of Returns: The Invisible Profit Loss

December 1, 2025 · KârHesapla · Ferhat Demir · E-commerce Specialist

A return is not just “the sale coming back”: outbound and return shipping, packaging, the risk of product damage and operational time all come out of your pocket.

Monthly return loss

Return Loss = Number of Returns × (Cost + Return Shipping + Commission Loss)

A seller with 500 sales a month and a 10% return rate loses 3,000 TL a month at a loss of 60 TL per return — often more than the advertising budget.

Ways to lower the return rate

• Embed the size/measurement chart in the product images.
• Use photos that accurately show the product’s color and texture.
• Strengthen the packaging for fragile products — damage returns are the most expensive returns.
• Read the return reasons in reviews regularly.