Wardrobing and fraudulent returns and eCommerce: how to prevent losses without affecting sales

What is wardrobing?

Wardrobing involves buying a product, using it temporarily and returning it as good as new for a full refund. Although it may seem like a one-off problem, it is becoming a serious challenge for sectors such as fashion, footwear, technology or accessorieswhere the handling of the product directly affects its value.

eCommerce must address fraud without making the mistake of treating all customers as suspects. Limiting risk without compromising conversion means taking a strategic approach: acting intelligently, not rigidly. The key is to detect patterns, automate decisions and reinforce critical validation points without creating unnecessary friction.

The real impact of fraudulent returns on business

Fraudulent refunds not only represent a direct loss of revenue, but also have significant collateral effects:

Direct loss of margin and profit

Redemption without the possibility to re-sell the product as new erodes the profitability of each affected transaction.

Product deterioration and refurbishment costs

Even if the item returns in apparently good condition, it often requires cleaning, repackaging or even repair, which generates additional costs.

Environmental and logistical cost

Reverse transport, extra packaging and reconditioning increase the carbon footprint and operational burden.

Perception of permissiveness that encourages abuse

If customers find that the return policy is too flexible and uncontrolled, there is a greater risk that more users will be encouraged to take advantage of the system.

How to detect patterns without penalising good clients?

The aim is not to mistrust everyone, but rather to identifying atypical behaviour that may indicate possible fraud.

Using advanced analytics to identify suspicious behaviour

The tools of business intelligence allow cross-checking of purchase and return data to detect irregularities.

Warning signs

Repeated orders of expensive items before the due dates, systematic returns of certain products, or recurrent size changes in a customer profile.

Avoiding false positives

Segmenting and cross-checking information before making drastic decisions is key to not blocking legitimate customers and preserving their trust.

Frictionless fraud prevention technology

The key is to implement tools that increase control without adding unnecessary barriers for the customerwithout manual intervention.

Automation of the return process

A digitised system streamlines management and allows the integration of controls that are invisible to the customer.

Scoring systems to pre-validate returns

A risk level can be assigned to each return based on variables such as history, product type and date of purchase.

Traceability and weight control at the point of origin

At Celeritas, for example, weight control makes it possible to check that the returned package matches the one registered in the shipment, avoiding incomplete or fraudulent returns.

Integrations for real-time decisions

Connecting reverse logistics with the eCommerce platform and ERP allows you to block suspicious returns before they enter the loop.

The value of the physical network to control and validate returns

Convenience points and slogans as control points

The points of convenience (PUDO) and residential smart mailboxes as it uses Citiboxare a key part of the control strategy.

They allow to verify the package at the time of delivery and to record relevant data for traceability.

Scanning at source, secure sealing and tracking back to the warehouse

Each return is registered from the very first moment, minimising the risk of manipulation.

Reduced handling without inconveniencing the customer

The customer perceives no change in the process, but the company gains in security and control.

How does Celeritas help reduce fraud without slowing down operations?

At Celeritas, we develop reverse logistics solutions designed to maximise traceability without introducing unnecessary friction. 

Solutions label-free y package-free

They simplify the return process and reduce errors in package identification.

Weight and completeness control from the point of origin

It allows the detection of differences and anomalies before the package enters the logistics network.

Full visibility integrations

Our system provides real-time traceability of every return, from the point of origin to the final warehouse.

Conclusion on wardrobing: it's not about mistrust, it's about smart prevention.

The wardrobing and other forms of logistics fraud are not inevitable. With the right processes in place, it is possible to protecting eCommerce profitability and keeping the customer experience intact.

The key is combining technology, physical control and a strong logistics networkThe Celeritas solution, such as the one offered by Celeritas, to reduce risk without slowing down sales.

Do you need a Celeritas Point for your ecommerce? Contact us now:

https://www.celeritastransporte.com/punto-celeritas/informacion/#contactoceleritas