International returns are no longer just a logistics issue; they have become a strategic priority for e-commerce businesses. According to a study conducted by Sapio Research for Shipup by ZigZag among 2,000 French consumers, 60% consider a simple returns process important, while 65% place the same level of importance on free returns.

This growth is putting direct pressure on returns management. In France, returns represent a major logistics cost for e-commerce businesses. in fashion, the return rate can reach 30% to 40% of shipped volumes, with processing costs estimated at between €8 and €20 per return, depending on the complexity of the process.

The issue becomes even more critical in cross-border commerce. In Europe, the cross-border e-commerce market reached €108 billion in 2025, accounting for 25% of the European e-commerce market. For retailers selling internationally, every return involves multiple carriers, country-specific costs, longer processing times, different local regulations, and limited visibility over returned parcels.

Choosing the right international returns management software is therefore essential to reduce costs, improve operational reliability, limit margin erosion, and protect the customer experience.

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Quick Comparison

What criteria should you consider when choosing international returns management software?

Choosing an international returns management solution involves much more than simply generating return labels. The best platforms optimize the entire process, from the customer’s return request through to the final refund, while integrating easily with the main carriers connected through Shipup by ZigZag, such as Colissimo, Chronopost, Mondial Relay, DHL, and UPS. Here are the three most important criteria to assess.

Carrier network

When a brand sells across multiple countries, carrier selection becomes a key success factor. A broad carrier network makes it possible to offer customers more return options while optimizing return costs.

The most effective platforms provide access to a wide range of international carriers and can automatically adjust return options based on the country, cost, or preferred delivery time.

Parcel tracking

One of the main challenges with international returns is the lack of visibility once the customer has shipped the parcel.

59% of French consumers say that access to clear, real-time tracking is very or extremely important after purchase. A further 56% place a high value on proactive communication about the status of their order and return, particularly in the event of a delay.

A strong platform should provide real-time return tracking, identify potential delays or incidents, and keep both internal teams and customers informed throughout the process. This visibility helps reduce customer service enquiries and improves the post-purchase experience.

Refund management

The refund is often the final point of contact between a brand and a customer. A slow or unclear process can damage the overall experience, even when the return itself has gone smoothly.

56% of French consumers consider refund flexibility important. This includes both the speed of the refund and the ability to choose between several options, such as a refund to the original payment method, a voucher, or store credit.

The most advanced software solutions can automate these decisions based on the country, order value, return reason, or customer profile.

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Protecting margins with alternatives to standard returns

Beyond standard refunds, effective returns management must also help retailers limit the financial impact of every request. With Shipup and ZigZag, retailers benefit from a connected network covering more than 170 countries and 1,500 delivery services. This coverage makes it possible to adapt return journeys to local constraints, available carriers, and customer preferences. This is a key challenge for many brands supported by Shipup and ZigZag, such as Zara, ba&sh, Carrefour, or L’Occitane. With ZigZag, it is possible to offer alternatives such as real-time exchanges, paid returns, in-store returns, carrier claims or gift card. These options help convert some returns into exchanges, better distribute logistics costs, reduce return shipping fees, and keep a portion of revenue within the brand's ecosystem. The goal is not just to offer customers more choice, but to structure a return journey that protects margins, especially internationally where costs vary significantly by country and carrier.

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1. Shipup by ZigZag
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Since joining forces with ZigZag, Shipup by ZigZag has made it easier for international brands to manage their entire post-purchase journey, from delivery tracking to returns. While many solutions focus on only one part of the journey, Shipup by ZigZag centralizes key information in a single platform: delivery tracking, incident detection, proactive communication, a returns portal and logistics performance tracking.

The benefit is simple: a return is often linked to an imperfect delivery experience. By giving teams better visibility into what happens before, during, and after delivery, Shipup by ZigZag helps them reduce avoidable returns, anticipate issues, and improve the customer experience without juggling multiple tools.

The platform's strength lies in this continuity: Shipup's post-purchase expertise and ZigZag's international network combine in a solution designed to integrate easily into a brand's existing ecosystem without complicating operations.

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Why brands choose Shipup by ZigZag

• End-to-end visibility on shipments and returns
• International carrier network
• Proactive customer communication
• Reduction in WISMO tickets
• Advanced logistics analytics
• Centralized post-purchase management

Things to consider

Companies looking for a very basic returns portal will likely find simpler solutions. Shipup by ZigZag is most effective when used as a comprehensive post-purchase experience platform.

Best for

Brands looking to simultaneously improve their customer experience, logistics visibility, and international returns.

2. ReBound Returns

ReBound Returns is a long-standing specialist in international reverse logistics. For several years, the company has been supporting retailers operating in multiple markets and facing the challenges of cross-border returns.

The platform is particularly well-regarded for its logistics expertise. Its primary goal is to reduce costs associated with returns while simplifying operations for internal teams.

ReBound leverages a vast global logistics network and offers workflows tailored to customs and regulatory issues. This approach is highly valued by companies that generate a significant portion of their revenue internationally.

Why brands choose ReBound

• Proven expertise in reverse logistics
• Management of complex international flows
• Reduction of return shipping costs
• Global logistics network
• Returns consolidation

Things to consider

The platform is heavily logistics-oriented. Brands seeking a broader approach to the post-purchase experience will often need to supplement their stack with other tools.

Best for

Global retailers with high volumes of cross-border returns.

3. Narvar Returns

Narvar is a global leader in post-purchase experience. Historically known for its tracking and customer communication solutions, the company also offers a dedicated returns management platform.

Narvar’s approach stands out for its focus on user experience. The goal is not just to facilitate returns, but to preserve the customer relationship and brand loyalty.

The solution allows you to customize the return journey, automate refunds, and maintain a consistent experience throughout the entire post-purchase cycle.

Why brands choose Narvar

• Premium customer experience
• Customizable return journey
• Comprehensive post-purchase ecosystem
• Strong presence among major brands

Things to consider

Narvar primarily targets large enterprises and complex international projects.

Ideal for

Enterprise brands looking for a high-end customer experience.

4. AfterShip Returns

AfterShip Returns has become a go-to for Shopify merchants thanks to its ease of deployment and extensive catalog of integrations.

The platform allows you to quickly create a branded returns portal, automate workflows, and provide greater autonomy to consumers.

Its main advantage lies in its speed of implementation. Companies can generally deploy the solution without complex technical projects.

Why brands choose AfterShip Returns

• Rapid deployment
• Strong Shopify integration
• Automated returns
• Affordable pricing
• Comprehensive ecosystem

Things to consider

International reverse logistics features are less advanced compared to cross-border specialists.

Best for

E-commerce SMEs and mid-market companies looking to quickly structure their return processes.

5. ReturnGO

ReturnGO has seen strong growth thanks to its Shopify-first positioning and its focus on exchanges rather than refunds.

The platform helps brands retain more revenue by encouraging exchanges, store credit, and gift cards.

This strategy is particularly relevant for DTC brands looking to reduce the financial impact of returns.

Why brands choose ReturnGO

• Advanced exchange management
• Automated refunds
• Self-service portal
• Strong Shopify integration

Things to consider

The platform is more DTC-oriented than focused on large-scale international projects.

Best for

Shopify brands looking to maximize revenue retention.

6. Loop Returns

Loop Returns is arguably one of the most popular returns platforms in the Shopify Plus ecosystem.

The solution has built its reputation on its exceptionally smooth user experience and automation capabilities.

Loop focuses on instant exchanges, store credit, and maximizing customer lifetime value rather than just operational returns management.

Why brands choose Loop

• Highly polished user experience
• Instant exchanges
• Store credit
• Strong Shopify Plus adoption

Things to consider

The platform is optimized more for North American DTC brands than for the complexities of international returns.

Best for

High-growth Shopify Plus brands.

International returns are currently one of the most complex challenges in e-commerce. When managed well, they can help improve the customer experience, maintain buyer loyalty, and limit operational costs. When poorly handled, they quickly become a source of friction for both consumers and internal teams.

The software featured in this comparison offers different approaches to managing international returns, whether through reverse logistics, automation, logistics visibility, or customer experience. The key is to identify the solution best suited to your current needs while keeping your future expansion into international markets in mind.

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