A return never shows up in your sales — it hides in your margin. Outbound shipping, return shipping, quality check, repackaging, restocking, support: every returned parcel costs far more than the refund itself. And in fashion it's huge: return rates run between 25% and 40%, and around 70% of those returns come down to size or fit.
This returns cost calculator puts a number on that invisible drain. Enter your orders, return rate and cost per return, then see how much a virtual try-on could win back.
The calculator
Returns cost calculator
Enter your numbers to see what returns really cost you.
Cost per return includes reverse logistics, inspection, repackaging, restocking and support (often $10-20). The default reduction (30%) sits inside the -25% to -40% range reported by brands that adopt virtual try-on. Indicative estimate.
Cut my returns with 1Match →How to read these numbers
The math is direct: orders × return rate gives the number of returns, multiplied by the unit cost of a return. That unit cost isn't just shipping — add inspection labor, repackaging, restocking and customer support. Most fashion brands put it between $10 and $20 per return.
Why does virtual try-on attack the root cause? Because most fashion returns are fit returns: "it doesn't suit me / wrong size". When a shopper sees the garment on their own photo before buying, they order the right item in the right size — and brands report returns dropping by 25% to 40%.
Turning the math into savings
1Match adds AI virtual try-on to your Shopify store in under 10 minutes, no code. The shopper uploads a photo on the product page and sees themselves wearing the item — clothing and accessories alike — removing the size doubt before purchase, exactly where most returns start.
FAQ
What's included in 'cost per return'?
Far more than the refund: return shipping, quality check, repackaging, restocking, customer support and tied-up stock. Most fashion brands estimate $10-20 per return depending on the product and logistics.
Where does the -25% to -40% reduction come from?
It's the range reported by fashion brands that roll out virtual try-on. The calculator defaults to 30%, a conservative mid-range value; adjust it to match your catalogue.
Why does virtual try-on reduce returns?
Because ~70% of fashion returns are size or fit related. By seeing the garment on themselves before buying, shoppers choose better and order the right size, which sharply cuts fit returns.
Install on Shopify