Key stat: 21% of US consumers making returns expect refunds immediately, while 33% expect them in 24 hours, per an August 2024 report by Narvar. Some 40% say a day is the longest acceptable time to wait for a refund.

Beyond the chart:

• One in five consumers would prefer to pay a small fee to receive their refund instantly, the same Narvar report found.
• This year, US consumers will make $931.85 billion in returns, per our November 2023 forecast.

Use this chart: Retailers can use this chart to shape their returns policy, and advocate for more return options through refund alternatives such as store credit or flexible product exchanges.

Related EMARKETER reports:

• US Retail Ecommerce Returns 2024 (Subscription required)
• US Holiday Shopping 2024(Subscription required)

Methodology: Data is from the August 2024 Narvar report “2024 State of Returns.” 1,924 US consumers ages 18-75 were surveyed during June 2024.