Why some people wait weeks to do returns (and how to stop)

You have a return sitting in the corner for weeks. You know you should handle it, but you keep putting it off. Why does return procrastination happen, and how can you stop it? This guide explores the psychology behind return delays and provides practical strategies to overcome procrastination.

The Psychology of Return Procrastination

Why People Delay Returns

Common reasons:

• Perceived as unpleasant task
• Requires effort and planning
• Feels overwhelming
• Low priority
• Easy to postpone
• Avoidance behavior

Result: Returns pile up, deadlines approach, stress increases.

The Procrastination Cycle

How it works:

1. Item needs to be returned
2. Think "I'll do it later"
3. Later becomes next week
4. Next week becomes next month
5. Deadline approaches
6. Stress increases
7. Eventually forced to act (or miss deadline)

Problem: Cycle repeats, stress builds, items pile up.

Common Reasons for Delaying Returns

Reason 1: Perceived Difficulty

The thinking:

• "It's too complicated"
• "I don't know how"
• "Too much work"
• "Seems difficult"

Reality: Returns are usually simpler than they seem.

Solution: Break it down into small steps, make it easy.

Reason 2: Low Priority

The thinking:

• "It's not urgent"
• "I have other things to do"
• "Not important right now"
• "Can wait"

Reality: Low priority tasks often get delayed indefinitely.

Solution: Schedule specific time, make it a priority.

Reason 3: Overwhelm

The thinking:

• "Too many returns"
• "Feels overwhelming"
• "Don't know where to start"
• "Too much to handle"

Reality: Multiple returns feel more overwhelming than they are.

Solution: Handle one at a time, batch when possible.

Reason 4: Lack of Time

The thinking:

• "I'm too busy"
• "No time for this"
• "Later when I have time"
• "Not enough time"

Reality: Time is available, but not prioritized.

Solution: Schedule time, use services, make it efficient.

Reason 5: Avoidance

The thinking:

• "I don't want to deal with it"
• "Avoid thinking about it"
• "Hope it goes away"
• "Put it off"

Reality: Avoidance increases stress and doesn't solve problem.

Solution: Face it head-on, handle promptly, reduce stress.

The Cost of Procrastination

Financial Cost

Lost refunds:

• Missed return deadlines
• Lost money
• Items you don't want
• Clutter
• Waste

Example: 3 missed returns at $50 each = $150 lost.

Time Cost

Inefficiency:

• More returns to handle at once
• Rush when deadline approaches
• Less efficient batching
• More stress
• More time overall

Result: More time spent when handled urgently vs. promptly.

Stress Cost

Mental burden:

• Constant reminder
• Clutter in home
• Approaching deadlines
• Guilt
• Anxiety

Result: Ongoing stress from delayed returns.

Strategies to Stop Procrastination

Strategy 1: Handle Immediately

How it works:

• Return item as soon as you decide
• Don't wait
• Act promptly
• Get it done
• No delay

Benefits:

• Prevents pile-up
• Reduces stress
• Easier to manage
• No deadlines to worry about

Best practice: Return within 24-48 hours of deciding.

Strategy 2: Set Reminders

How it works:

• Set reminder for return
• Calendar alert
• Phone reminder
• Don't ignore
• Act on reminder

Benefits:

• External prompt
• Don't forget
• Stay on track
• Reduce delays

Best practice: Set reminder when item arrives, not when you decide to return.

Strategy 3: Make It Easy

How it works:

• Use easiest return method
• QR code returns (no printing)
• Pickup services (no leaving house)
• Store returns (if convenient)
• Simplify process

Benefits:

• Less resistance
• Easier to do
• Less effort
• More likely to complete

Best practice: Choose method that requires least effort.

Strategy 4: Batch Returns

How it works:

• Collect returns
• Handle all at once
• Set aside time
• Process together
• More efficient

Benefits:

• More efficient
• Less frequent
• Easier to manage
• Less overwhelm

Best practice: Set aside time weekly or bi-weekly for returns.

Strategy 5: Use Services

How it works:

• Use return pickup services
• Handle from home
• No effort required
• Professional service
• Eliminates barriers

Benefits:

• Removes friction
• No effort needed
• Easy to schedule
• Handles everything

Best practice: Use services to eliminate barriers entirely.

Strategy 6: Create Routine

How it works:

• Set regular return time
• Same day each week
• Make it habit
• Automatic
• Don't skip

Benefits:

• Becomes automatic
• Less mental energy
• Consistent
• Prevents pile-up

Best practice: Same time each week, make it routine.

Strategy 7: Start Small

How it works:

• Handle one return
• Don't think about all
• One at a time
• Build momentum
• Small wins

Benefits:

• Less overwhelming
• Builds confidence
• Creates momentum
• Easier to start

Best practice: Just do one, don't think about the rest.

Strategy 8: Reward Yourself

How it works:

• Complete return
• Give yourself reward
• Acknowledge accomplishment
• Positive reinforcement
• Build habit

Benefits:

• Positive association
• Motivation
• Builds habit
• Makes it enjoyable

Best practice: Small reward, acknowledge completion.

Breaking the Procrastination Cycle

Recognize the Pattern

Awareness:

• Notice when you're procrastinating
• Understand why
• Recognize the cycle
• See the pattern
• Be aware

Result: Awareness is first step to change.

Interrupt the Cycle

Action:

• Don't wait for motivation
• Just start
• Take first step
• Break the cycle
• Act despite feeling

Result: Action creates momentum, breaks cycle.

Build New Habits

Process:

• Start small
• Be consistent
• Build over time
• Make it automatic
• Create routine

Result: New habits replace old patterns.

Prevention Strategies

Return Promptly

Best practice:

• Return within 24-48 hours
• Don't wait
• Act immediately
• Prevent pile-up
• Stay current

Result: Never have returns sitting around.

Don't Buy If Unsure

Prevention:

• Research before buying
• Be more selective
• Buy less
• Fewer returns needed
• Better purchases

Result: Fewer returns to handle in first place.

Test Items Quickly

Best practice:

• Test items immediately
• Know right away if returning
• Return promptly if needed
• Don't wait
• Quick decisions

Result: Faster returns, less procrastination.

The Bottom Line

Return procrastination happens because returns feel like unpleasant tasks that are easy to postpone. The key to stopping procrastination is making returns easier, handling them promptly, and creating systems that prevent delays.

The best strategies are: handling returns immediately, using services that eliminate barriers, creating routines, and making the process as easy as possible. The goal is to prevent returns from piling up and becoming overwhelming.

Remember: The best time to return something is right away. Don't wait, don't delay, just handle it. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes and the more stress it causes.

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Tired of procrastinating on returns? Returnful makes returns so easy you'll actually do them. Learn more or text us at 469-790-7579.