In the fall, Itella Posti Oy will launch a solution for online stores which will make it easier for consumers to return purchases they make from online stores. Through Itella Maksuturva, consumer customers can track the delivery, contact the store, notify the store that they will return products, and print out an address card for returning the products. The service makes for safe payments for purchases, and safe refunds. Suomen Maksuturva Oy is Itella's partner.
The cooperation between Itella and Suomen Maksuturva is based on the EU's new regulations for distance sales, to be introduced in June 2014. These rules require online stores to harmonize their operating methods in regard to delivery and product returns.
“The growth of online commerce is largely based on consumers regarding the sales channel as a convenient way of purchasing products. According to a recent study by the European Commission, seven out of ten consumers do not know what action to take if an online purchase fails to match the order. Our solid competence in logistics services, combined with the payment safety service, helps consumers take action in the online store. Clear instructions make for an even better shopping experience and increase confidence in the online store,” says Aku Happo, director of Itella's eCommerce operations.
The Itella Maksuturva service is a comprehensive melange of logistics and payment transactions which serves online shoppers 24/7.
Effective background processes for online stores benefit shoppers and stores
Itella's solution is based on an intelligent payment forwarding service platform, launched by Suomen Maksuturva in 2009, which can be extensively connected to different online store solutions.
Through the automation and harmonization of return-related functions which require a lot of manual work, online stores will save resources and will eliminate a major bottleneck that hinders business growth.
“In Finland, consumers' online shopping still remains below ten percent of total trade, but it may quickly multiply as consumer behavior changes. Finnish online stores can only find success under pressure from international operators when they understand that a good-looking website is not enough to achieve a competitive edge – the background processes must also be in order,” says Mikael Smeds, Managing Director of Suomen Maksuturva.
Further information to media: Itella MediaDesk, tel. +358 20 452 3366 (Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Itella Posti Oy provides mail services throughout Finland, including the deliveries of letters, publications and direct advertising, in addition to parcel and express transport services, Netposti, as well as Posti shops and outlets. Itella Posti Oy is part of the Itella Mail Communications business group, which reported net sales of MEUR 1,168 and employed 17,800 persons in 2012. Itella Mail Communications is part of Itella Group. www.itella.fi
Suomen Maksuturva provides intelligent payment forwarding services for online stores. In addition to comprehensive payment and account services, the Tyytyväisyystakuu tool can be included for cost-effective implementation of product returns and complaints. Maksuturva customers include the following: Reima, Marimekko, Nanso Group, Metsä Group, Fortum and Holiday Club. The company acts as the official training partner of the Finnish Commerce Federation and its operations are regulated by the Financial Supervisory Authority. For more details: www.maksuturva.fi
