LX Direct - sudden massive hike in rejected sales - anyone else suffering?

[Elaine]

I don't normally check my rejected sales figures - but a passing remark last weekend lead me to investigate LX's record and delve deeper into the Buyat control panel - and what I found absolutely astounded me.

Jan through June my average rejected rate was between 11 and 22% - quite acceptable considering I sell mainly toys and kids furniture

July's was a staggering 82.5% rejected rate - OK there was an extra payment made to cover some of these rejected orders , but my payment was still 40% down.

August is exactly the same and we're still waiting for the late payment - so I've no idea how much we'll be down.

Anyone else experiencing this?

[Paul Newton]

Elaine,

I have quickly checked your numbers and I can immediately spot an explanation. I am sure that Liz will pick this up on Monday morning and try to get an explanation from the guys at Littlewoods.

Sorry I cant be any further help.

Paul

[Elaine]

that will be interesting - I've been in touch with LX and Liz all week and still no further forward with a proper explanation - it seems to be a 'lump it or like it ' situation

guess who's not a happy bunny

[Paul Newton]

I have just picked this up this morning following your post and so I have not been able to catch up with Liz yet. I will pick it up with her and our contact and Littlewoods on Monday morning first thing and see if we can get to the bottom of it.

I understand you concern and I assure you that we will follow up for an explanation.

[nickhx]

Hi Paul,

Similar problem here, all our sales (100%) since 1st August have been rejected. I have emailed you separately.

Regards
Nick

[Elaine]

all our sales (100%)since 1st August have been rejected

maybe I should count my lucky stars that I've actually been paid out on some then

[gadget]

I've a vague (very vague) recollection that they changed their T&Cs not too long ago from gross sales to net sales, ie. after Refunds.

I don't use these guys but I also remember from another post that Steven North at Littlewoods had been very helpful to another community member.

[Elaine]

If LX are getting 85+% of their sales returned - how the heck of they stayed in business - and I've always had returns/rejects, just not on this scale.

It's an absolute farce

[gadget]

Have sent you a PM.

Catalogue return rates are around 35% with High St equivalents 5% for the smaller retailers and 15% for the major retailers like M&S.

[Rynert]

My wife always orders a size 10 and 12 as she is never sure which will fit... so if the 'outfit' comprises 3 items, she orders 6 and will return at least 50% and if she does not like one of the 3 all 6 could go back...

[Elaine]

yes, and if I run a women's clothing site I would have always been getting these sort of rejection rates - wonder if these sites are now getting 98% rejections!!

But as most of my traffic is originating through the childrens furniture and toys pages - not clothes, not even kids clothes, then I don't see why it should SUDDENLY reach such dizzying heights.

I've just received a 'bonus' payment to cover some of July's rejects - but the rejection rate has till doubled - and I'm still waiting to hear from either LX or Buyat!!