Customers of Asos have reacted angrily to a new policy that charges them for returns if they do not retain a specific portion of their order.

Over the weekend, a few clients received an email informing them that their "frequently high return rate" had been detected.

If these clients retain less than £40 worth of merchandise, £3.95 will now be subtracted from their refund.

Asos stated that "nothing's changed" for the majority of its customers, although it has not stated what defines a high return rate.

Customers who join up for Asos Premier, according to the firm, will receive free returns if they save at least £15 off their order.

Earlier this year, Asos customers in France, Germany, and the US were able to begin using the threshold for free returns.

Policy Changes

Asos and other online-only retailers have had difficulties as a result of the normalisation of return rates, increased competition from Shein and other ultra-fast fashion firms, and tighter customer budgets brought on by growing living expenses.

Customers who had their PrettyLittleThing (PLT) accounts cancelled due to the volume of returns they made earlier this year attacked the company.

It happened soon after PLT charged £1.99 for returns, even for customers who were enrolled in its "royalty" program.

Fashion retailer H&M reversed course on a comparable policy last year in response to criticism.

Asos announced last week in a trading update that it has made enhancements to how apparel and accessories are sized and presented on product sites.

Additionally, the company said last week that it will be selling most of its ownership in the Topshop and Topman brands for £135 million.

(Sources: bbc.co.uk)