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Record High Parcel Returns Driven by Online Shopping Boom
Germany’s booming online retail market is leading to unprecedented numbers of parcel returns, with forecasts estimating around 550 million returned packages in 2025. This figure represents nearly one in every four parcels sent through the online shopping channel and marks a new record high for returns in the country. The Bundesverband Paket- und Expresslogistik (BPEX) projects a total parcel volume of approximately 4.37 billion shipments in 2025, with the parcel delivery sector anticipating that roughly 74% of shipments will be business-to-consumer (B2C). Given a steady return rate of 24.2%, this results in the massive volume of returns expected next year [Source 1] [Source 3].
Focus on Free Returns and Consumer Habits
The high return rates are closely linked to consumer behavior and retailer policies. Most notably, many online retailers, including major players like Amazon, Zalando, and Otto, continue to offer free returns, encouraging multiple purchases to try at home before deciding what to keep. This practice is particularly prevalent in clothing purchases, which dominate return statistics. Factors such as uncertainty over size and color prompt shoppers to order multiple variants and return unwanted items, contributing significantly to the return volume. Special shopping events such as Black Friday also further stimulate purchase and return activity. Experts indicate that if retailers were required to charge for returns, many would prefer to maintain free returns gladly to retain customer trust and competitive advantage [Source 1] [Source 2] [Source 4].
Implications for Expats and International Shoppers in Germany
For expats, international students, and foreign workers in Germany, the rise in parcel returns impacts both shopping conveniences and costs. While the ability to return items free of charge within roughly two weeks offers consumer protection and flexibility, it also means that online shopping habits may include ordering more items than necessary. This can affect planning for returning parcels, especially for those unfamiliar with German return policies. Customers should be aware that return shipping must often be prepaid or arranged according to retailer terms, and the responsibility for damaged returns lies with the customer unless otherwise specified. It is advisable for international consumers to familiarize themselves with the specific return and refund rights offered by German law and individual online retailers. The high volume of returns also influences postal and courier services, which may affect delivery efficiencies or timings [Source 1] [Source 4] [Source 5].
Retailers are legally required to accept returns within the allowed withdrawal period, and customers can return multiple items separately if delivered in partial shipments. However, if only some items are returned, the customer may be responsible for the original shipping costs related to the goods they keep. Free returns remain a competitive advantage for large platforms, but others may introduce fees if regulatory changes require so [Source 5].
More information on this topic can be found in the original German article at tagesschau.de [Source 1].
