ASOS Shopper's Clever Hack to Bypass New Return Charges Revealed
A savvy TikTok user has unveiled a simple yet effective strategy to keep her ASOS return rate below 70%, thereby avoiding the retailer's newly introduced charges for frequent returners. The move comes as ASOS implements more transparent explanations for why some customers face fees while others do not, aiming to encourage more thoughtful purchasing habits.
The Viral TikTok Tip That's Sparking Debate
Shellie, who posts content on TikTok under the username @miss_shelliec, shared her method in a video captioned "Just me trying to keep my ASOS returns percentage at bay." Her approach involves purchasing non-returnable beauty products alongside clothing orders to balance out her return rate.
Shellie advised: "Top tip if you're struggling with the new ASOS returns rate is to order your beauty items with ASOS. If you make three, four, or five small, cheap purchases throughout the month for your beauty items, which are obviously non-returnable, that'll keep my return rate down."
She explained that she recently spent around £20 on an eyebrow pencil, a primer, and two blushers, noting that ASOS's beauty prices are competitive with high street retailers like Boots or Superdrug. Shellie also highlighted a promotion offering 25% off when buying three or more face and body items, which made her purchases even more economical.
Why This Strategy Works for Shoppers
The convenience of shopping for beauty products on ASOS is a key factor, with benefits such as next-day delivery and avoiding the uncertainty of stock availability in physical stores. Shellie recommends keeping beauty purchases separate from clothing orders to ensure at least one full order is retained each month. This tactic, she suggests, can help maintain a returns rate under 70%, provided customers avoid frequent clothing returns.
However, the online response has been mixed. One disgruntled shopper commented: "They don't even deserve me doing this. Their new policy sucks, and they're definitely on their downfall! But it's a good tip." Shellie sympathised, replying: "Thank you. I know what you mean, like basically I will be spending more money with them, and it's rather annoying what they have done."
Another customer shared her positive experience, writing: "I always buy my beauty stuff from ASOS and my return rate was only 24% especially when they have 20% off, it works out a lot better!" Shellie responded: "I think that definitely must have helped keep yours down. Hopefully will help mine too."
Understanding ASOS's New Returns Policy
ASOS customers with a historical return rate exceeding 70% may face a £3.95 deduction from their refund unless they keep at least £40 worth of items from that order. This change is part of a broader initiative to boost customer confidence and reduce returns.
To further assist shoppers, ASOS is rolling out new customer tools, including an in-app personal return rate tracker, tips to minimise returns, and enhanced features like videos and 360-degree imagery of models wearing products, clearer sizing information, and personalised recommendations via its 'Fit Assistant'.
This announcement follows previous adjustments in 2025, such as the introduction of charges for certain returns and ASOS shutting down or banning some customer accounts due to higher-than-average return rates. The focus is on those whose shopping behaviour breaches its Fair Use policy, which was updated in October 2024.
In terms of enforcement, ASOS has stated that accounts may still be suspended or closed in cases of repeated abuse or suspected fraudulent activity. If an account returns over 70% of items, charges may apply, and returning items without tags will now raise red flags.
The debate continues as loyal and disgruntled customers argue that ASOS needs to improve garment sizing and quality if it intends to penalise people in this manner, making Shellie's hack a timely solution for many shoppers.
