Estimating Your Return Volumes

How many containers could your store receive?

One of the biggest questions for retailers preparing for a Deposit Return Scheme is:

“How many containers should we expect?”

The answer may not be the same as the number of drinks you currently sell.

Once DRS begins, customers may return containers purchased from other retailers, meaning your store could receive more, or fewer, containers than expected.

What could influence your return volumes?

Several factors may affect the number of containers returned to your store.

Store footfall

Stores with more customer visits may naturally receive higher return volumes.

Your location

A store in a busy town centre, residential neighbourhood or transport location may experience very different return patterns.

Nearby return points

If there are few convenient return points nearby, your store may receive more returns.

If several nearby retailers offer returns, volumes may be shared between locations.

Your return experience

Customers may choose the return point they find easiest and most reliable to use.

A convenient return process could encourage repeat visits.

Your opening hours

Longer opening hours may make your store a more convenient return location.

Why does estimating volume matter?

Expected return volume can influence:

• The type of return solution you choose
• The amount of storage you need
• Staff requirements
• Collection frequency
• Your potential handling fee income

Choosing a solution without considering likely return volumes could leave your store with too little capacity, or paying for more capacity than you need.

Start with an estimate, then review

Before DRS launches, retailers may need to work with estimates.

Once your return point is operating, actual data can help you understand:

• Average daily returns
• Peak return periods
• Storage requirements
• Collection frequency
• Changes in customer behaviour

Your return process can then be reviewed as volumes develop.