Marketplace Wildberries introduced a return fee of 1,000 rubles for items that require special handling due to fragility or large size. This update was disclosed by the marketplace through its press service and relayed by TASS, the state news agency. The policy change targets a narrow segment of the catalog, with the press service noting that fragile and oversized goods represent roughly 2 percent of the entire product assortment. Typical examples include televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers. Importantly for buyers in Canada and the United States, delivery for eligible items remains free, including the process of bringing these items to the ground floor, which helps soften the financial impact of the new return fee for those who need such products shipped to their homes. This distinction matters because it means customers still enjoy no-charge delivery on the way out, while the return experience for these specific categories is adjusted to account for the additional logistics required. Even with the fee, the policy preserves a broadly favorable stance toward returns for most shipments in the current market environment.
The press service clarified that since last week the 1,000 ruble charge applies only to the return of products that require special transport conditions. The emphasis is that oversized and fragile items make up only a small fraction of the catalog, around 2 percent, which suggests the company aims to minimize disruption for the vast majority of purchases while addressing the higher costs associated with difficult-to-handle goods. For consumers, this means a clearer, more predictable cost structure when returning items that demand careful packaging, specialized equipment, or extra manpower. The rest of the assortment, including items like wallpaper, paint, window seals, and other similar products, would continue to return at the standard rate, preserving the familiar economics for typical home improvement and decoration goods.
The development comes as Wildberries joins a larger trend among major Russian marketplaces to refine return logistics and price these specialized services more precisely. The policy is situated within a broader push to balance consumer convenience with the rising costs of handling complex shipments. In practice, the 1,000 ruble fee signals a move toward material cost recovery for high-touch returns, while the free outflow delivery remains a strong selling point for consumers who rely on large appliances or equipment. For readers in North America, this contrast highlights how marketplaces globally are recalibrating after shifts in transport costs and regional consumer expectations.
Industry observers note that these changes can influence purchasing decisions, especially when customers weigh the total cost of ownership for large appliances and fragile goods. The change does not alter the core offer of free delivery for most orders and for the initial arrival of such goods, which protects the buyer experience from becoming prohibitively expensive at the point of purchase. Instead, it introduces a targeted adjustment during the return phase, encouraging buyers to consider the logistical realities of returning bulky or delicate items. In practical terms, shoppers should evaluate return windows, ensure protective packaging is present, and anticipate the potential 1,000 ruble fee if they expect to return an oversized or fragile product. The policy also underscores the importance of inspecting shipments upon delivery to minimize the likelihood of returns that trigger the new charge.
Historically, Wildberries is not alone in pursuing coordinated anti-counterfeit and quality assurance measures. Earlier initiatives involved joint efforts with other major marketplaces like Ozon and Yandex Market to maintain a unified digital information system designed to combat counterfeit goods. This collaborative move underscores a broader industry shift toward transparency and reliability, an aim that resonates with international audiences who value verified listings and consistent product information when shopping online. The current return fee policy sits within a larger ecosystem of consumer protections, information sharing, and workflow improvements that help ensure buyers receive genuine products and accurate descriptions, irrespective of where they shop within the region. For Canadians and Americans browsing global marketplaces, the ongoing emphasis on quality control and clear cost structures may influence expectations about returns, delivery, and the overall shopping experience when engaging with cross-border retailers.