Loop links with Sendcloud to boost EU returns options

Loop has expanded its European returns offering by integrating with Sendcloud, adding more UK and EU carrier options to its return shipping service for Shopify merchants.

The update centres on Ship by Loop 2.0, the latest version of Loop's return shipping product. The service manages return shipments within Loop's platform and can connect to a merchant's carrier contracts or use Loop-negotiated rates.

The Sendcloud integration expands the carrier selection available through Loop's returns portal across Europe. It adds more couriers and out-of-home options, including locker services, and lets merchants select carriers without leaving the Loop interface.

Carrier access

Sendcloud runs a shipping platform used by eCommerce businesses across Europe. The tie-up gives Loop customers more ready-to-use returns services in the UK and EU, the companies said.

Loop positions Ship by Loop to keep return shipping decisions and processes in one place. The integration keeps carrier selection inside the returns portal while opening access to Sendcloud's European carrier network.

Ship by Loop 2.0 also adds QR code returns and InPost locker drop-offs. QR codes reduce the need for shoppers to print labels at home, while locker drop-offs offer an alternative to home collection and staffed parcel shops. Both options have become more common as retailers and carriers look to simplify returns and reduce failed collections.

Reverse logistics remains a sensitive area for online retailers. Returns volumes tend to rise with cross-border sales and in categories such as fashion. Shipping rates, processing time and consumer convenience can influence costs and customer retention.

For Shopify merchants selling across Europe, returns can involve multiple carriers, different service levels and a patchwork of drop-off networks. Loop said Ship by Loop 2.0 expands options for these scenarios via Sendcloud while maintaining existing North American coverage under prior shipping arrangements.

Rate comparison

Ship by Loop now also lets merchants compare rates across multiple shipping partners, Loop said. Rate shopping for each return shipment can affect unit costs, especially for merchants handling high volumes or shipping across multiple countries.

Loop said the update adds flexibility on carriers and pricing for return parcels and streamlines workflows for operations teams by keeping returns shipping decisions in a single system.

"With Ship by Loop 2.0, we're making global returns logistics even simpler for brands," said John-David Klausner, GM International, Loop. "Integrating Sendcloud directly into our platform means merchants can access top UK and EU carriers instantly, benefit from more competitive rates and deliver a frictionless experience that keeps customers coming back."

European focus

Sendcloud said the integration expands its role in return shipping across Europe within Loop's product. The company is backed by Softbank and says more than 35,000 brands across Europe use its platform.

Rob van den Heuvel, CEO of Sendcloud, said the partnership aims to simplify shipping and returns for merchants and shoppers.

"We're excited to power Ship by Loop's return shipping across Europe," said van den Heuvel. "By combining Loop's returns platform with Sendcloud's carrier network, we're removing complexity for merchants and making returns easier and more convenient for shoppers."

Loop provides software for Shopify merchants and claims to serve more than 5,000 brands. Its products cover post-purchase experiences, tracking and returns, and include tools for exchanges and workflow automation.

The returns market has become more competitive as merchants place greater emphasis on retention and operational cost control. In response, logistics providers and software platforms have added more label-free options, expanded drop-off networks and built deeper integrations with commerce platforms.

Loop said the Sendcloud integration is part of its effort to expand shipping coverage across regions. It expects Ship by Loop 2.0 to appeal to merchants seeking more carrier choice for UK and EU returns alongside existing options for North America.