How Brands are rethinking returns without killing customer trust
Free admission
Limited capacity
2 Speakers
Independent New York

How Brands are rethinking returns without killing customer trust

When
Aug 13 · 6:30PM–8:30PM EDT
Where
Nomadworks - Times Square, New York
240 W 40th St, 2nd fl · New York 10018
Event Ended Free Admission

Returns are not “ops.”

Returns are the invoice for every decision you made upstream. Your fit. Your quality. Your promises. Your marketing. Your policy. The new game is not “free returns” vs “paid returns.” It is a margin defense plan that does not spook your best customers. And does not invite the worst ones. You can tighten the screws. But customers keep score. They punish confusion faster than they punish fees.

This panel is about the line. Where protecting margin stops being smart and starts costing you trust.

In the room

Inside the room.

The pitch

Why you should be in this room.

  • When charging a fee works. And when it tanks conversion.
  • How to push exchanges without making customers feel trapped.
  • What “VIP policy” actually means in practice.
  • How to fight abuse without accusing your best customers.
  • What to say when you change the rules. And how not to say it.
  • Where final sale is a weapon. And where it becomes a PR problem.

Audience

Who's getting in.

  • DTC and ecommerce founders
  • Heads of CX, Ops, and Product
  • Growth teams who know returns are a conversion lever
  • People cleaning up the mess after “free returns” became a default

Speakers

Featured speakers.

Jay Harris

Jay Harris

CEO Komar Distribution Services

As CEO of Komar Distribution Services, Jay Harris has spent more than 25 years helping brands balance margin protection with customer loyalty. At KDS, returns are treated as the outcome of upstream decisions and addressed through clean data, integrated systems, and true strategic partnership rather than transactional logistics. I have guided our team to not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations through innovative solutions that grow companies from millions to billions. These include amazing supply chain management tools, integrated drayage, actionable inventory demand management, and proactive compliance management. At KDS, we harness collaborative synergy to achieve results that exceed the sum of our efforts, thus driving sustainable growth and “pencils never down” operational excellence.

Gabrielle Kerins

Gabrielle Kerins

Marketing Director Kulfi

Gabrielle Kerins is a beauty marketing leader and author, most recently spending three years scaling NYC-based cosmetics brand Kulfi. Fluent in both performance and brand marketing, she operates with the conviction that every touchpoint is an opportunity to engage with community and build equity.

Hosts

Who's hosting it.

Manish Chowdhary

Manish Chowdhary

Founder & CEO Cahoot

Manish Chowdhary is the Founder & CEO of Cahoot, the most comprehensive post-purchase logistics platform for ecommerce brands. We help merchants scale profitably with a bundled suite of services that includes:
– Fast, cost-effective fulfillment (1-day and 2-day nationwide coverage)
– AI-powered multi-warehouse shipping software that selects the cheapest label automatically
– An industry-first peer-to-peer returns solution that eliminates return shipping and restocking costs

With over 100 warehouses and advanced shipping automation, we help brands maintain control, boost speed, and cut logistics costs without the overhead of traditional 3PLs. I’m passionate about helping ecommerce businesses grow smarter. If you’re looking to improve your margins, delight customers, and future-proof your logistics, let’s connect.

My work has been recognized with multiple industry accolades, most recently winning the SaaStock USA Global Pitch Competition 2024. I’m passionate about using technology and collaboration to push the boundaries of ecommerce and logistics and create new opportunities for merchants worldwide.

Topics

What's on the table.

  • Return fees. Flat vs dynamic. When it works.
  • Exchanges over refunds. How to nudge without coercion.
  • Fraud and abuse. Red flags. Hard rules. Soft rules.
  • VIP vs high-risk policies. Segmentation without brand damage.
  • Return windows. Shorter windows, smarter windows, or both.
  • Final sale strategy. What it does to trust and repeat purchase.
  • Store credit incentives. The difference between a win and a scam.
  • CX scripts. The exact language that lowers heat instead of raising it.

Partners

Who's backing this.

Cahoot

Cahoot is not just another post-purchase platform—we’re a movement. One built on peer-to-peer power, AI precision, and profit-first thinking. You don’t need more tools. You need control.

Learn more.

Nomadworks

We are dedicated to providing innovative solutions that empower our members and drive success. Nomadworks is a hub for innovation, incubating companies new and tenured across New York City. Our commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and flexibility sets us apart in the industry.

Exclusive Offer To Ugly Talk Members 

Get up to 2 months free for Nomadworks!

Claim yours here

Venue

Venue & directions.

Full address Nomadworks - Times Square 240 W 40th St, 2nd fl New York, New York 10018 United States
Open in Google Maps