The practice involves acquiring a replacement product while simultaneously initiating the return of a similar, previously purchased item through the e-commerce platform. This process is often facilitated by the platform’s return policies and inventory management systems. An example is purchasing a new electronic device model and returning the older version to the online retailer.
This cycle offers consumers the advantage of immediate access to the latest product iterations without prolonged downtime. It can streamline upgrades and replacements, minimizing disruptions. Historically, such exchanges were more cumbersome, involving separate purchase and return transactions with potential delays in processing refunds and restocking.