How Retailers Can Balance Customer Experience and Policy Abuse: By Doriel Abrahams

In today's e-commerce landscape, retailers face an increasingly challenging problem - policy abuse. New research report revealed that a staggering 70% of U.K. consumers believe retailers make it far too easy to abuse their returns policies - and yet these same shoppers are also demanding the convenience and seamless experience these policies provide. This creates a significant issue for retailers navigating the need to deliver frictionless customer experiences while also implementing protection to mitigate such issues. It's becoming an ever more complicated issue between convenience and security, with many businesses struggling to balance customer satisfaction metrics against the rising rates of returns abuse, refund fraud, and policy manipulation that directly impact the bottom-line. After the pandemic, and with most shopping now happening online, fixing this problem isn't just about preventing losses - it's crucial for keeping legitimate customers happy, creating operational efficiencies and staying ahead of competitors.
Why the rise in retail policy abuse?
The report also found an even more concerning trend - that the majority of U.K. shoppers (52%) admit to deliberately abusing online retail policies within the past year. Even more telling is the fact that 29% of those who took advantage of retailers' policies did so specifically to avoid paying full price.
So what's driving this behaviour and normalising fraud? Several factors appear to be at play here. Firstly, the cost-of-living crisis has pushed consumers to find other ways to stretch their budgets. And secondly, the very nature of shopping online has created a separation between buyers and sellers, reducing the moral considerations that might otherwise prevent policy abuse such as this. Thirdly, many consumers have also come to view these tactics as "shopping hacks" rather than abuse, particularly as they see retailers making record profits despite inflation.
What is the cost of overcorrection?
Retailers might be tempted to respond with blanket policy restrictions, but our research suggests this approach carries some significant risks. Nearly one in five consumers (18%) have completely abandoned retailers that implemented stricter return policies. This highlights the delicate balance retailers must strike. While policy abuse costs billions annually, the potential revenue loss from alienating legitimate customers could be even more devastating. And with customer acquisition costs continuing to rise, retention is becoming even more valuable than ever.
It's time to move beyond a 'one-size-fits-all' approach
The fundamental problem with current approaches is their lack of nuance and personalisation. Most retailers implement uniform policies that treat all customers the same - either too permissive (inviting abuse) or too restrictive (driving away loyal customers). The solution lies in personalisation at scale and differentiating between these different sets of customers. By understanding who they're doing business with, retailers can implement dynamic policies tailored to each individual customer behaviour and history.
Forward-thinking retailers are already leveraging advanced technology to maintain this balance. By implementing systems that can accurately identify trustworthy customers versus potential abusers, businesses can offer differentiated experiences. However, this approach demands sophisticated identity management and behaviour analysis capabilities. The most effective solutions leverage network intelligence across millions of shoppers and transactions to accurately distinguish legitimate shopping behaviour from abuse patterns.
The research makes clear that policy abuse is a significant and growing challenge for retailers. However, the solution isn't to punish all customers with restrictive policies. Instead, by leveraging technology to distinguish between trustworthy customers and potential abusers, retailers can strike the crucial balance between customer-friendly experiences and protection against serial exploitation.
In today's competitive retail environment, those who master this balance will not only protect their margins but also build deeper customer loyalty through experiences that feel both flexible and fair. It can be solved - but only through intelligence, personalisation, and a commitment to differentiating between genuine customers and potentially fraudulent transactions.

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The Sun

31 minutes ago

• The Sun

Best UFC betting sites in the UK – Top UFC bookies ranked (2025)

THE UFC has exploded in popularity across the UK in recent years, quickly becoming one of the most-watched combat sports alongside boxing. Major UFC events now attract millions of UK viewers via platforms like TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), while live shows at The O2 Arena often sell out within hours. With British champions like Leon Edwards making waves on the global stage, interest in MMA and MMA betting has never been higher. If you're itching to get in on the action, this article highlights some of the best UFC betting sites in the UK for 2025. Our top 10 sites for UFC betting 🔎 How we ranked our best UFC betting sites As with all of our reviews, the core system we base our evaluation on is our editorial framework, the " Sun Factor." And while we mostly looked for bookies with good odds and a good variety of UFC markets, there are other factors in play too, such as ease of use and the quality of the customer support. Here's a breakdown of everything we assessed: 🥊 Number of UFC betting markets When choosing the best UFC betting sites, one major factor is the range of UFC betting markets available. The top sportsbooks don't just stick to picking the winner: they offer a wide selection of betting options: method of victory (KO, submission, decision), round betting, to-go-the-distance markets, and more. A greater number of markets gives bettors more ways to bet, opening new ways to capitalise on each fight night. 🤑 Promotions & bonuses One reason many UK customers prefer certain betting sites for UFC is the availability of fight-specific promotions. The best UFC betting sites run bonuses tied to major events, like boosted odds, free bets, or parlay insurance. These offers often pop up ahead of pay-per-view bouts, making them a smart way to maximise your stakes. And although UFC-specific promos are rare, many sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses and VIP promotions that can be used across all sports, including on UFC fights. 💰 Best odds for UFC matches To get the most value from your bets, it's vital to compare odds across different UFC betting sites. The best betting sites consistently offer competitive lines, whether you're backing a favourite or hunting value on an underdog. Even marginally better odds can mean much bigger winnings, especially when placing large stakes or building a fight night parlay across several matches. 🗓️ Betting experience A great UFC betting experience starts with an easy-to-use site or app. The top online betting platforms have well-designed sites and intuitive apps that work across a variety of devices, making it easy to find the UFC betting markets you're after. After all, being able to quickly place a wager, especially during in-play betting, can make all the difference in quick-paced events like UFC fights. 💳 Payment methods The best betting sites support a wide range of options for deposits and withdrawals, including PayPal, debit cards, Skrill, and Neteller. They also provide hassle-free payment methods and process withdrawals quickly and securely, ensuring you don't have to wait long for your winnings. 📞 Customer support Whether it's a payment issue or a question about a bet, quick and effective customer service is key to a good online betting experience. Good betting sites provide24/7 support through live chat, email, or even phone, and detailed FAQ sections answering all typical customer questions. The best ones go a step further and offer their customer insights into upcoming matches and tips for events and promotions to look out for. An in-depth look at our favourite UFC betting sites 1. bet365 bet365 is one of the biggest names in the British betting world over the past two decades, and rightly so. From the quality and quantity of its game streaming and in-play betting options to generous promotions for both new and existing players, there's a lot to like here. As boxing lovers can attest, bet365 has a fantastic selection of markets for fighting fans. bet365 covers both major MMA events like UFC and UFC Fight Night, and smaller ones like Oktagon and ARES FC. Markets depend on the event, but you can expect everything from Fight Lines (winner) and Method of Victory to Strikes Landed and even combo bets like Method and Round. 2. Betfred Betfred is a truly legendary bookie in the UK, having started modestly as a single betting shop in Ordsall, Salford, in 1967. Although it has mostly made its name on excellent odds and acca deals for football fans, it has long since expanded into other betting markets, including boxing and MMA. All major events like UFC Fight Night and typical markets such as Round Betting are available, and you can even combine several matches into acca bets or keep up with the latest news and get custom tips and predictions on a dedicated UFC Betting Tips page on Betfred's Betfred Insights blog. 3. Coral Coral is a well-known site among UK punters, and its sportsbook offers solid coverage of UFC events. You can bet on all the key markets like Fight Betting (moneyline) and Method of Victory, or try to guess the total number of rounds. A standout feature is #YourCall, which lets you create your own custom UFC bets by tweeting @Coral. If accepted, you'll get informed about your odds and possibly be featured on the site's #YourCall page. While Coral doesn't go as deep into MMA markets as some competitors, it makes up for it with highly user-friendly betting tools, reliable odds, and creative bet-building features that can net you some unique, fun, and highly profitable bets. 4. BetMGM Since its UK launch in 2023, BetMGM has carved a niche in MMA by blending aggressive promotions with user-friendly innovation, managing to stand out even in a rather crowded sportsbook scene. The site offers an extensive selection of UFC and MMA betting markets, including standard options like To Win Fight, Round Betting, and Method of Victory, plus specials tied to major events. Features like Lion's Boosts enhance odds for select fights, and Edit My Bet lets punters tweak their wagers mid-event – a rare find in the MMA market. The platform also includes extensive in-play betting options and tips on upcoming fights. 5. 888 Sport 888 Sport is one of the biggest names in online sports betting these days. The operator has a smooth, responsive site and a well-designed app that both support numerous pre-match and in-play betting options. Although the site's excellent Bet Builder is only available for football, NBA, and NFL matches, you can still make acca bets on UFC fights. There's also a section for Popular Bets so new players can get ideas and an occasional Odds Boost for major events such as headline UFC fights. There's a ton of betting markets for UFC too, from classics like predicting the match winner to method of victory & round combos. 6. Betano Betano has a simple recipe for success: make betting easy and give punters highly competitive odds. It has one of the best-designed apps we've tried, with features such as a sliding menu that can be pulled up mid-stream to make your bet. UFC lovers can bet on a variety of markets, from moneyline to guessing whether the fight will go the distance. There are also regular Bet Boosts on popular markets in big fights, and you can even get massive odds on randomised compound selections through Lucky Dip bets, such as guessing not only the winner and round, but also the exact minute the fight will end. 7. SBK SBK is a lesser-known operator well worth checking. In addition to excellent sports promotions for both new and existing players, it tries hard to stay competitive with the big industry names by offering the most competitive odds on a variety of popular sports markets, including all fighting sports. Best Price lets you see how the current odds for events stack up against major names like Unibet and Coral, while Price+ lets you get margin-free odds on select events to guarantee the most profitable bets. All major events such as UFC and UFC Fight Night are covered in detail, and you can bet on anything from outright winner to bout ranges. 8. Tote If you're a fan of pool betting, Tote is the best place to be. With a history spanning almost 100 years, Tote is a legendary bookie with some of the industry's best offers for this style of betting, including Tote Multiples that offer players the larger of starting price vs Tote dividend. If you don't feel like risking with accas, the Tote Guarantee ensures the final win price on select bets won't be lower than the starting price. MMA fans can bet on all popular UFC events and markets like moneyline and Over/Under bets and handy navigation tools let you pick between UFC fights only or everything that's currently available. 9. CopyBet CopyBet is our favourite pick for new punters and a great place to check out for some expert tipster advice. With the simple act of subscribing to your favourite pro tipsters on the site, you can get easy access to their bet slips, which can be instantly copied into your own selections. This benefits both inexperienced punters and grizzled veterans, the latter getting paid a percentage of winnings, while the former can copy multiple selections from several industry veterans, greatly raising their chances of making winning bets. UFC fans can look forward to over 15 markets, including submission or (T)KO combos, all neatly organised per event. 10. Kwiff Kwiff may not be a household name in the UK yet, but it's definitely a rising star. New players can look forward to sport-agnostic free bet offers not limited to certain payment methods (a rarity in the UK these days!) and great ongoing promos like surprise free bets, 3+ fold acca boosted odds, and more. Our favourite feature is Supercharged Bets, random bet selections across all sports (including UFC) that get boosted odds. The site's well-organised interface lets you see in-play bets, fights within 24 hours, popular competitions, or a calendar of all upcoming fights. There are over 10 betting markets, including all popular ones like Fight Winner and Total Rounds. 🥊 Popular UFC betting markets Betting on UFC and MMA fights is quite similar to boxing bets, so if you're familiar with those, you'll be right at home here. Here's a short list of the most common markets you'll see. Outright winner The most straightforward betting option: just pick which fighter will win the bout. For example, if you wager on an underdog at 3/1 and they score a knockout, your payout is based on those boosted odds, and you'll get triple your wager. This market is available on nearly all UFC betting sites and is a great entry point for new and inexperienced bettors. Over/under number of rounds Here, you predict whether the fight will end before or after a set number of rounds. For example, if two technical fighters with strong defensive styles are matched up, betting on the fight lasting over 5 rounds is usually a good idea. This market is often featured in UFC promotions and specials on major sportsbooks. Method of victory This UFC betting market lets you bet on how the fight will end: by KO, TKO, submission, or decision. For example, backing a grappler to win by submission against a striking-focused opponent is a solid plan, but don't expect the odds to favour you too much, as the bookie knows what to expect, too. Many betting sites boost the odds on these methods around championship fights. Fight to go the distance A variation on the over/under bet, this one simply predicts that the fight will last its full scheduled length, and thereby have the winner decided by a judges' decision. Excellent for those 'boring' matches where both fighters are cautious, but not that uncommon in UFC, considering that matches typically last either three or five rounds, depending on the format, finishing far quicker than your typical boxing match. Most of the UFC markets listed above are often available as in-play bets on most major sportsbooks. This means you can place bets while the fight is happening, adjusting to the action in real time. However, UFC fights are typically much shorter and more fast-paced than boxing, but they can end just as suddenly, especially in lower weight classes or striker-heavy matchups. As a result, in-play betting windows can be narrow, and odds may shift rapidly. Quick decision-making and access to a site with a good live betting interface are essential to making the most of in-play bets for UFC fights. Ones to watch in the UFC From living legends like Jon Jones, who is at 37 still the reigning heavyweight champion with a record-breaking 12 title defences through his career, to up-and-coming fighters like the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev and Ilia Topuria, or female UFC flyweight Erin Blanchfield, there are plenty of interesting talents to watch these days. Although most category champions are expectedly dogged veterans like Dricus Du Plessis, Islam Makhachev or Valentina Shevchenko, some slightly younger fighters like Australia's Jack Della Maddalena have managed to snatch titles, too. While all of the UK waits with baited breath for the supposed heavyweight title clash between the reigning and interim champs Jon Jones and our very own Tom Aspinall, there are plenty of exciting upcoming matches in 2025, including Topuria's June 29th clash with veteran Charles Oliveira, and the much-anticipated Du Plessis vs. Chimaev duel on August 16th. 🤝 How to bet on the UFC Here's a quick step-by-step guide on how to make bets on UFC matches. Choose a licensed UFC betting site – Pick a bookmaker regulated by the UK Gambling Commission with strong MMA betting coverage. Any of the options in our article are a great starting point. Create an account – Register your account on the site and confirm it by providing some form of national ID, such as your passport or driving license. Make an initial deposit – Before doing anything else, put some money into your account. This is also the step where you'd confirm your welcome promotion if you opted in for one. Find the UFC section – Navigate to the UFC or mixed martial arts page under the list of sports available on the site. Select a fight – Choose an upcoming fight night or championship card to proceed. Pick a market – Common UFC betting markets include choosing the outright winner, method of victory, and over/under rounds. Add your bet to the slip – Click on the odds next to your selection, enter your stake, and confirm (this process may vary a little between sites but the basics are always the same). Claim your winnings – Providing you guessed correctly, all that's left is to see how much you've won and cash out your winnings. 📺 How to follow all things UFC and MMA For UK MMA and UFC fans, staying up to date with the latest fights, odds, and events is easy with the right sources. TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) holds the official UFC broadcasting rights in the UK, airing every major card, including fight nights and championship bouts. For news, previews, and betting tips, talkSPORT is a must: check out their dedicated MMA section for expert insights. Other top resources include MMA Junkie, Sherdog, and the UFC's own channels on YouTube and Instagram. Podcasts like The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani and Morning Kombat also offer weekly coverage and fighter interviews. 🙋Q&A about the best UFC betting sites 1. Which stats and news stories should I pay attention to when looking to place UFC bets? Focus on each fighter's record, recent wins/losses, method of victory (e.g. knockout, submission), and fighting style. Also, pay close attention to injury news, weight cut issues, and short-notice opponent changes. Stats on takedown accuracy, striking defence, and cardio can also play a role, and the more research you do, the better your predictions will be. 2. How do bookies determine odds for UFC fights? Bookmakers calculate odds using fighter records, previous matchups, public betting trends, and expert analysis. They consider styles, fight history, current form, and even promotion hype. If a fighter is a fan favourite, odds may shorten due to heavy betting (regardless of true probability), making value bets possible for savvy bettors. 3. When is the best time to place UFC bets so that I can get the best possible odds? Early odds often offer more value, especially before public opinion shifts. Lines may tighten closer to fight night as bets roll in. Watching for line movement and placing wagers before weigh-ins or major media coverage can help you lock in the best possible returns on your stake. 4. Which types of UFC bets tend to offer the best potential returns? Markets like method of victory, round betting, and underdog outright wins typically provide the highest odds and payout potential. For example, backing a fighter to win via submission in Round 2 carries more risk but much bigger winnings than a simple moneyline bet. Parlays or accas also boost potential returns, but are much more difficult to pull off. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

Daily Mail​

31 minutes ago

• Daily Mail​

Top Liverpool star is 'DISAPPOINTED' with club's contract offer and 'rejects' it - as fears mount that he could 'do a Trent Alexander-Arnold'

Liverpool risk losing Ibrahima Konate on a free next summer after the defender reportedly rejected their initial contract extension offer. Konate is said to be 'disappointed' with Liverpool's proposal because he wants a higher basic wage. The France international, 26, was a bastion of their Premier League title triumph under Arne Slot but only has a year remaining on his deal. There are fears that he could run down his contract and leave for free, as Trent Alexander-Arnold almost did before sporting director Richard Hughes squeezed a £10million fee out of Real Madrid. His camp are pushing for an improved basic wage after Liverpool structured their offer with too many performance-based bonuses, according to The Guardian. Liverpool are known to be stubborn negotiators but did get renewals over the line for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk last season, with Fenway Sports Group relenting on their habit of denying extensions for players over 30. Konate quickly established himself as a favourite under Slot and started all bar two of the Premier League games that he was eligible for. So impeding was his form for Jarell Quansah that the youngster has has opted to leave Anfield, agreeing a £35million move to Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend. Real Madrid are interested in Konate while Atletico Madrid have apparently made Andy Robertson one of their top targets, so Liverpool's defence may look drastically different in a year's time to what it did last season. Liverpool hope to re-open talks with Konate this summer but do not want to overpay. As Mail Sport reported last week, Liverpool have joined the race for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. He is heading into the last deal of his deal at Selhurst Park and Palace's bargaining power is weaker than it was a year ago, when they turned down a £65m offer from Newcastle. Jarrad Branthwaite has also been considered by the Anfield hierarchy but signing a player from city rivals Everton would be tricky. Joe Gomez is also still at Liverpool and Arne Slot likes his leadership qualities though he missed a chunk of last season through injury. Liverpool are not pushing him towards the exit door.

The Independent

33 minutes ago

• The Independent

Up 15% in one day: London Stock Exchange set for another £3.8bn loss as Spectris accepts huge bid

Yet another firm looks set to end its London Stock Exchange listing, with specialist equipment business Spectris recommending to shareholders to accept a £3.8bn takeover bid. A cash offer from a private equity firm, Advent International, is for £37.63 per share. Spectris' share price at the close of Friday's session was around £33.48, sparking an immediate jump of 15 per cent when markets reopened on Monday morning - by far the FTSE All-Share's biggest riser on the day. Even so, the price could yet move even higher. While Advent's bid has been accepted, another American investment firm KKR has signalled an intent to potentially make another offer, while the actual change in share price is even bigger when widening the timeline. Spectris makes and tests technologies and instruments for use across many industrial sectors. But falling sales and profits meant the share price fell from above £41 in 2021, to around £25 for most of the second half of 2024. Add in trade tariff uncertainty and shares could be bought below £20 as recently as late May, but the first takeover approaches being made public quickly put a rocket under the price, which has now soared 89 per cent since then. Andrew Heath, CEO of Spectris, said the offer recognised 'our strong growth prospect'. Should the deal go through it would be another 2025 departure for the LSE to chalk up. Alphawave is set for a £1.8bn takeover from Qualcomm, Oxford Ionics has agreed to a £0.8bn takeover by US rival IonQ and financial services firm Wise are intent on shifting their listing from UK to US - that latter being a £10bn departure. They are unlikely to be the last moves made in the sphere either, with valuations continually lower on the LSE than the same firms might expect to see in the if taken private, as AJ Bell's investment director Russ Mould pointed out. 'The fact we've got two bid battles in Spectris and Assura just goes to show how the UK stock market continues to be on sale. If investors don't recognise the good value opportunities on offer, trade buyers or private equity firms will keep swooping on targets and pick them off one by one,' he said.