# Patagonia has introduced an 'earth usage fee' on Tmall, a premium online marketplace operated by Alibaba.

*business · news · 2026-04-08 · Hindustan Times*

## Key points

- Patagonia introduced an 'earth usage fee' on its Tmall store to address high return rates.
- The fee is refunded only if customers keep their purchases; returns for non-quality reasons forfeit it.
- During Double 11, Patagonia's Tmall store saw a return rate of nearly 70 percent.
- Funds from the fee will be donated to 1% for the Planet, supporting environmental initiatives.
- Patagonia's move has sparked criticism in China, with users blaming poor product representation for returns.

**Companies:** Alibaba, Patagonia
**Countries:** China, United States

[Read the full story on Hindustan Times](https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/us-company-faces-backlash-for-charging-earth-usage-fee-on-online-orders-if-they-really-care-they-should-shut-down-101775658725320.html)

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