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<p class="mt-4">There are a plethora of companies that offer services to handle returns for you. But<strong> how do you choose a provider that will help you meet your customers’ expectations?</strong> What<strong> features should you look for?</strong> And most importantly,<strong> is it a good strategic fit for your long-term growth?</strong></p>
<p><strong>In this guide, we look at the areas you should consider</strong> to help you choose the right reverse logistics provider for your business.</p>


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Choosing a Reverse Logistics provider for your business

<p>With global online shopping projected to exceed $6.3 trillion, many businesses struggle with the impact of e-commerce returns on their bottom line. The National Retail Federation reports that returns accounted for $400 billion in lost sales last year alone. This highlights a need for effective returns management for e-commerce businesses.</p>
<p>Our latest white paper offers a comprehensive overview of the reverse logistics ecosystem and provides a framework for businesses to optimize the returns process.</p>
<p>Download the white paper to identify key areas of improvement to protect your business profits.</p>


Thumbnail-Redefining the Role of Reverse Logistics for E-Commerce

How reverse logistics is shaping the future of e-commerce

Returns innovation for the circular economy.

G2RL

Enabling smarter, autonomous returns decisions.

Eliminate friction, streamline operations and cut waste.

Autonomously direct every return to its highest-value outcome.

Build strategies for the circular economy.

Maximize value recovery at every touchpoint.

Automate returns processing for higher efficiency.

Innovation from the founders of reverse logistics.

Discover how G2RL’s changing how the world thinks about returns.

We’re shaping the future of returns management.

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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are a retail or an eCommerce business, reverse logistics might be one of the business terms that you dread the most. After all, reverse logistics seems like a nightmare that costs your company additional money, cuts into your profit, and results in a loss of value.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But now, reverse logistics has become a fact of life for most businesses, all thanks to the explosion of eCommerce. Today, if a company wants to achieve high levels of customer satisfaction and repeat business, it needs to have a hassle-free reverse logistics process. Don’t believe it? According to one study, 92% of consumers will buy something again if returns are easy. Moreover, the returns process influences purchasing decisions to such a great extent that 67% of shoppers check the returns page before buying a product.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So now it has become more important than ever for businesses to effectively manage their reverse logistics process. In this guide, we’ll explore what reverse logistics is, its benefits, challenges, and how businesses can leverage technology to turn returns into a strategic advantage.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What is Reverse Logistics?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reverse logistics is the process of returning products from the customer to the seller, distributor, or manufacturer. It is essentially a reverse supply chain. Returns occur for various reasons like customers returning unwanted products, sellers sending unsold inventory back to wholesalers or suppliers, and manufacturers receiving faulty or used goods for repair, refurbishment, or recycling.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The goal of reverse logistics is to ensure proper product disposition, enhance customer satisfaction, and maximize net recovery by optimizing the value of each return. Depending on the product&#8217;s condition, returns may be resold, reused, repurposed, or disposed of through the most efficient and sustainable channel.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While businesses traditionally prioritize sales growth, they also need to manage the complex logistics of returns and refunds. Well-structured reverse logistics operations help businesses determine the best destination for returned items whether a warehouse, factory, recycling plant, or secondary marketplace while minimizing costs and inefficiencies. Without a strategic approach, companies risk higher expenses, tracking difficulties, and productivity losses from manual processes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once seen as an operational burden, reverse logistics is now recognized as a key driver of profitability, brand credibility, and sustainability. Businesses can turn returns into revenue-generating opportunities while improving customer loyalty and environmental responsibility.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Key Reverse Logistics Processes</span></h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Returns Management</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Handling customer returns, ensuring seamless processing, restocking, or reselling.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Refurbishment &amp; Repair</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Repairing or refurbishing returned products for resale or reuse.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Recycling &amp; Disposal</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Ensuring eco-friendly recycling or disposal of products at the end of their lifecycle.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Recommerce &amp; Resale</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Identifying </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/products#returnsmanagement"><span style="font-weight: 400;">recommerce</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> opportunities for reselling returned goods through secondary markets.</span></li>
<li><b>Asset Recovery</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Extracting value from returned products through liquidation or parts harvesting.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Benefits of Reverse Logistics</span></h2>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">1. Cost Savings &amp; Revenue Recovery</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Returns don’t have to be a financial drain. Businesses can reduce costs by:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Refurbishing and reselling returned items instead of discarding them.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Recovering valuable materials from used or damaged products.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reducing storage costs through </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/products#returnsmanagement"><span style="font-weight: 400;">optimized returns management</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">2. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction &amp; Brand Loyalty</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Customers expect a seamless and hassle-free return experience. A well-managed reverse logistics process can:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Encourage repeat business by offering flexible return policies.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reduce refund processing times, enhancing customer trust.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Improve product quality by identifying and resolving recurring issues.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">3. Sustainability &amp; Compliance</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reverse logistics plays a crucial role in corporate sustainability initiatives:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Recycling and repurposing returned goods reduce landfill waste.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Proper disposal methods ensure compliance with environmental regulations.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Circular economy practices allow businesses to reduce reliance on raw materials.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">4. Operational Efficiency &amp; Data-Driven Insights</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Advanced reverse logistics systems can:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Optimize returns routing to reduce handling and transportation costs.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Provide real-time visibility into return trends, warranty claims, and product lifecycle insights.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Predict return volumes and improve inventory management.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Common Reverse Logistics Challenges</span></h2>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">1. Process Inefficiencies</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Managing returns manually can lead to delays, higher costs, and errors in restocking, refurbishing, or disposing of products. Implementing automated dispositioning and AI-driven decision-making can streamline operations.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">2. Financial Management</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Returns handling costs, transportation, and labor expenses add up quickly. Budgeting for fluctuating return volumes is a challenge that requires advanced forecasting and cost-optimization strategies.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">3. Third-Party Risks</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many businesses rely on third-party logistics (3PL) providers for returns management. Poor service quality or fraudulent practices by external partners can negatively impact customer experience and profitability.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">4. Compliance &amp; Regulatory Risks</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Businesses must comply with data protection laws, environmental regulations, and product disposal guidelines to avoid fines and reputational damage.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How to Optimize Reverse Logistics</span></h2>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">1. Leverage Technology &amp; Automation</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reverse logistics software can automate the returns process, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency. Features like dynamic dispositioning and AI-driven fair market value (FMV) assessments ensure that returned products are routed to the most profitable recovery options.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">2. Improve Visibility &amp; Data Analytics</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Capturing and analyzing return data helps businesses:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Identify trends and recurring return reasons.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Optimize inventory planning and reduce unnecessary returns.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Enhance decision-making for repair, refurbishment, and resale strategies.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">3. Enhance Customer Experience</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A user-friendly product returns process can boost customer retention. Offering prepaid return labels, self-service return portals, and real-time return tracking are some ways businesses can improve the experience.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">4. Strengthen Partnerships with IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) Providers</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For tech hardware manufacturers, connecting with ITAD providers ensures that returned products are efficiently resold, torn down, or repurposed for component parts.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">5. Sustainability-Focused Reverse Logistics</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Implementing circular economy strategies ensures:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fewer products end up in landfills.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">More materials are reused or recycled.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Businesses meet their sustainability targets while reducing operational costs.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why Should You Outsource Your Reverse Logistics?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although reverse logistics might not be your core business function, it has a major impact on customer experience. In instances where you do not have the resources, time, or expertise to handle your business’s reverse logistics, it is better to bring in the pros. Here’s why you should consider outsourcing your reverse logistics operations:</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">1. Ability to Focus Better on Core Functions</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Managing reverse logistics calls for all of your business’s indispensable resources – time, labor, capital, space, and equipment. By outsourcing reverse logistics, you can focus more on the key business functions of product design and development, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">2. Improved Inventory Management</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Looking after your own reverse logistics entails tracking SKUs, monitoring product returns, considering storage space, arranging transportation, and ensuring real-time visibility of returns. Outsourcing eliminates these concerns, allowing businesses to focus on sales and customer service.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">3. Exponential Growth</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As your business grows, you’ll be overwhelmed by a growing number of orders. Efficiently handling returns without compromising customer experience and growth is critical. Outsourcing reverse logistics ensures scalability without added stress to your teams.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">4. Benefit from Expertise</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reverse logistics providers have the resources and technology to offer a top-notch returns management experience. They also have agreements with carriers in place for transportation at reduced rates, leading to further cost savings for your business.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://g2rl.com/resource/choosing-a-reverse-logistics-provider-for-your-business"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn About Choosing a Reverse Logistics Provider for Your Business</span></a></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Conclusion</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reverse logistics is no longer just an operational necessity; rather, it is a strategic opportunity. By optimizing returns management, leveraging </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/products"><span style="font-weight: 400;">AI-driven reverse logistics systems</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> like </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/products#decisionai"><span style="font-weight: 400;">DecisionAI</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and focusing on sustainability, businesses can reduce costs, recover lost revenue, and improve customer satisfaction.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether you’re a </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/solutions#retailersandbrands"><span style="font-weight: 400;">retailer</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/solutions#oems"><span style="font-weight: 400;">manufacturer</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, or distributor, investing in a robust reverse logistics strategy will position your business for long-term success.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Want to learn how </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">G2RL</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> can optimize your reverse logistics process? </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/demo"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Contact us today for a demo</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and discover how AI-powered solutions can turn returns into revenue.</span></p>


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What is Reverse Logistics? A Comprehensive Introduction

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Throughout the pandemic, online shopping became the new norm for almost all retailers. This includes the kinds of products that shoppers have generally preferred looking at in physical stores.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shoppers have been getting increasingly comfortable buying items they’ve never laid eyes on before. As a result, merchants are handling more product returns than ever. As such, it’s no wonder the demand for reverse logistics is on the rise!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Effective reverse logistics can lead to better customer satisfaction, and as a result, improve your bottom line. It also ensures that, whenever possible, returned products are re-used rather than wasted or thrown away. This goes a long way to benefit the supply chain, the circular economy, and the environment.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many investors are applying environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when identifying material risk and growth opportunities. As a result, reverse logistics have become a significant talking point. In light of all that, we’re talking about how ESG influences reverse logistics and how an adequate returns solution could save you costs.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There’s lots to cover, so let’s dive right in!</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What’s ESG and How Does It Apply to Returns?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">ESG stands for ‘environmental, social, and governance.’ It’s an investment term often referred to as sustainable or socially responsible investing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Non-financial factors like this are becoming increasingly important to investors. This is an essential step towards a more sustainable economic future and it also ensures that businesses aren’t wasteful with their resources.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This has financial impacts. Businesses that don’t control the waste in their supply chains are losing money. The</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">returns process</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is often an area that can lead to high waste streams.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The goal is to establish a circular economy where products are made with reuse in mind. This principle inspires long-term resilience. It enables businesses to grow their customer satisfaction and their profit opportunities.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Struggle with Reverse Logistics</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">E-commerce merchants need to streamline the returns process and meet its challenges. In 2020 alone, roughly</span><a href="https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/428-billion-merchandise-returned-2020#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20ecommerce%20accounted%20for,7.5%20percent)%20labeled%20as%20fraudulent."> <span style="font-weight: 400;">$102 billion</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">worth of e-commerce products were returned.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This number is projected to grow significantly over the next few years.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reverse logistics is not the same as forward logistics and presents unique challenges. You’re not transporting pallets and bulk boxes of the same product. Instead, businesses have to handle many extra items being returned in small quantities with various sizes and shapes of packaging.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also, when these items are in transit from the customer back to the company, it’s impossible to refurbish stock or update inventories.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Common challenges businesses face when handling returns include:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">High cost of reverse logistics</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Inability to understand why returns occur</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Poor visibility into products received back</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Inadequate resources for handling returns</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most important when considering ESG is the fact many returns have an environmental impact.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many retailers struggle to get returned items back into stores. As a result, they end up in landfills instead. In the US alone, returns constitute</span><a href="https://www.commonobjective.co/article/how-to-reduce-the-high-environmental-impact-of-returns"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">five billion pounds</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of landfill waste.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So how can a reverse logistics strategy avoid these challenges? Also, how can it contribute to a more circular economy?</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Establishing a Circular Economy through Reverse Logistics</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The right software solution will empower you to make reverse logistics more sustainable and give your business a </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">competitive advantage</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. A better returns process can help a brand and the environment.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For instance, it generates more customer referrals and grows the resale value of returned merchandise. In other words, it benefits both your customers and your bottom line.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are two ways to approach reverse logistics more effectively:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reduce the cost and impact of unavoidable returns</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Use analytics to avoid returns, for example, using fit or sizing feedback to improve product and or description</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">5 ways Reverse Logistics Technologies can help environmental sustainability:</span></h2>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">1. Automatically Sorting and Redistributing Merchandise</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The right software can intuitively return merchandise to your inventory. You’ll reduce the cost of the process by reducing the friction in warehouses when returned items need handling.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This means fewer items are discarded in landfills, and the merchant can still make a profit on returned merchandise.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">2. Tracking Returned Items</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By enabling tracking on returned items, suppliers can anticipate when things will be back in stock for resale. They’ll have an accurate picture of the volume and nature of returns.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">3. Data to Identify Return Trends</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Software should aim to identify why returns occur and identify pain points in the customer experience. This helps merchants build better customer satisfaction, and it can avoid unnecessary returns.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Analysis might find that certain products are frequently faulty or not as expected. This enables sellers to change product descriptions. They can better find ways to improve in the future, so returns don’t occur in the first place.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">4. Lower Cycle Times</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The right software can reduce transportation costs and the environmental impact of transport. It can dynamically route returned merchandise to the best channels and locations, allowing you to disposition it more quickly.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">5. Quality Assurance</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A better returns system can execute rule-based product inspections. This ensures items are in good condition to be shipped out again.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finding the Right Reverse Logistics Solution for Sustainability Initiatives </span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To achieve reasonable customer satisfaction, businesses have to offer returns. This is especially so in the current economic climate, where customers rely on the security of returns to make buying decisions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Empirical data and automation can improve reverse logistics for more sustainable practices. As a result, both environmental and financial wastage is kept at a minimum.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As such, it’s an essential factor for ESG investment and crucial for enabling a more circular economy.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">returns solution like G2RL</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> can help your business generate more profit out of your returned merchandise. We enable you to track all returns and reduce cycle times.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/products"><span style="font-weight: 400;">reverse logistics software</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> also identifies the causes of returns and helps you streamline the reverse logistics process.</span><a href="https://g2rl.com/contact/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Contact us</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> today to find out more!</span></p>


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Sustainable Reverse Logistics: How ESG Enables Reverse Logistics


<p>Processing returns is time-consuming and costly for retailers. Deciding whether to restock, liquidate, donate, or discard a returned item drives up costs and can eat into sales numbers. Gartner retail analyst Tom Enright <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/retailers-are-bracing-for-their-postholiday-returns-hangover-f10f5a53" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told WSJ</a> that returns will become a “trillion dollar problem.” Looking at the National Retail Federation numbers, he may be right. </p>



<p>In 2023, the NRF found that total returns as a percentage of sales were 14.5%, totaling<a href="https://cdn.nrf.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/Customer_Returns_Report_2023_Final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> nearly $740 billion</a> in returns. While those numbers are down from the year before ($816 billion of merchandise was returned, making up 16.5% of total sales), they are still big numbers for retailers. </p>



<p>Retailers must learn how to assess returns quickly and decide what to do with them to take advantage. Reselling helps recoup some of the expense but even donating or scrapping the returns can be cheaper if done quickly. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>4 Key Elements of Returns Management</strong></h2>



<p>Setting up an efficient returns management strategy is important for retailers. Four main factors affect how well it works: </p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Speed:</strong> Returns must be received quickly, assessed efficiently, and then relisted for sale, donated, recycled, or scrapped as fast as possible.</li>



<li><strong>Visibility:</strong> Retailers must know where returned items are at all times during the process to ensure fast assessments and restocking.</li>



<li><strong>Control:</strong> Retailers with full control over the returns process generally have more visibility and efficiency. </li>



<li><strong>Cost</strong>: Returns must be managed efficiently throughout the lifecycle to control costs and support the company’s bottom line.</li>
</ul>



<p>Some retailers may have a fast assessment and restocking process but need more visibility. They may not know where returns are until they show up for resale or appear in their reporting portal’s “scrapped” column.</p>



<p>Many retailers turn to a third-party logistics provider (3PL) to ensure high efficiency, speed, and control over their returns. They enjoy the benefits of an efficient returns process without dealing with the overhead. These 3PLs are a single point of contact for retailers, offering the expertise they may lack and the chance to recoup revenues on resale items and reduce scrapped losses. But there’s more to just engaging a 3PL if retailers want to maximize their returns recovery. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Secret That Optimizes Returns for Maximum Recovery</strong></h2>



<p>Cloud-based, purpose-built reverse logistics software is the secret to maximizing returns recovery for today’s retailers, whether they use a 3PL or manage returns themselves. No matter who made the initial sale, tech-forward returns management software helps companies manage everything from return pickups and drop-offs to tracking returns end-to-end and product assessment, grading, and disposition to customized return reporting, often in real-time. </p>



<p>For example, with the right reverse logistics management solution, companies can know: </p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Where a return is in the overall lifecycle</li>



<li>What is the assessment outcome </li>



<li>How much inventory they’ll have for resale</li>



<li>How much inventory they’ll have for other purposes, such as recycling or breaking down for parts resale</li>



<li>The amount of product loss they’re dealing with through return donations and waste</li>



<li>How long it takes for returns to be received, processed, and resold</li>



<li>The total cost of a product, from manufacturing to sale, return assessment to final disposition (resale, breakdown sale for parts, recycling, etc.)</li>



<li>The time and cost breakdown of the return lifecycle  </li>
</ul>



<p>No matter the industry or business model, all companies can gain an advantage in their return management with the help of return management software. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Benefits of Optimizing Your Returns Recovery</strong></h2>



<p>Businesses that use return management or reverse logistics software see immediate financial benefits with a more efficient process that reduces or eliminates manual processes, identifies areas for reallocated headcount, and reduces inventory cycle time. </p>



<p>Over the long term, companies using reverse logistics solutions on their own or as part of a 3PL partnership enjoy more visibility into their returns process, empowering them to optimize things even more. Staff will be able to identify new processes and product opportunities and take action since they’ll have more time to do so. </p>



<p>Customers appreciate efficient return processes because they feel more supported by the retailers and companies throughout their buying journey. Not every product is a 100% winner, so they should be able to return the product quickly and get a refund or replacement item. </p>



<p>Both companies and customers will enjoy the benefits of an optimized returns experience that builds stronger customer loyalty and drives continuous improvement, ensuring long-term success for everyone. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Upgrade Your Returns Process</strong></h2>



<p>Maximizing returns recovery is essential for retailers looking to reduce costs, improve returns process visibility, and increase customer satisfaction. Adopting the right purpose-built solution for your business can enhance the speed, transparency, and management of the returns process. Your business saves money, generates additional revenue, and shows off your commitment to environmental responsibility with an optimized returns process. </p>



<p>Adding the latest returns management technology to your returns process benefits your bottom line and builds customer trust and loyalty, making it a win-win for everyone. </p>



<p>To learn how to optimize your returns process and maximize your recoveries, <a href="https://staging2.g2rl.com/contact/">contact G2RL</a> today.</p>


how to maximize your 3pls recovery- blog hero

How to Maximize Your 3PL’s Recovery


<p>It’s no secret; dealing with returns is complicated, messy, and painful for businesses. But does that mean you should lose money due to returns? Of course not! </p>



<p>With the right <a href="https://g2rl.com/products#returnsmanagement">returns management software</a>, you can not only automate the entire returns process but also save yourself from future business losses. But with so much software available on the market, choosing the right one for your business might be a bit intimidating. To help you out, we have curated a list of 8 factors that you need to consider when choosing the best returns management software for your business: </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-system-integration">1. System Integration</h2>



<p>One of the first things you need to consider when you are in the market for a returns management software is, “Does it integrate with my existing systems?”  </p>



<p>Returns management software is complex to begin with. To ensure you are offering your customer a seamless experience while making operations easier for your own business, returns management software system integration must be your top priority. </p>



<p>To get your money’s worth, choosing a returns management software that integrates not only with your e-commerce platform, but also your warehouse management and inventory management system is key. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-user-friendly-interface">2. User-friendly Interface</h2>



<p>This cannot be stressed enough. The best returns management software provides an interface that is easy to use. Moreover, the design is intuitive. And this applies to both – the front end of the software as well as the back end.  </p>



<p>Any customer that visits the portal to initiate a return should be able to navigate the site instinctively and make the return without the need for additional guidance. Similarly, accessing the tools and functionalities of the returns management software must be easy and quick for employees. For example, they shouldn’t have to click on several buttons or navigate through endless menus to perform necessary tasks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-customized-returns-portal-branding">3. Customized Returns Portal Branding</h2>



<p>It is a given – good returns management software will enable you to enhance your customer experience. But there’s a difference between good and the best.  </p>



<p>The best returns management software, along with making your customer experience seamless, will give you the opportunity to boost your brand image. Even with small customization capabilities, such as incorporating brand colors, logos, fonts and more, the software can help maintain a consistent brand experience across different channels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-real-time-product-visibility">4. Real-time Product Visibility</h2>



<p>Imagine this. A customer initiated a return. Two hours later, one of your employees who handles inventory sees this transaction and records it in an Excel sheet. On the other side, the return has already been picked up and is on its way to the warehouse. Four days later, the warehouse employee notices the update to the inventory excel sheet and updates his own records. But here is the real kick – the warehouse workers have already received the returned item, processed it, and updated their records. However, the people who update the inventory on the website have no clue about this returned item yet.  </p>



<p>The result? A customer browsing your website a few days later wants the same item and sees it is out of stock. He ends up buying it from your competitor. And in some corner of your warehouse, an item perfect for resale lies gathering dust. </p>



<p>A real mess of inventory and duplicated records, right? </p>



<p>Well, that is where an efficient returns management software steps in. While choosing the best software for your business, go for the one that offers real-time product visibility across your organization.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-consideration-of-unique-business-rules">5. Consideration of Unique Business Rules</h2>



<p>Returns are unpredictable. You can never anticipate the different returns scenario that can happen. For example, an item with a certain level of damage might be sent to refurbishment while another damaged item might be sent to recycling. These decisions will vary based on the nature of your business, the product, operations and more. </p>



<p>So how would you deal with the constant influx of unpredictable returns?  </p>



<p>Simple, you need to choose returns management software that allows you to factor in your unique business needs. In short, it should offer easy customization options.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-quick-accurate-dispositioning">6. Quick &amp; Accurate Dispositioning</h2>



<p>The best returns management software will help you accurately disposition your inventory even before it reaches the warehouse. How? With the help of data, business rules, algorithms, and machine learning, the software can determine under which bucket – whether it’s back-to-stock, refurbishment, recycling, liquidation, or donation – the returned item would fall.  </p>



<p>But what’s in it for you?  </p>



<p>It&#8217;ll save you time and money! You won’t have to send all returned items back to the warehouse. Result? Reduced shipping costs and saved shipping time. Your employees won’t have to inspect every item. Result? Reduced labor costs and saved labor time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-data-analytics">7. Data Analytics</h2>



<p>Now that we have tackled dispositioning, let’s look at one of the most important pieces of the returns management puzzle – data analytics. Now you might be thinking, “I need data to keep track of returns, but do I really need data analytics?” Valid question.  </p>



<p>Here’s the answer – a resounding yes! </p>



<p>Returns are dreaded by businesses of all kinds. So, it’s not surprising they would want to reduce it as much as possible. Don’t you want the same for your business?  </p>



<p>Well, you can accomplish this with data analytics. When customers initiate a return on the portal, ask them the reason for the return. Some common reasons might be the item too big? Too small? Did they receive the wrong item? Did they purchase multiple sizes to find the best fit?  </p>



<p>Through data analytics, you can find recurring patterns in returns. Equipped with this knowledge, addressing key issues that consequently reduce the rate of returns would become possible. For example, if customers responded that the items were either too small or too big, it might be time to re-evaluate the product sizing chart.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-cost-savings">8. Cost Savings</h2>



<p>Another key factor to consider when choosing the best returns management software for your business is the cost. Ask yourself questions like:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Would deploying this software reduce my costs on shipping and labor?  </li>
<li>Would it increase my margins by helping me reduce the rate of returns?  </li>
<li>Would it enable me to find a dynamic solution that fits the needs of my organization?  </li>
<li>Would it give me a high ROI? </li>
</ul>



<p>Returns management software is a long-term investment for your business. Rather than looking at the price tag (which only affects the short-term cash flow), determine whether the software has the potential to generate higher ROI for you down the road. </p>



<p>Don’t leave the decision of choosing the best <a href="https://g2rl.com/products">returns management software</a> up to chance. If you are having difficulty choosing the right software for your business, <a href="https://www.g2rl.com">G2RL</a> can help. Book a call with us to learn more about some key factors to keep in mind and we can help determine if G2RL’s reverse logistics solutions would be a good fit for your business.</p>
<p><a href="https://g2rl.com/demo">Book a Demo</a></p>


returns-management-software

How to Choose the Best Returns Management Software for Your Business?


<p>Did you know that over 38% of shoppers are planning to return a gift they received this year? A survey by RetailMeNot found that the high percentage of people returning gifts is supported by retailers offering generous returns windows. Considering this, you shouldn’t be surprised if your business starts seeing a high influx of returns soon! </p>



<p>So, how can your business deal with the post-holiday returns rush that is coming its way? Here are 4 quick tips to get you started: </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-make-your-returns-policy-available-everywhere">1. Make Your Returns Policy Available Everywhere</h2>



<p>As a customer, do you know what are the most frustrating things about retailer return policies? They are full of jargon AND hard to find!  </p>



<p>If you want your customers to have the best <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/how-smarter-returns-processing-can-drive-customer-experience-and-brand-loyalty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">customer experience</a>, first, ensure that the returns policy is clear, easy to understand and free of jargon. Try to avoid confusion of any kind. Second, place your returns policy in every conceivable place where your customers can access it.  In addition to having it under the “Returns, Exchange, and Refunds” tab on your website, you can place it on each individual web page or include a highly visible link to it under product descriptions. For brick-and-mortar stores, consider placing a print of the returns policy in highly visible areas such as near the check-out counter or the entrance. </p>



<p>With this slight tweak, your customers won’t have to jump through loops or pore over pages and pages of jargon to return a product. The ease of returns will translate into higher customer satisfaction, which means increased brand loyalty for your business!  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-train-employees-to-reduce-returns-fraud">2. Train Employees to Reduce Returns Fraud </h2>



<p>According to an NRF report, on average, 8% of returns are fraudulent. Annually, retailers lose $18.4 billion to merchandise returns fraud. Sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it?</p>



<p>Returns fraud occurs in many ways – from fabricated receipts to switching price tags on returned products. That’s why it is highly important to <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/the-ultimate-peak-season-returns-management-checklist-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">train your staff</a> to deal with fraudulent returns. The first step in training your staff should be helping them understand the returns policy clearly. Ensure that they know what kind of returns are acceptable. Train them to look out for suspicious signs such as fabricated receipts.  </p>



<p>Although you cannot eliminate returns fraud completely, training your staff to handle it efficiently will definitely help you reduce the rate of returns fraud. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-promote-exchange-store-credits-over-returns">3. Promote Exchange &amp; Store Credits over Returns</h2>



<p><a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/what-does-the-rise-of-returns-mean-for-your-business/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Returns are inevitable</a>. And the holidays, especially, bring around a big wave of gift returns. However, this doesn’t mean you have to lose precious sales dollars over returns!  </p>



<p>You can encourage your customers to exchange the returned product or opt for special deals or store credits. The result? Despite a few lost dollars, you will still come out on top as you will have made a sale and kept the customer engaged.  </p>



<p>Still wondering if it’s the right strategy for your business? Here’s some food for thought. A study by GE Capital found that store credits reduced customer turnover rates by a whopping 72%.<sup>3</sup> Now, that should be enough incentive for you to consider offering store credits for returned products! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-offer-flexible-returns-options">4. Offer Flexible Returns Options</h2>



<p>A recent report from Forrester revealed that the fear of returns has outright discouraged online customers from buying online.<sup>4</sup> </p>



<p>Now the question arises, when the fear of returns governs the minds of the consumers from making a purchase, how can you motivate them to buy?  </p>



<p>Today, customers look for convenience when they shop. This need for convenience extends to the return process, too. The Forrester report also highlighted that three out of five French, U.K. and U.S. adult online shoppers prefer retailers that offer free return shipping.<sup>5</sup>  </p>



<p>So the answer is simple, <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-post-holiday-returns-5-tips-to-optimize-reverse-logistics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">offering flexible returns options</a> is one of the easiest ways to provide customers the convenience they seek. Along with free return shipping, reverse logistics solutions such as scheduled pick-ups from customers’ homes and curbside drop-offs are worth consideration. The option to return products bought online in physical stores and vice versa adds flexibility, too. And what’s more, such options motivate customers to shop from your business!  </p>



<p>According to a report, 66% of U.S. shoppers said they’re more likely to purchase an item online when it can be returned to a local store.<sup>6 </sup>This stands true for retail giants such as Best Buy. The company allows customers to return the items they purchased online at any of the Best Buy stores that are currently open across the country. Needless to say, such a flexible returns policy motivates customers to shop from the retailer again and again! </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrapping-up"><strong>Wrapping Up</strong></h3>



<p>To deal with the surge in returns, you need a trusted <a href="ttps://g2rl.com/blog/what-is-reverse-logistics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reverse logistics</a> partner. <a href="https://g2rl.com">G2RL</a> can help. We handle the returns so you can focus on the goal that matters to your business the most &#8211; customer satisfaction.  </p>



<p>To learn how we can help you manage returns spike, schedule a call today.  </p>



<div class="button-wrap text-center mt-3 w-100 blog-cta"><a class="btn btn-primary" href="/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book a Call</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 47px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>


surge-in-returns

Dealing with a surge in returns? Returns experts share 4 tips to help you succeed


<p>According to Deloitte’s annual holiday forecast, this year will see a 7-9% increase in holiday retail sales. To top it off, e-commerce sales are set to grow by 11-15% compared to 2020.<sup>1 </sup>And tagging along with this increase in holiday retail sales comes an increase in returns, especially in the e-commerce sphere.  </p>



<p>To keep up with the busy holiday season and the even busier post-holiday returns season, we have developed a comprehensive checklist for you. With this checklist, you will be able to stay on top of your returns management process!<strong> </strong> </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-perform-a-returns-management-audit"><strong>1. Perform a Returns Management Audit</strong></h2>



<p>Unless you are aware of your current state, you cannot reach your desired state. Hence, before you prepare yourself for the peak returns season, you should perform a post-holiday returns management audit.  </p>



<p>Go over the data from the post-holiday returns of the previous years, review the processes you employed, and check the current returns handling capacity of your infrastructure. Go through your return policies with a fine-tooth comb and also analyze the previous feedback and complaints from customers, as well as inputs from employees.  </p>



<p>Performing an audit allows you to identify not only the gaps in your current processes but also opportunities to enhance the customer experience as well as reduce return rates in the future. </p>



<p><em>Pro Tip: Trace your customer returns journey to identify gaps in the current returns process</em>. <em>Or maybe place an order and return it yourself to see if the experience was customer friendly!</em> </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-set-clear-goal-objectives">2. <strong>Set Clear Goal &amp; Objectives</strong></h2>



<p>To successfully handle the post-holiday returns rush, you need to begin your returns management process with a clear goal. </p>



<p>Customer experience is at the heart of any business, thus offering a seamless customer returns experience should be your top priority. Your entire plan should revolve around this goal. But to achieve this goal, you need to break it down into clear objectives. </p>



<p>Objectives may include reducing processing time for returns, mitigating customer  confusion points, developing real-time visibility of inventory, automating repetitive processes, <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/how-exceptional-reverse-logistics-can-improve-the-bottom-line/">improving bottom line</a> and even reducing overall return rates.  </p>



<p><em>Pro Tip: When you go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service, you drive </em><a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/how-smarter-returns-processing-can-drive-customer-experience-and-brand-loyalty/"><em>brand loyalty and repurchases</em></a><em> </em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-clearly-define-returns-policies">3. <strong>Clearly Define Returns Policies</strong> </h2>



<p>Clear communication is key for a smooth returns process.  </p>



<p>Now here, there are two considerations: first, you need to ensure that every member of the staff is well-versed with the returns process. The teams accountable for managing the returns process should be informed in detail about all the steps in the process to handle the peak season returns rush. Keep them up-to-date with the latest info on the returns process to avoid any kind of delays or misunderstandings. </p>



<p>Secondly, your returns policy should be communicated clearly and thoroughly to your consumers. Address questions such as &#8211; What products are eligible for returns? What condition does the product need to be in to be eligible for returns? How soon does the return have to be initiated? What are the steps of the returns process? Where/how can they return the products?  </p>



<p>And yes, don’t forget to keep your customers informed about the status of the returned product throughout the returns management process!  </p>



<p><em>Pro Tip: Consider tweaking your current returns policy to match the consumer needs of the peak returns season. For example, if your business normally offers a 30-day return period, consider implementing a 45-day return period just for the holidays.</em> </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-consider-additional-inventory-space-for-peak-season-returns">4. <strong>Consider Additional Inventory Space for Peak Season Returns</strong> </h2>



<p>There are high chances that your peak season return products will come back in different conditions, different times, etc. Products bought online might be returned in-store or vice versa. Similarly, products purchased at one store location might be returned at another. In such cases, you will have to account for additional space to receive, process, and store your post-holiday returns at any available returns location. Moreover, providing alternatives to returning a product will help dealing with the labor shortage if you find yourself short staffed. </p>



<p>While preparing for post-holiday returns, account for factors such as inbound holding capacity, inventory processing equipment, processing space and even outbound storage capacity.  </p>



<p><em>Pro Tip: Businesses that deal with high returns could rent storage trailers or lease additional space to effectively manage space for seasonal fluctuations. </em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-optimize-inventory-control">5. <strong>Optimize Inventory Control</strong> </h2>



<p>Inventory handling is one of the most complicated issues of peak season returns management. And no, we are not just talking about the physical inventory, but also the electronic inventory. </p>



<p>Returns should be recorded and processed by your inventory control system as soon as they are received. The longer they are left unrecorded, the more wastage of resources you will experience. Tools such as portable barcode scanners are highly valuable to combat this problem and offer real-time visibility of your returned inventory.   </p>



<p>While you are processing returns, also determine whether they are fit for resale, resale with refurbishment or liquidation. If product sold online is returned in-store, resell it in-store if possible. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-efficient-resource-management">6. <strong>Efficient Resource Management</strong> </h2>



<p>The U.S. Department of Labor highlighted the labor shortage crisis which will direly impact the retail industry when it pointed out that there are 965,000 open jobs in retail.<sup>2 </sup>And with the holiday season set to begin, this problem is worsening.<sup>3</sup> </p>



<p>What does this mean for your business?  </p>



<p>To manage the peak season returns influx, you should efficiently manage your staff first. To understand where you currently stand with your staffing for the holiday season, consider your answers to the following questions:  </p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>During returns peak season, do you usually have too many or too few workers on board?  </li>
<li>Is finding a qualified workforce difficult for your business during the peak season? </li>
<li>Are you expecting an increase in demand which might call for additional workforce? </li>
<li>Is there any service area of your returns management process which has been riddled with complaints (especially by the customers)? </li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Is your staff adequately trained to meet the returns needs of the season?  </li>
<li>Do you have adequate resources to train additional staff recruited for peak season returns management?  </li>
<li>Does your staff understand the returns management process, system and policies of your business thoroughly? </li>
<li>Are you able to re-allocate resources from other tasks to temporarily assist with returns? </li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-offer-enhanced-capabilities">7. <strong>Offer Enhanced Capabilities </strong> </h2>



<p>The more you make the customer returns experience seamless and convenient, the more <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/7-ways-to-measure-success-in-reverse-logistics/">customer satisfaction and retention</a> you will gain.  </p>



<p>To improve your peak season returns experience, offer enhanced capabilities to your consumer. Reverse logistics solutions such as scheduled pick-ups from the consumers’ home (even for in-store purchases) and curbside drop-offs are great ways to improve your customers’ experience and to avoid high in-store traffic for the sole purpose of returns.   </p>



<p>Today, consumers are using multiple channels before they purchase a product. For example, they might check a product online and then visit the store to try it before buying. The shopping process has become extremely convenient with a multi-channel strategy, thus facilitating the increase in customer satisfaction opportunities.  </p>



<p>Similarly, offering customers the flexibility to return items at their convenience will improve customer satisfaction too. Enable customers to return the product they bought online in offline stores or vice versa.  According to a report by Uberall, a software solutions company, 66% of U.S. shoppers said they’re more likely to purchase an item online when it can be returned a local store. Moreover, such strategies will differentiate you from your competitors. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-look-into-your-operations-capabilities">8. <strong>Look Into Your Operations Capabilities</strong> </h2>



<p>High peak season returns demand an efficient logistics team.  </p>



<p>If you are handling all your returns management in-house, ensure your fulfillment center has the resources and ability to manage the high influx of holiday returns. A <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/9-critical-signs-that-your-returns-process-is-broken/">broken logistics chain</a> would not only cause you money but also repeat business. If you anticipate that the peak season returns calls for additional reinforcements, <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/8-signs-your-returns-have-outgrown-your-garage/">consider outsourcing your reverse logistics</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-post-peak-returns-follow-up"><strong>9. Post-Peak Returns Follow Up </strong></h2>



<p>If you have managed to check off all the above-mentioned items from your peak season returns checklist, congratulations! You are now ready to handle the pressure that comes with the busy post-holiday returns period.  </p>



<p>However, the process doesn’t stop here. Double down on your holiday returns reports to determine areas for improvement and any gaps in management. This is an appropriate moment to ask yourself questions such as:  </p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Were predictions for post-holiday returns accurate?  </li>
<li>Were we able to achieve our goals and objectives for the peak season? </li>
<li>Did we successfully maintain internal lines of communication with our returns staff?  </li>
<li>Did we manage to explain our returns policies to our consumers without any confusion?  </li>
<li>Were we able to efficiently utilize the space we had? Was there a need for additional inventory space?</li>
<li>Were we able to extract the maximum profitability from our returned inventory?</li>
<li>Did we have enough human resources to deal with the peak season returns period?  </li>
<li>Was the staff trained adequately?</li>
<li>Were there any additional services we could offer to enhance our customers’ experience?</li>
<li>Was our logistics process efficient enough to handle the holiday returns rush? Should we consider <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/what-is-reverse-logistics-and-how-it-can-save-your-business-money/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solutions from reverse logistics providers</a>? </li>
</ul>



<p>The answers to these questions are your key takeaways for next year’s holiday returns. Prepare in advance for the peak season returns rush to optimize your operations and get the most out of your returns.  </p>



<p>Download <strong>The Ultimate Peak Season Returns Management Checklist </strong>now<strong> </strong>to prepare for the post-holiday returns rush in a streamlined manner.  </p>



<div class="button-wrap text-center mt-3 w-100 blog-cta "><a class="btn btn-primary blog-checklis-cta" href="#" rel="noopener">Download Checklist</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 40px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>


shutterstock_2145880189 1

The Ultimate Peak Season Returns Management Checklist 2021


<p>The holiday season is almost here. Online shopping has increased dramatically in recent years, particularly during the ongoing worldwide pandemic. Retailers will see another surge in post-holiday returns, because many people received gifts they did not want or need. If you follow this simple guide and prepare your <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/what-is-reverse-logistics#header-1">reverse logistics processes</a>, you’ll reduce returns rates and <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/can-reverse-logistics-software-save-your-company-money/">minimize losses that result from returns</a>. This is true whether you work at a fulfillment center, e-commerce brand, or a traditional retail establishment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-educate-your-staff-about-customer-returns-experience"><strong>1. Educate Your Staff about Customer Returns Experience</strong></h2>



<p>Your staff understands that the rush of Black Friday and holiday shopping, in general, promote impulse holiday sales purchases that lead to higher return rates. What they may not know is how important hassle-free returns are to the customer experience.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" class="wp-image-3833" src="https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Holiday-Returns-300x200.png" alt="Holiday Returns" srcset="https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Holiday-Returns-300x200.png 300w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Holiday-Returns-1024x683.png 1024w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Holiday-Returns-768x512.png 768w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Holiday-Returns-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Holiday-Returns-1200x800.png 1200w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Holiday-Returns-1400x934.png 1400w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Holiday-Returns.png 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></figure>
</div>



<p>That creates an opportunity for you to implement a post-holiday returns management strategy by developing a peak season returns management checklist and guide. Both can act as a “playbook” for staff to manage holiday returns for retail and e-commerce.</p>



<p>Your peak season returns management checklist should be simple to understand but thorough to alleviate any confusion.</p>



<p>Part of your peak season returns management guide should also cover how to handle difficult customers. Including a few management tactics that can help reduce their stress level and increase the likelihood they can handle an upset customer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-staff-adequately-for-planned-returns-management"><strong>2. Staff Adequately for Planned Returns Management</strong></h2>



<p>Your staff is exhausted after the holiday rush. Make sure you have shifts covered as thoroughly for returns and implementing post-holiday reverse logistics strategies as you did for the peak push.</p>



<p>Give incentives to staff to take shifts and for seasonal staff to stay on a little longer. Remember to plan for the uptick in any budget planning you do.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-make-the-returns-process-seamless"><strong>3. Make the Returns Process Seamless</strong></h2>



<p>The key to a great returns process is to be proactive. Take the time to understand what your customers expect from the return process, and you’ll save yourself some unnecessary headaches in the long run. No matter how your customers choose to return items, make it easy on them, and you will be rewarded with <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/how-smarter-returns-processing-can-drive-customer-experience-and-brand-loyalty/">increased brand loyalty</a>. Have staff observe the returns process and recommend improvements. This will motivate them as partners in the post-holiday returns management process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-provide-viable-alternatives"><strong>4. Provide Viable Alternatives</strong></h2>



<p>Returns are inevitable. That is a fact of retail life. Not every return has to result in the loss of a product or sale. Here are some policies that can help. </p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Resell returned products at a discounted price to salvage some of the cost back</li>
<li>Have an “of equal value” policy that staff encourages before processing an outright return</li>
<li>Push “store credits” versus a full refund of cash to hold onto the sale</li>
</ul>



<p>The key to reducing the number of returns is to have a clearly defined policy. Having a clear return policy helps customers by giving them confidence in your business. By clearly defining what you will accept back, customers know they can trust you to provide high-quality goods and services.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-analyze-why-returns-happen"><strong>5. Analyze Why Returns Happen</strong></h2>



<p>Your best-laid plan for <a href="https://g2rl.com/products#returnsmanagement">returns management</a> is flawed if it does not include a way for you and staff to <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/best-practices-for-electronics-returns-management/">analyze why customers are returning items.</a> Capture customer input with details outlining the reason for returns, ask for pictures if applicable, and encourage staff to ask why someone is returning an item when accepting in-person returns.</p>



<p>Then, look at all the reasons, products, etc., and see if you can spot trends. In most cases, the more you figure out the “why” of a commerce return, the easier it will be to avoid the return in the future. Follow these tips to make the most of your post-holiday returns rush. If you’d like some assistance with your returns management strategy, book a call with one of the <a href="https://g2rl.com">reverse logistics experts</a> on the team. They can help you put a plan in place to maximize recovery on returns this holiday season.</p>



<div class="button-wrap text-center mt-3 w-100 blog-cta"><a class="btn btn-primary" href="/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book a Call</a></div>


<hr class="wp-block-separator has-text-color has-background has-white-background-color has-white-color" />

How to Prepare for Post-Holiday Returns 5 Tips to Optimize Reverse Logistics_hero

How to Prepare for Post-Holiday Returns: 5 Tips to Optimize Reverse Logistics


<p>Reverse logistics are essential for any business, particularly those that sell online (which is pretty much everyone these days). However, not all <a href="https://g2rl.com/products">reverse logistics services</a> are created equal. When returns are processed and managed elsewhere, organizations are free to focus on other areas of business. </p>



<p>When you’re thinking about outsourcing some or all of your supply chain, let’s look at the five major risks. Then, we&#8217;ll explore how you can protect yourself from the potential fallout and ensure that your <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/9-critical-signs-that-your-returns-process-is-broken/">returns process</a> is not broken. </p>



<p>There is lots to cover, so let&#8217;s dive in!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-increased-costs"><strong>1. Increased Costs</strong></h2>



<p>This is one of the <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/what-is-reverse-logistics#header-7">reverse logistics</a> challenges that’s frequently overlooked. </p>



<p>Many businesses turn to outsourcing to increase profit and save money, so this may come as a surprise.</p>



<p>However, sometimes hidden costs can have you losing out on a lot more cash than you bargained for. When you’re looking for a reverse logistics solution, choose one with transparent and fair pricing.</p>



<p>Make sure you consider exit costs, redundancy provisions, and relapse charges &#8211; these are the ones that are most likely to put you out of pocket. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-risk-of-a-privacy-breach"><strong>2. Risk of a Privacy Breach </strong></h2>



<p>If you outsource to third-party logistics, you may be opening yourself up to a confidentiality breach. A customer’s personal data (or your personal data) could be at risk.</p>



<p>All the confidential agreements your company has with vendors, suppliers, clients, and more will be leaving your company &#8211; something that never happens without outsourcing. </p>



<p>When you sign your confidentiality agreement with your chosen provider, you’ll need to do your research and ensure they have adequate internal procedures to handle sensitive info.</p>



<p>One of their biggest responsibilities will be to safeguard your data &#8211; so make this a top priority if you choose to outsource. Find a provider that puts security first and has invested in making sure that privacy and confidentiality are a priority.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-a-lack-of-focus-on-the-customer-experience"><strong>3. A Lack of Focus on The Customer Experience</strong></h2>



<p>Company culture and ethos are at the heart of any organization. As an organization, we expect the people we work with to share that. You should be considering the same thing if you outsource your reverse supply chain. </p>



<p>The provider you choose to manage your returns processes will essentially extend your business to your customers. In one way or another, your chosen reverse logistics partner will represent and reflect you in the returns process. </p>



<p>Be careful not to choose an organization focused solely on meeting the terms of a contract at the lowest cost &#8211; this could compromise <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/how-smarter-returns-processing-can-drive-customer-experience-and-brand-loyalty/">customer experience</a> and reflect poorly on you. Lowering your standards should never be an option. </p>



<p>Instead, focus on choosing a reverse logistics provider that understands the importance of how smarter <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/237631" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">returns processing</a> can improve customer experience and increase brand loyalty.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-lack-of-proper-documentation-and-processes"><strong>4. Lack of Proper Documentation and processes</strong></h2>



<p>This can be a big problem for your business. </p>



<p>The returns process is complicated and multifaceted. This complexity can range widely depending on the sort of products you’re handling.</p>



<p>Without it, the process can become a lot more complicated than it needs to be, and it can be challenging to keep track of returns and their value. This could also negatively impact your customers, so choose wisely. </p>



<p>If a product recall or return is handled poorly, it can impact your business for many years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outsourcing-reverse-logistics-can-be-a-powerful-tool-for-businesses"><strong>Outsourcing reverse logistics can be a powerful tool for businesses </strong></h2>



<p>When the right partner is selected, the benefits of reverse logistics outsourcing can outweigh the risks. Outsourcing can allow you to address these issues with expertise and speed, but only with the right provider. Yes, outsourcing does come with its risks. However, there are also significant benefits for your business, including:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A streamlined returns process</li>
<li>Increased customer loyalty (if the provider is efficient)</li>
<li>Support and expertise from industry professionals</li>
<li>You’ll have more time to focus on other areas of your business</li>
</ul>



<p>However, by being aware of the pitfalls and asking yourself some <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/10-questions-to-ask-before-choosing-a-reverse-logistics-provider/">important questions</a> before making your choice, you’ll be aware that the perks do outweigh the risks. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outsourcing-reverse-logistics-the-right-provider"><strong>Outsourcing Reverse Logistics: The Right Provider</strong></h2>



<p>If you’ve weighed up the risks of outsourcing reverse logistics and you’re ready to minimize the stack of returns that are piling up, <a href="https://g2rl.com/contact/">contact G2RL</a>. </p>



<p>We’re the providers of unparalleled expertise, and we put people first, so you can be sure your reverse supply chain is in expert hands.</p>
<p><a href="https://g2rl.com/demo">Book a Demo</a></p>


5-risks

Returns Management: 4 Risks of Outsourcing Reverse Supply Chain and How You Can Protect Yourself

<p>Herb Shear, Executive Chairman at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/G2RLReverseLogistics/?__cft__[0]=AZUd5PR47bnr_4BvNMBd_P0hmr16f5N0lSIMGiCQlqC7o1NW0EAHpivnqDUmubkX6-_MNng2MqjgtJ0Im4UPAT_uhqnRfJRXdC6f3wgz8OjHwgR0Gfp7W2tFOLt2WYIv_uNPwt478JTeFHfP0vwRzuGi&amp;__tn__=kK-R" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G2RL</a>, was one of the early pioneers of reverse logistics in response to a customer&#8217;s request for help.</p>
<p>The solution quickly caught on and laid the groundwork for what has become a highly sophisticated and fast-growing part of supply chain management!</p>
<p>Join host Scott Luton to dive deep into <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/reverselogistics?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUd5PR47bnr_4BvNMBd_P0hmr16f5N0lSIMGiCQlqC7o1NW0EAHpivnqDUmubkX6-_MNng2MqjgtJ0Im4UPAT_uhqnRfJRXdC6f3wgz8OjHwgR0Gfp7W2tFOLt2WYIv_uNPwt478JTeFHfP0vwRzuGi&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#ReverseLogistics</a> with Tony Sciarrotta with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ReverseLogisticsAssociation/?__cft__[0]=AZUd5PR47bnr_4BvNMBd_P0hmr16f5N0lSIMGiCQlqC7o1NW0EAHpivnqDUmubkX6-_MNng2MqjgtJ0Im4UPAT_uhqnRfJRXdC6f3wgz8OjHwgR0Gfp7W2tFOLt2WYIv_uNPwt478JTeFHfP0vwRzuGi&amp;__tn__=kK-R" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reverse Logistics Association</a> and Herb Shear.</p>
<div class="button-wrap text-center my-3 w-100"><a class="common-btn btn btn-primary text-white" style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://supplychainnow.com/value-customers-teammates-reverse-logistics-731/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Listen here!</a></div>


242419427_851764908852881_2588204377994005418_n

Reverse Logistics Episode Release

<p>The growth of e-commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic saw online returns double in 2020, increasing the importance of a solid returns management program that serves both you and your customers.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-2946 alignleft" src="https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/image1-300x200.png" alt="company money" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/image1-300x200.png 300w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/image1-1024x682.png 1024w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/image1-768x511.png 768w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/image1-1536x1023.png 1536w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/image1-1200x799.png 1200w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/image1-1400x932.png 1400w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/image1.png 1802w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Consumers in the US returned around <a href="https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/428-billion-merchandise-returned-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$428 billion in purchases</a> to retailers in 2020. That accounted for around 10.6 percent of total retail sales, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).<br />Among the benefits of reverse logistics are substantial savings on the cost of handling returns. What is the link between reverse logistics and profit? How can using reverse logistics software save your company money? Here’s how.</p>
<h2>The link between Reverse Logistics and Profit Margin</h2>
<p>Let’s start by answering- what is reverse logistics? Reverse logistics is a form of returns management. It tracks products from the point of return from the customer and manages where they end up. Once returned, they can be resold, repaired, refurbished, or recycled, etc.</p>
<p>The cost of reverse logistics might seem prohibitive. But the money that businesses can save and money that can be recovered from activities such as recommerce with effective returns management more than makeup for the initial cost.</p>
<p>How does  reverse logistics impact profit margin? As sales grow, companies can see profit margins eroded by the cost of managing the accompanying increase in returns. The NRF survey found that for every $1 billion in sales, the average retailer incurs costs of $106 million in returns. By employing a returns management strategy, businesses can recoup some of that money.</p>
<p>Many retailers and manufacturers choose to use a <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/10-questions-to-ask-before-choosing-a-reverse-logistics-provider/">third-party logistics (3PL) provider</a> to increase their reverse logistics profit margin.</p>
<p>Using a 3PL service can streamline the process and save money when compared with managing returns in-house. That frees up resources so that companies can focus on other areas of the business. They can be sure that their returns are being handled by an experienced service provider.</p>
<h2><b>Cost Savings From Reverse Logistics</b></h2>
<p>So how can reverse logistics create value? Retailers and business-to-business (B2B) companies in most industries deal with high processing costs to handle returns. Why? When they receive the returned products, they need to assess them for damage. And then they must repack and send the items to another location for resale. If the products have to be refurbished, they typically lose some of their resale value.</p>
<p>In some industries, recycling can be a costly and time-consuming process that requires companies to follow strict safety regulations to ensure items are disposed of properly. And some products that cannot be resold end up in landfills.</p>
<p>Many companies are unaware of the true cost of their product returns. Even if they collect returns data, they lack the knowledge to analyze it and spend little time focusing on the role of returns in the supply chain. Their focus is on sales growth. So, they have little visibility into their potential revenue loss. Having products tied up in warehouse inventory can have an impact on a company&#8217;s cash flow and expose credit issues.</p>
<p>An inefficient returns process can also affect the quality of customer interactions. That can cost a business in future sales if customers are left unsatisfied and don’t make future purchases.</p>
<p>A survey by consulting firm KPMG found that for <a href="https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/id/pdf/2017/08/id-future-proof-reverse-logistics-2august.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nearly 15 percent of returns</a>, it took more than two weeks for the customer to receive a refund. This has a negative effect on the customer experience and the retailer&#8217;s brand. Around 33% of repeat consumers in another survey said they would <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/returning-to-order-improving-returns-management-for-apparel-companies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">abandon a retailer</a> if they had a difficult experience with a return.</p>
<p>Reverse logistics can tackle all these problems. An effective reverse logistics process creates value for businesses by converting waste into sales. They can get their returned products back into their supply chain with speed and efficiency. That reduces storage and distribution costs, saving time and money.</p>
<h2><b>How Does Reverse Logistics Software Cut Costs?</b></h2>
<p><a href="https://g2rl.com/technology/">Reverse logistics software</a> helps to maximize the cost savings from returns management. It manages every stage of the returns lifecycle to get the highest return on investment (ROI).</p>
<p>Reverse logistics software automates the process of identifying the path for returned products that will generate the highest cost recovery. From the time the customer starts the returns process, the software can use machine learning to analyze products, returns rules, and sales demand to identify the right channel for the returned product. It can be tailored to the unique needs of the business to meet specific challenges.</p>
<p>Some of the advantages of reverse logistics software include:</p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">All-in-one returns management portal</li>
<li aria-level="1">Automatic returns tracking</li>
<li aria-level="1">Cloud-based technology for easy access and sharing</li>
<li aria-level="1">Visibility into reasons for returns</li>
<li aria-level="1">Data insights to help manage future returns</li>
<li aria-level="1">Forecasting data</li>
<li aria-level="1">Increased brand credibility and customer retention</li>
</ul>
<p>These features help businesses to gain greater visibility into their returns. In that way, they can find the right destination for the products to maximize their profits. They can also identify recurring reasons that customers return products and find ways to address them.</p>
<p>Retailers and B2B companies can decide to set up reverse logistics software in-house. Or they can choose a 3PL provider that uses the latest technology as part of its service.</p>
<h2><b>Save Money on Returns </b></h2>
<p>A reverse logistics software can help businesses reduce the number of product returns they generate in the first place. When returns do occur, it cuts down on the cost of processing them through process efficiency and business rules integration, while providing enhanced customer service. Encouraging brand loyalty will make customers more likely to make repeat purchases, saving a company the cost of lost sales.</p>
<p>If you are looking to outsource your company&#8217;s returns management, you need a trusted partner. G2RL can help. We handle the returns so you can focus on customer satisfaction. Our proprietary rules-based software maximizes each stage of the returns lifecycle to generate the highest cost recovery.</p>
<p>To learn how we can help you save money on your returns.</p>
<div class="button-wrap text-center mt-3 w-100 blog-cta"><a class="btn btn-primary schedule-call-btn" href="/contact" target="_self" rel="noopener">Contact us today</a></div>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-text-color has-background has-white-background-color has-white-color" />

Blog-Featured-how-much-money-c

Can Reverse Logistics software save your company money?


<p>With the explosion of online shopping during COVID-19 lockdowns, efficient returns management strategies have become critical to the success of e-commerce companies.  Even if your e-commerce store is well designed and user friendly, returns are going to happen. Size, color, and many other details are often difficult to determine, and consumers will need to send their choices back for an exchange or refund.</p>



<p>Peerless Research Group did a study on behalf of <a href="https://www.scmr.com/article/best_practices_in_reverse_logistics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Supply Chain Management Review</a> and determined that 60% of all commercial organizations rated reverse logistics as very important or extremely important.</p>



<p>In brick-and-mortar retail locations, COVID-19 also limited what sellers could do to inform customers before buying. Product demos, samples, and the ability to try on clothing and jewelry prohibited customers from gathering all of the information they needed before purchasing. This heightened an already pressing problem in the supply chain industry. How do you handle returns efficiently, while maintaining your margins?</p>



<p>As a result of the increased returns rate, retail stores, and e-commerce enterprises must ensure they are utilizing best practices in their strategy. Companies need to have in place a solid returns management plan.  For many, this may require finding a trusted partner to assist with their reverse logistics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-features-of-successful-reverse-logistics">7 Features of Successful Reverse Logistics</h2>



<p>Forward logistics is a clean, straightforward process. You receive pallets filled with same-size cartons all neatly boxed and ready to be shelved, hung or displayed. But reverse logistics is much more complex and less nice and neat.</p>



<p>Gone are the days when returns arrive in an orderly fashion; no hangers or boxes. . They arrive at different times and in varying conditions, and handling these requires intensive labour for your teams. With so much invested in your returns process, it’s critical to assess the effectiveness of your strategy.</p>



<p>Read on to find out if your business’s rules for returns are following a successful plan, or if it’s time to reimagine your reverse logistics supply chain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-customer-satisfaction-and-retention">1. Customer Satisfaction and Retention</h2>



<p>A good buying experience brings your customer back. So does a smooth and seamless process for returns. Most customers will come back if they have a positive return experience, while many will not if the return policies are too difficult to navigate.</p>



<p>In this connected era, <a href="https://www.qualtrics.com/blog/online-review-stats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">93% of consumers</a> admit that online reviews affect their shopping behaviour. Nearly everybody communicates in some way through social media as well. You want customers to give you positive reviews on every platform so they and their followers will choose to purchase from your online or in-person retail shop. Accidents happen. They might order the wrong item, you might ship the wrong size, but a great returns policy is the perfect way to ease the pain of these negative experiences.</p>



<p>Luckily, there are a few ways you can ensure the return procedure is a positive experience. Though they seem lenient, leveraging the satisfaction of your customer against possible losses, you will find you still gain from these terms:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Customers can return items without the original box or packaging</li>
<li>Give full refunds for the item</li>
<li>Accept returns without the original receipt</li>
<li>Allow for a longer return window</li>
<li>If the item was purchased online, allow for in-store return</li>
<li>If the item was purchased in-store, allow for mail-in returns</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-maximized-roi">2. Maximized ROI</h2>



<p>In 2020, <a href="https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/428-billion-merchandise-returned-2020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$428 billion</a> in merchandise was returned for a total of 10.6% of total U.S. sales. The National Retail Federation reports that for every $1 billion in sales, the average retail enterprise saw $106 million in merchandise returns.</p>



<p>Looking at these statistics, it&#8217;s clear that maximizing your ROI on reverse logistics is all about efficient supply chain management. According to the <a href="https://g2rl.com/demo">Reverse Logistics Association</a>, reverse logistics can affect between 3 and 35% of a company&#8217;s bottom line. If your company keeps the percentage low, you have an effective method for returns management and are succeeding in maximizing your ROI.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-rapid-disposition">3. Rapid Disposition</h2>



<p>Having returned goods languishing on shelves for a lengthy period of time isn’t good for anyone. Without effective disposition, you are running the risk of major negative impacts to your bottom line:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>They are using valuable warehouse space</li>
<li>Their value is not retrieved effectively</li>
<li>The goods may be depreciating (electronics depreciate, clothing goes out of season, etc.)</li>
</ul>



<p>If merchandise re-enters your inventory rapidly, or you succeed in retrieving the value of your products in a minimal length of time, you have optimized your returns process.</p>



<p>If the disposition of products is as far upstream as possible, you can maintain a healthy bottom line and keep your customers satisfied. Calling on the services of an experienced and efficient reverse logistics company such as G2RL’s management and <a href="https://g2rl.com/products#decisionai">disposition engine</a> allows you to move more products quickly to their final destination. This efficiency keeps both freight costs and facility processing costs to a minimum, and customers get credited quickly. As you know, <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/how-smarter-returns-processing-can-drive-customer-experience-and-brand-loyalty/">a satisfied customer makes a loyal customer</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-organized-process">4. Organized Process</h2>



<p>If you are familiar with Lean Methodology,<a href="https://asq.org/quality-resources/lean/five-s-tutorial" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> then have heard about the </a>5Ss. Applying this methodology to return management can help you achieve optimal productivity. This Japanese productivity tool is based on efficient triage and disposition of your returns. Here are the key components:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Sort: organize your returns using a process that will return maximal value
<ul>
<li>Repackage or rehang and reshelve</li>
<li>Repair &#8211; do they need parts and can re-enter the inventory?</li>
<li>Refurbish and resell</li>
<li>Disposal &#8211; sell to a secondary market, recycle or discard</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Set: the triage is orderly with the destination clearly labeled</li>
<li>Shine: the work area is clean</li>
<li>Standardize: standardize the process so all staff are following the methodology set in place</li>
<li>Sustain: consistency is maintained throughout the process</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-reduction-in-returns">5. Reduction in Returns</h2>



<p>Top-notch customer service is key for brick-and-mortar retail. The first step is ensuring the product purchased by a customer meets their needs. The second step is providing service after purchase in case they need help with unboxing or set-up.</p>



<p>For e-commerce, clear product descriptions and consumer reviews will help the buyer make more informed decisions about their purchase. Give specifications like measurements and sizing tips, multiple views for product images, and provide any other information that will help the consumer imagine it in their home or in their wardrobe. This will go a long way in reducing the need for returns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-data-collection">6. Data Collection</h2>



<p>Retailers are recognizing how <a href="https://www.inboundlogistics.com/cms/article/managing-retail-returns-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essential data collection</a> is for the supply chain management. The need to know what is being returned most frequently, who is returning the most items (demographic, identity, location), how much is transportation costing, and why an item is returned are crucial data points for designing your reverse logistics supply chain.</p>



<p>Automation of the process of data collection is essential to acquire maximum information about merchandise returns. Using data collection software like <a href="https://g2rl.com/products#decisionai">G2RL&#8217;s Decision AI</a> ensures that there is full transparency as products move in or out of your inventory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-inventory-tracking">7. Inventory Tracking</h2>



<p>Streamlining inventory management is essential for efficient reverse logistics. You need information about what is done with these products: are they being returned to your inventory, refurbished, or repaired? When do they get back to the shelf or stock counts? Who is handling the product, and for how long?</p>



<p>Once again, automation is the best way to get a full picture of the lifecycle of your products. Do you have a system that can inform you about the location of every item that was returned? Do you know at what stage this item is in the returns process?</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achieving-success-in-reverse-logistics">Achieving Success in Reverse Logistics</h3>



<p>No matter how you do business, via brick-and-mortar, online, or a combination of both, the goal is to have as few returns as possible.   The reality is that returns are going to happen, and dealing with the bewildering world of reverse logistics is a challenging yet essential undertaking.</p>



<p>Having a warehouse and team dedicated to your returns process is ideal for maximizing value. However, unless you&#8217;re operating at the level of Walmart &#8211; with more than 6 locations handling returns &#8211; it might not be cost-effective to open a new location specifically for <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/what-is-reverse-logistics">reverse logistics</a>.</p>



<p>Instead, your best choice is to <a href="https://g2rl.com/products#returnsmanagement">outsource returns management</a> to be able to focus on sales and customer service. A <a href="https://www.g2rl.com">third-party reverse logistics company</a> can collect the data, deal with the merchandise, and devote the right amount of warehouse space. and help you optimize your bottom line. Learn how we can help you focus on your business while we deal with your reverse logistics.</p>



<div class="button-wrap text-center my-3 w-100"><a href="https://g2rl.com/demo">Book a Demo Today</a></div>


shutterstock_2509649845 1

7 Ways to Measure Success in Reverse Logistics


<p>Imagine you&#8217;re eating your breakfast in the morning. You&#8217;re looking over your social media to see if anything new happened while you were sleeping. Suddenly, you see a post about your business and how a customer had a hard time returning a product that was damaged.</p>



<p>You look at the comments and find this isn&#8217;t the first time your company has had reverse logistics issues. Now, you need to go to work and find out if your business has returns management problems, a systems issue, or another completely different issue. Could outsourcing to reverse logistics experts be the answer to your problems?</p>



<p>Negative customer reviews on social media aren’t the only red flags that you have reverse logistics problems. In fact, there are many key indicators you might need to rethink your returns strategy. A simple and painless customer return experience is as important as the purchasing experience and contributes to customer loyalty.  Here are the nine signs that it’s time for your business to outsource those expensive and complex reverse logistics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-high-error-rates">1. High Error Rates</h2>



<p>It may be time to reevaluate how your business runs if your employees are having to correct errors often. No one is perfect, but high error rates in shipping, receiving, and stock counts are a major red flag that something is wrong with your strategy. This is often a sign of employees juggling too much or too quickly. In these cases, you might want to consider automating certain processes or <a href="https://www.globaltrademag.com/reverse-logistics-turning-costs-into-opportunities/">hiring extra help</a>.</p>



<p>The last thing you want is a rushed employee telling a customer the wrong thing while explaining the return policy or misplacing a returned item that could have been resold.</p>













<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2720" src="https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/unhappycustomer.jpg" alt="unhappy customer" width="332" height="351" srcset="https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/unhappycustomer.jpg 317w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/unhappycustomer-284x300.jpg 284w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/unhappycustomer-300x317.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 332px) 100vw, 332px" /></figure>
</div>



<h2 id="h-2-unhappy-customers" class="has-text-align-left inline-h2 wp-block-heading">2. Unhappy Customers</h2>



<p>The biggest sign that something is wrong with any part of your business is unhappy customers. In the case of <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/what-is-reverse-logistics">reverse logistics</a>, this might mean lost customers because they can&#8217;t find your return policy. It might mean certain employees aren&#8217;t able to handle returns properly.</p>



<p>No matter what&#8217;s causing this issue, unhappy customers are the one thing you really don&#8217;t want for your business. It&#8217;s always best to get to the bottom of this issue quickly so customers stay happy and become recurring revenue drivers.</p>













<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2729" src="https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/return-management.jpg" alt="return management" width="377" height="399" srcset="https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/return-management.jpg 317w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/return-management-284x300.jpg 284w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/return-management-300x317.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 377px) 100vw, 377px" /></figure>
</div>



<h2 id="h-3-returns-management-problems" class="inline-h2 wp-block-heading">3. Returns Management Problems</h2>



<p>This one can be slightly harder to identify. The best way to tell if this is an issue is if employees point fingers at each other when something goes wrong. The main problem here is usually that employees simply haven&#8217;t been given clear instructions on who&#8217;s supposed to be doing which jobs.</p>



<p>If your managers and staff don’t know who is doing what, then you have a returns management issue.</p>



<p>Returns management problems can stem from problems in communication between employees or with customers. In many cases, one employee thinks another responded to an email or processed returned merchandise. Consistent breakdowns in communication can lead to major headaches and lost revenue.</p>







<h2 id="h-4-high-employee-turnover-rates" class="has-text-align-left wp-block-heading">4. High Employee Turnover Rates</h2>



<p class="has-text-align-left">High employee turnover can lead to a vicious cycle for your business. Every time an <a href="https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/causes-of-employee-turnover/">employee quits</a>, you need to slow down your processes to train a new person. </p>



<p class="has-text-align-left">In the case of returns, this can mean delayed responses to customers looking to make returns. It can also mean that information and even items get lost completely. It&#8217;s the perfect storm for something important to be forgotten. </p>



<p class="has-text-align-left">So, if you’re struggling with turnover, it might be time to find a partner who can help you navigate <a href="https://g2rl.com/products">returns logistics</a>.</p>









<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2734" src="https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/asking-questions.jpg" alt="customer question" width="412" height="435" srcset="https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/asking-questions.jpg 317w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/asking-questions-284x300.jpg 284w, https://g2rl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/asking-questions-300x317.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 412px) 100vw, 412px" /></figure>
</div>



<h2 id="h-5-many-customers-asking-questions" class="inline-h2 wp-block-heading">5. Many Customers Asking Questions</h2>



<p>Your employees often have duties to attend to other than answering phones or emails. If your team members spend a bulk of their days answering customer questions, then you should look into what information your customers have readily available on your website. You should also look into <em>how</em> it&#8217;s presented. Can you create new content for your website that more clearly explains how returns work? A quick explainer video, graphic or visual representation of the workflow is perfect for conveying information effectively.</p>



<p> In the case of returns, most customers will make a decision to buy based on a company&#8217;s return policy. If that information isn&#8217;t clearly visible on your website, then customers either have to call and ask about it or move on entirely. Neither is good for the efficiency of your business. Read more about <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/how-smarter-returns-processing-can-drive-customer-experience-and-brand-loyalty/">how you can use Returns Management to drive customer loyalty and improve customer experience.</a></p>



<h2 id="h-6-reverse-logistics-issues" class="has-text-align-left wp-block-heading">6. Reverse Logistics Issues</h2>



<p class="has-text-align-left">It&#8217;s an odd thing when a return package gets lost on its way to you once or twice a year. It&#8217;s a bad thing when this happens once or twice a week. </p>



<p class="has-text-align-left">This can be the result of various issues. The first is that the courier you use is simply unreliable. It could also be that your address is wrong or incomplete on most of the packages. Whatever the case, this is a problem you want to identify and resolve quickly.</p>









<h2 id="h-7-frustrated-employees" class="has-text-align-left wp-block-heading">7. Frustrated Employees</h2>



<p>This is a simple case of examining the general atmosphere of your business. Your employees&#8217; attitudes will often reflect how well your business is doing from the inside out. If your employees are happy, in many cases this means your customers are happy too.</p>



<p>For reverse logistics, this means that your employees aren&#8217;t ripping their hair out trying to figure out why a refund hasn&#8217;t been credited to an account. They spend less time worrying about where a lost package is and more time managing your business.</p>



<p>And if your employees are happy, then there&#8217;s a lower chance of high turnover rates for your business. If this sounds like your business, you may want to look into what you can do to fix the problem.</p>





<h2 id="h-8-slow-process" class="has-text-align-left wp-block-heading">8. Slow Process</h2>



<p>If your returns process moves slowly, it means one of a few things:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The first is that your employees are taking too long double-checking their work before moving on to their next task.</li>
<li>The next is that your employees are needing to wait for managers to make decisions that they could be making themselves.</li>
<li>Or you have insufficient or incorrect information in your returns management system that is contributing to the delays.</li>
</ul>



<p>In a returns department, this means packages sitting on shelves waiting to be processed for weeks. It means customer emails aren&#8217;t getting answered in a timely fashion. And worst of all it means lost customers and revenue. Streamlining your process is a must if you want to maintain your margins and reach your growth goals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-repetitive-process">9. Repetitive Process</h2>



<p>A repetitive process means bored employees. It means employees get used to a certain rhythm and don&#8217;t always pay attention to the task that they&#8217;re working on. This can be as simple as requiring employees to enter the same information in multiple places. Redundancy will threaten attention to detail, and when you’re trying to run a successful returns policy, detail is <em>everything.</em></p>



<p>When people are making returns, this might mean an employee accidentally issues a monetary refund when a replacement item has already been shipped to the customer. It might mean putting returned items in the wrong place.</p>



<p>Automation helps to solve this problem. If a task is repetitive, then chances are it can be automated so your employees can get to work on more important tasks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outsource-returns-management-problems-today">Outsource Returns Management Problems Today</h3>



<p>If you believe that your business could benefit from outsourcing costly reverse logistics issues, then you need a trusted and expert partner.  <a href="https://g2rl.com">G2RL</a> helps businesses with returns management problems every day. We handle the hard parts of returns so you can repair and refurbish your business&#8217;s reputation.</p>



<p>Our ‘business rules’ based engine allows you to sit back and focus on customer satisfaction rather than worry about if packages are coming in or not. So what are you waiting for? <a href="https://g2rl.com/about-us">Check us out</a> and see if <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/8-signs-your-returns-have-outgrown-your-garage/">outsourcing your reverse logistics</a> issues and returns management issues can help your brand and customer experience.</p>



<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 23px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>



<div class="button-wrap text-center mt-3 w-100 blog-cta"><a href="https://g2rl.com/demo">Contact G2RL for a demo</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 23px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>


Returns-reverse-logistics-issues–

9 Critical Signs that Your Returns Process is Broken


<p>The global consumer electronics market, valued at nearly US $740 billion in 2022 and projected to grow to us$1,239 billion by the end of 2030 is an ever-evolving space.</p>



<p>This surge in electronics demand highlights the emerging challenges of returns management—a vital aspect in sustaining consumer satisfaction and minimizing financial loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Electronics Returns:</strong></h2>



<p>Over 40% of consumers reported that their reason for returning non-defective electronics stems from initial setup challenges or the complexity encountered during installation or usage.</p>



<p>To mitigate such returns, robust customer service is essential, extending beyond the point of sale. Remember, the customer journey begins well before the item is added to the shopping cart and continues beyond the purchase confirmation. It encompasses after-sales services, returns and customer service.</p>



<p>Simple product manuals and static visuals may fall short in preempting these returns. Providing customers with interactive experiences like &#8220;try before you buy&#8221; options, comprehensive unboxing and setup tutorials, and access to real-time video consultations can reduce the likelihood of returns due to user difficulty.</p>



<h3 id="h-common-reasons-for-electronics-returns" class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Common Reasons for Electronics Returns:</strong></h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Defective products</li>



<li>Unwanted gifts</li>



<li>Inadequate fulfillment of buyer&#8217;s needs</li>



<li>Fraudulent activities, such as &#8216;wardrobing&#8217; and credit card fraud</li>
</ul>



<p>This last reason is the most difficult to deal with. It can involve “wardrobing,” which is difficult to identify. For example, a customer will purchase a big screen TV to watch the Super Bowl, then return it after the game has ended and their guests have left.</p>



<p>Fraud can also involve purchasing expensive electronics with a stolen credit card, then returning them for cash. It can also involve returning an item after the removal of key components that are not immediately visible at the time of the return.</p>



<p>The problem of fraud can be mitigated by more stringent return policies. Costco, which has one of the most lenient return policies on most items, will limit electronics returns to 90 days with a receipt. Carefully weighing the length of time that is appropriate for your customers to commit to their purchase is essential. Too short and you’ll scare away your buyer. Too long and you open yourself up to fraud.</p>



<p>Most electronics merchants will only refund the credit card for a purchase and not give cash. Business rules will also involve customer service examining a returned item before issuing a refund.</p>



<p>These systems are not foolproof, and fraud can cost vendors millions of dollars annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Returns Management For Electronics: Opportunities for Improving Bottom Line</h2>



<p>In the electronics industry, handling returns is as critical as sales. The process begins with a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) order, signaling that a return is expected and ensuring it is tracked effectively to prevent logistical issues.</p>



<p>Customers are then provided with an RMA number, serving as identification for the returned item to ensure it is accounted for upon re-entry to the warehouse.</p>



<p>The item, labeled with this RMA number, is returned to the warehouse where it undergoes evaluation. This step determines whether the item can be restocked for resale or should be recycled.</p>



<p>Restocked items are prepared for resale, while those beyond repair are disposed of responsibly, considering environmental impacts.</p>



<p>Communication remains vital throughout this process. Informing customers at each stage fosters trust and encourages future transactions, emphasizing the importance of a seamless return process in customer service and business differentiation.</p>



<p class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center text-center mt-5 has-medium-font-size"><a href="https://www.g2rl.com/contact">Talk To Our Returns Management Experts To Learn More</a></p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading mt-5"><strong>Here’s how analytics can simplify the process: </strong></h2>



<p>Analytics can be a game-changer in the world of returns management, particularly in the electronics sector where the cost and volume of returns can be significant. By harnessing the power of predictive analytics, we can reimagine the returns ecosystem to be more efficient and customer-friendly.</p>



<p>At the initiation phase, analytics can streamline the process by predicting the likelihood of returns based on past purchasing patterns, product performance, and customer behavior. This foresight allows businesses to proactively generate return labels and set the wheels in motion for a seamless return journey.</p>



<p>Once the return is underway, analytics step in to ramp up processing efficiency. With real-time data, companies can quickly sort through returns, determining which can go back into inventory, which should be refurbished, and which are destined for recycling. This optimized decision-making not only saves time but also reduces waste, ensuring that products are appropriately allocated to their next step in the lifecycle.</p>



<p>Lastly, when it comes to disposition, predictive analytics provide a clear advantage. By analyzing sales channels, customer preferences, and inventory needs, companies can decide the best route for each returned item. Whether it’s rerouting a return to another customer or identifying the most profitable resale channel, analytics help in making informed decisions that improve recovery rates and ultimately, the bottom line.</p>



<p>By integrating predictive analytics into the returns process, businesses are not just simplifying the workflow—they&#8217;re also enhancing the customer experience and promoting a sustainable approach to the lifecycle of electronics.</p>



<p class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center text-center mt-5 has-medium-font-size"><a href="https://www.g2rl.com/contact">Talk To Our Returns Management Experts To Learn More</a></p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left mt-5"><strong>Case Study: Solving Electronics Returns Management Challenges For A 100-Billion Dollar Company</strong></h2>



<p>A prominent electronics company faced significant challenges with their returns management—a scenario costing them millions each year.</p>



<p>Their struggle was threefold: an increase in products being returned, a majority of which couldn&#8217;t be resold; the absence of instantaneous profit calculations to guide what to do with these returns; and the soaring costs of transportation amidst unpredictable demand and dwindling resale prices.</p>



<p>The strategy we adopted to help them involved a specialized data analysis team stepping in to craft a sophisticated predictive model. Using historical data, they developed an algorithm capable of making smart, real-time decisions. This algorithm efficiently managed the flow of returned goods, determined cost-effective repair thresholds, and selected the best possible channels for reselling based on live market conditions.</p>



<p>The outcome was significant. In its initial phase, the model secured an annual gain of $3.2 million, with the potential to increase to between $6 and $8 million.</p>



<p>The integration with various third-party logistics providers fine-tuned repair and transportation expenditures. Moreover, by tapping into direct sales channels, the company substantially improved their recovery from returned goods, turning a complex challenge into a story of success.</p>



<div class="wp-block-group border border-dark p-3 my-4"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained">
<p>Problem:<br />A 100-billion dollar electronics company faced increasing supply chain costs and lower recoveries from processed returns, leading to multi-million-dollar losses annually. The issues included:</p>



<p>&#8211; Rising product returns, many deemed non-resalable.<br />&#8211; Lack of real-time ROI calculations in disposition decisions.<br />&#8211; High transportation costs due to fluctuating demand and decreasing resale values.</p>



<p>Approach:<br />G2RL&#8217;s data analysis team utilized historical data to develop an extreme gradient boost algorithm. This solution directed routing for incoming returns, set dynamic repair limits, and selected optimal re-commerce channels based on real-time market data.</p>



<p>Results:</p>



<p>&#8211; The first phase captured $3.2M annually, with potential value up to $6-$8M.<br />&#8211; Integration with various 3PL vendors optimized repair routing and spending.<br />&#8211; Leveraging direct sales channels maximized recovery.</p>
</div></div>



<p>Effective electronics returns management is key to enhancing customer experience and loyalty. By adopting a strategic approach, businesses can turn the challenge of returns into an opportunity for growth and customer satisfaction. If you are interested in learning how predictive analytics</p>



<p class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center text-center mt-5 has-medium-font-size"><a href="https://www.g2rl.com/contact">Talk To Our Returns Management Experts To Learn More</a></p>








Electronics-Returns

Navigating the Complexities of Electronics Returns Management


<p><strong>US eCommerce brands saw <a href="https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/article/us-ecommerce-sales/#:~:text=Consumers%20spent%20%24861.12%20billion%20online,the%2015.1%25%20jump%20in%202019." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">44% growth in 2020</a></strong> – thanks in large part to the Coronavirus pandemic. And this has serious implications for the importance of returns. The good news is that your e-commerce business is growing. You&#8217;re shipping out products to your customers and building a successful brand in the process.</p>



<p>The bad news is that you will <a href="https://www.capefarewellfoundation.com/4-reasons-customers-return-items-to-the-store/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">need to deal with returns</a>. Prior to the pandemic, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/retailers-brace-for-hefty-holiday-returns-of-oversize-goods-11605644126" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">25% of orders made online were returned</a> – still more than twice the figures for bricks and mortar stores. But with the increasing volume and nature of online shopping in the post-pandemic world, businesses should anticipate an even higher number of returns in the coming years. </p>



<p><strong>Experts project that<a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/consulting/articles/reverse-logistics-management-for-supply-chains.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> 13 billion units</a> (worth $573 billion) will be returned annually by 2022</strong>. This makes developing more efficient and cost-effective ways of processing and collecting returns is a pressing concern for many brands. Whether you use Shopify or Woocommerce, the more sales you make, the more returns you&#8217;ll get too. You need an <a href="https://g2rl.com/products#returnsmanagement">e-commerce reverse logistics solution</a> to make sure your customers have a good experience with returns and protecting your brand integrity.</p>



<p>Ecommerce <a href="https://g2rl.com/products#returnsmanagement">returns management</a> is a great way to save you some money. It also lets you focus on the more important parts of your business at the same time. </p>



<p>This guide will walk you through eight signs you have grown beyond managing returns manually and should outsource returns management to a professional reverse logistics partner.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-you-leave-packages-unopened-for-weeks">1. You&#8217;s Leave Packages Unopened For Weeks</h2>



<p>When those return packages arrive, then they have to go somewhere. If you&#8217;re too busy filling new orders, that place is usually a pile in your garage. </p>



<p>You don&#8217;t have time to deal with the number of returns that you get. Even if the product is resellable, it&#8217;s faster to put the package aside and pull out products that are ready to ship.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-returned-items-are-creating-waste">2. Returned Items Are Creating Waste</h2>



<p>Even if you manage to have time to open these packages, not every item you get back is going to be resellable. The resellable items will still have packaging that needs to be dealt with.</p>



<p>You could try to reuse some of this packaging, but the truth is most of the boxes that returned items come in are unusable by the time you open them. In other words, you&#8217;re throwing away a lot of merchandise and packaging that just ends up sitting in a landfill somewhere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-you-have-an-unsteady-flow-of-orders">3. You Have an Unsteady Flow of Orders</h2>



<p>One day you get fifty orders. The next you get two. This kind of unsteadiness is often an indicator of business growth. When you start spending more time working to fill orders like this, then you don&#8217;t have time to think about the pile of packages that are starting to build up in your garage. It&#8217;d save you time and money to let someone else deal with that stack of items. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-you-don-t-repair-damaged-returns">4. You Don’t Repair Damaged Returns</h2>



<p>Many times when an item is returned damaged, it could still be resold if someone could repair or refurbish it. Many companies that deal in returned items are in contact with people who can perform such services. </p>



<p>These items can be resold for at least a large portion of what your original buyer paid for them. This means that you lose less money and send less waste to the landfill.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-you-spend-more-money-on-returns-than-you-want-to">5. You Spend More Money on Returns Than You Want to</h2>



<p>Getting items returned costs a lot of money. In some cases, you can actually lose money doing returns. You have to refund the customer, pay for the shipping, and you can&#8217;t be sure if the item is resellable until it arrives. </p>



<p>It&#8217;s time and money wasted that can start to feel like you&#8217;re herding kittens. You have more important things to spend your money on like more merchandise to sell or materials to make new products with.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-you-have-no-space-left-in-your-garage">6. You Have No Space Left in Your Garage</h2>



<p>You need space in your garage or basement to be able to work on filling and sending out orders every day. Your return packages are piling up and taking up precious room in this space.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s a wasteful use of space that could be used to store merchandise that&#8217;s ready to go right now. When you get to this point, then you know <a href="https://www.globaltrademag.com/reverse-logistics-turning-costs-into-opportunities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it&#8217;s time to </a>improve your returns management.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-you-need-more-time-to-fill-orders">7. You Need More Time to Fill Orders</h2>



<p>Dealing with returns by yourself might have been easy to do when you were getting five orders every other day, but you may have found yourself struggling to find time to deal with the return packages after a while. If you&#8217;ve reached this point, then something has to give.</p>



<p>Usually, this is what results in those piles of packages laying around your garage. This is a sure way to know that it&#8217;s time to expand and that getting professional help with returns could be worth it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-you-want-to-speed-up-the-resale-process">8. You Want to Speed up the Resale Process</h2>



<p>If the majority of your <a href="https://g2rl.com/products#recommerce">returned products can be resold</a>, then this is good news for you. But it can still sometimes be a hassle to get these items ready for resale, and you have other clients waiting on their orders. Outsourcing e-commerce returns management means that this entire process is taken care of for you.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outsource-ecommerce-reverse-logistics-for-your-business-today">Outsource Ecommerce Reverse Logistics for Your Business Today</h2>



<p>If you&#8217;re checking off multiple items on the above list and finding your customer experience being impacted by returns, then you should consider outsourcing your e-commerce reverse logistics. For a detailed list of questions to consider when you’re trying to find a reverse logistics provider for your business, check out <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/10-questions-to-ask-before-choosing-a-reverse-logistics-provider/">10 Questions to ask before choosing a reverse logistics provider.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-about-g2-reverse-logistics">About G2RL</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://g2rl.com">G2RL</a> team can transform returns from an inevitable cost of operations to a powerful driver of profitability and brand loyalty. Our approach is to combine data, automation, and operations to provide <a href="https://g2rl.com/products#returnsmanagement">end-to-end returns management</a> including software solutions and operational support. </p>



<p>Whether you’re a fast-growing brand or an established company with a large brick and mortar footprint, we can take care of your returns so you can focus on what you do best- growing your business. </p>



<p><a href="https://g2rl.com/contact/">Contact us</a> today to find out how our flexible, automated approach can work for all of your reverse logistics needs.</p>


ecommerce-reverse-logistics

8 Signs Your Returns Have Outgrown Your Garage


<p>The popularity of online shopping has accelerated rapidly over the last 18 months, with U.S. e-commerce brands experiencing <a href="https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/article/us-ecommerce-sales/#:~:text=Consumers%20spent%20%24861.12%20billion%20online,the%2015.1%25%20jump%20in%202019." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">44% growth in 2020</a>. Shoppers have become increasingly inclined to buy items online that, prior to the pandemic, they might have purchased in-store. Retailers have had to adapt quickly to provide consumers with the best possible online shopping experience, while maximizing profits during these disruptive times.</p>



<p>Because of this seismic shift in retail shopping trends, merchants that previously focused on brick-and-mortar sales are facing a mountain of product returns without the proper infrastructure to handle the volume in a profitable way. Managing returns is driving up costs and becoming a growing concern for business leaders. As such, it’s never been more important for retailers to solve the reverse logistics puzzle.  </p>



<div class="button-wrap text-center mt-3 w-100 blog-cta"><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.supplychainbrain.com/blogs/1-think-tank/post/33349-the-importance-of-returns-in-the-post-pandemic-customer-experience" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Official Source</a></div>


Accelerating-Returns

How Online Returns Will Impact the Post-Covid Customer Experience

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An efficient reverse logistics process is essential to maximize profits from your sales channels. The growth of online shopping has seen the rate of retail returns climb to as much as</span><a href="https://www.retaildive.com/news/most-shoppers-plan-on-making-a-return-after-the-holidays/592340/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">40% of sales</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If product returns from your customers are costing your company time and money, have you considered outsourcing your returns management to a third-party logistics provider? Or have you had an unsatisfactory experience with a provider in the past?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here’s our guide to reverse logistics 3PL services and how to choose a reverse logistics provider that gets results.</span></p>
<h2><b>What is a 3PL Provider in Reverse Logistics?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A third-party logistics (3PL) provider in reverse logistics specializes in managing the flow of returned goods on behalf of </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/solutions#retailersandbrands"><span style="font-weight: 400;">retailers, brands</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/solutions#oems"><span style="font-weight: 400;">OEMs</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and manufacturers. Unlike traditional 3PL companies that focus on forward logistics (moving products from warehouses to customers) reverse logistics 3PLs handle returns, refurbishment, </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/products#recommerce"><span style="font-weight: 400;">recommerce</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and disposal processes efficiently.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many businesses rely on 3PLs for reverse logistics to reduce operational costs, improve return processing times, and optimize recovery value. 3PL reverse logistics companies typically provide services like:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Returns Processing: Managing return authorizations (RMAs), receiving, inspecting, and grading returned products.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dispositioning Decisions: Determining whether returned items should be resold, refurbished, recycled, or disposed of.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Recommerce &amp; Resale: Leveraging secondary markets to maximize recovery value through liquidation, B2B/B2C resale, or parts harvesting.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Warehousing &amp; Inventory Management: Storing returned products and optimizing inventory for recommerce or repairs.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sustainability &amp; Compliance: Ensuring responsible recycling and disposal in alignment with environmental regulations.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, not all </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/solutions#threepls"><span style="font-weight: 400;">3PLs</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are equipped to handle the complexities of reverse logistics. Businesses need to evaluate reverse logistics providers based on their ability to automate dispositioning, minimize costs, and integrate </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/products#decisionai"><span style="font-weight: 400;">AI-driven decision-making</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for maximum efficiency.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Questions to Ask a 3PL Company</span></h2>
<h3><b>1. Have You Worked With Similar Businesses in the Past?</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A reverse logistics expert that has experience in working with businesses that have similar products and order flows will be well placed to work with your business. They will already have the right processes in place to deal with your inventory flow efficiently. And they will be aware of potential challenges and how best to deal with them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ask for case studies or testimonials from previous or current customers to see if they recommend the service.</span></p>
<h3><b>2. Do You Have Product Restrictions?</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some service providers are unable to handle certain types of products like hazardous materials and perishable items. Or they may only be able to handle them in certain locations. So, you need to ensure that they can work with your company’s inventory before you spend time pursuing a relationship.</span></p>
<h3><b>3. How Extensive Is Your Warehouse Network?</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Providers that operate from sites close to where your customers are located will be able to process returns faster. This will provide customers with a better service and improve brand loyalty. And if you offer international shipping, you need to outsource </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/products#returnsmanagement"><span style="font-weight: 400;">returns management</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to a provider that can process returns from locations outside the country.</span></p>
<h3><b>4. Do You Offer Systems Integration?</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Your reverse logistics 3PL partner should use software that integrates with your supply chain management system. This is essential if you operate across multiple marketplaces or plan to expand in the future.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Find out if the provider offers predictive data analytics. The best services offer cloud-based real-time inventory data and alerts. This will help you better manage your inventory, compile accurate forecasts, and provide up-to-date stock information to customers.</span></p>
<h3><b>5. How Fast Can You Process Returns?</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Understanding how many days it will typically take to collect, process, and transport returns will help you determine whether the provider can meet your business needs. If your customer returns policy guarantees that refunds will be issued within 14 days, a provider that takes 30 days to process returns will not be compatible.</span></p>
<h3><b>6. How Is Your Pricing Structured?</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is important to understand how much a provider charges to make sure it fits your budget. Does the provider have the ability to provide economies of scale in relation to transportation, liquidation, and labor savings? What’s more, you need to ensure it has a transparent pricing policy that does not have hidden fees for certain services. That could soon add up to substantial extra costs, especially if they are charged hourly.</span></p>
<h3><b>7. Is Your Capacity Scalable?</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If your business is growing fast, you need a reverse logistics provider that can scale up the storage and labor capacity it allocates to your business. It should equally be able to scale down, for example, in response to seasonal demand, to avoid charging you for capacity you may not need. This requires an effective warehouse management system to provide flexibility.</span></p>
<h3><b>8. Can You Handle Omnichannel Returns?</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For companies that have an omnichannel presence, you have additional considerations to keep in mind. With the</span><a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/marketing-and-sales/our-insights/omnichannel-shopping-in-2030"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">rise of e-commerce</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> businesses, customers expect to be able to return items in-store that they bought online and vice versa. Your returns management provider should offer as many ways as possible for customers to send returns. This could include doorstep collection, lockers, and other drop-off points, postal services, and in-store returns. This will translate into increased sales, as customers are</span><a href="https://www.emarketer.com/content/satisfying-return-policies-can-lead-to-loyalty"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">more likely to buy</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from a retailer with a flexible returns policy.</span></p>
<h3><b>9. What Insurance Coverage Do You Provide?</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even the best reverse logistics provider might experience unexpected delays out of their control. There could also be mix-ups, losses, or damage to inventory on occasion. In those cases, you need to know that the provider will take full responsibility and has insurance in place to provide a refund or compensation. They should have a transparent process so that you know how to make a claim or raise a dispute.</span></p>
<h3><b>10. How Do You Evaluate Your Performance?</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You want to make sure your relationship with your logistics provider is productive. So you need to be able to measure their performance. Regular detailed reports on key metrics will help you to determine how well your returns process is working. They can also identify areas for improvement. It’s also important to consider if the reverse logistics provider has a dedicated account manager that you can leverage as a resource for understanding your returns management process and performance.</span></p>
<h2><b>Find the Right Reverse Logistics Provider for Your Business</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re looking for a </span><a href="https://g2rl.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">reverse logistics expert</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, G2RL can help. We use tailored systems to provide a comprehensive solution that will maximize the value of every one of your returns.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://g2rl.com/contact/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Contact us</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to find out how our flexible, automated approach can work for all of your reverse logistics needs.</span></p>


Business,Meeting,,Marketing,At,Night,With,Computer,Or,Teamwork,Planning,

10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a 3PL Reverse Logistics Provider


<p>Returns have become a critical component of the retail customer experience. More than ever, shoppers are expecting an omni-channel retail experience, and reverse logistics plays a significant part in the overall customer experience. The rise in online shopping saw customer returns climb by 70% in 2020, ultimately driving up costs for retailers.</p>



<p>&#8220;Customer service, technology and innovation is at the core of everything we do,&#8221; said Perry. &#8220;Managing returns effectively is just as important for customer experience and bottom-line growth as the more traditionally emphasized elements of the supply chain.&#8221;</p>



<div class="button-wrap text-center mt-3 w-100 blog-cta"><a class="btn btn-primary" href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/accelerating-returns-g2-reverse-logistics-brings-innovative-technology-and-expertise-to-maximize-net-recovery-301307441.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Official Source</a></div>


accelerating-returns

Accelerating Returns: G2RL Brings Innovative Technology and Expertise to Maximize Net Recovery


<p>When you’re growing a retail business, returns handling probably isn’t an area you’re terribly excited by. We tend to associate returns with damaged goods or delivery errors – and that means they’re relatively low on the list of priorities. </p>



<p>The reality, however, is that e-commerce has fundamentally changed the game. The popularity of online shopping is accelerating rapidly, with US eCommerce brands seeing <a href="https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/article/us-ecommerce-sales/#:~:text=Consumers%20spent%20%24861.12%20billion%20online,the%2015.1%25%20jump%20in%202019." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">44% growth in 2020</a> – thanks in large part to the Coronavirus pandemic. This has serious implications for the importance of returns.</p>



<p>Prior to the pandemic, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/retailers-brace-for-hefty-holiday-returns-of-oversize-goods-11605644126" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">25% of orders made online were returned</a> – still <a href="https://www.cbre.us/research-and-reports/US-Industrial--Logistics-ViewPoint-Reverse-Logistics-Stress-Test--2020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">more than twice</a> the figures for brick-and-mortar stores. But with the increasing volume and nature of online shopping in the post-pandemic world, businesses should anticipate an even higher number of returns in the coming years. </p>



<p>Simply put, there is an increasingly strong case to be made that managing returns effectively is just as important for customer experience and bottom-line growth as the more traditionally emphasized elements of the supply chain. </p>



<p>To understand what that means for your business, let’s first look at why online selling produces such a higher volume of returns. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Buy before you try</strong></h2>



<p>Shopping online creates difficulty for consumers. Sure, they can choose from an unprecedentedly large range of goods. But they also lose the ability to ‘try before they buy.</p>



<p>Historically, this has always been a part of the shopping experience: testing the product out, seeing it in the flesh, and being able to assess it before parting with your cash. Ecommerce purchases are therefore far more likely to prove dissatisfactory – and be returned.  </p>



<p>For some – like apparel – return rates can soar as high as<a href="https://choice.npr.org/index.html?origin=https://www.npr.org/2020/12/30/951363677/2020-sets-record-for-returns-of-online-purchases" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> 40%</a>. This is driven in part by a trend known as “wardrobing” or “bracketing”, where customers buy the same item in multiple sizes with the conscious intent of returning items that either don’t fit or aren’t quite what they expected.</p>



<p>The challenge for businesses is not to clamp down on returns as some have – with inevitable backlash. Instead, they need to provide a clear returns policy and a flexible, effective system that makes returns easy and builds consumer confidence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How will your business cope with the rise of returns?</strong></h2>



<p>Much like free shipping, cheap and easy returns have become a critical piece of marketing for ecommerce retailers; flexible return policies are a primary reason why consumers are willing to take a risk and buy an item they have not had the opportunity to see in person in the first place.</p>



<p>Online sellers need to make sure they have the technology platform and operations in place to drive a great customer experience — even through a potential return.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p><em>As <a href="https://g2rl.com">G2RL’s</a> Co-Founder and CIO Julian Mitchell says, Customers need to know return details — upfront and before the sale. You need flexible return solutions that enable convenient and cost-effective returns so that you can enhance the brand experience on the forward side. And you need to execute operationally to provide credits or an advanced exchange, or you will be at risk of losing a customer for life.</em></p>
</blockquote>



<p>If you’re struggling to keep up with the rise in returns, reach out to our team of <a href="https://g2rl.com/products#returnsmanagement">Returns Management</a> experts. Whether you’re a fast-growing brand or an established company with a large brick and mortar footprint, we can take care of your returns management so you can focus on what you do best- growing your business. <strong>For more information, contact <a href="https://g2rl.com">G2RL</a>.</strong></p>



<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 40px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>



<div class="button-wrap text-center mt-3 w-100 blog-cta"><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://g2rl.com/contact/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Get in touch with G2RL</a></div>



<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>


Rise-of-returns

What Does the Rise of Returns Mean for Your Business?


<p><strong>Managing returns is a growing concern for business leaders.</strong> With ecommerce continually increasing the volume and rate of returns and the reverse logistics costs sapping profitability, businesses are under growing pressure to retrieve every possible bit of value they can from returned items.</p>



<p>There are a multitude of options for how to handle returns – from return to stock, remanufacturing or liquidation to resale through a secondary channel. But the speed at which these decisions must be taken makes it difficult for leaders to be sure they are not missing opportunities. </p>



<p>This is why an increasing number of businesses are looking instead to leverage cutting-edge technology in order to pinpoint these opportunities and extract the maximum possible value from every return. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Following the numbers</h2>



<p>Simply put, data can unlock strategic insights and inform real-time decision-making. Ideally, retailers, ecommerce sellers and others will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to decide whether it makes economic sense to process a return or to determine the optimum disposition– even before induction. </p>



<p>By analyzing the available data and using analytics to dynamically evaluate a variety of market factors impacting resale potential; upstream decisions can be made that reduce touches and costs and increase net recovery.</p>



<p>Ultimately, aggregating the information on your returns enables you to start building the data model required to optimize your disposition decisions in real time. And once that model is built, you can start leveraging machine learning (ML) to optimize return dispositioning and eventually automate the process for even greater marginal efficiency gains. </p>



<p>Such gains, however, are not the only benefit analytics can offer. In fact, though financial efficiency is important, for many businesses an equally valuable application of recovery analytics relates to saving the planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The circular economy</h2>



<p><strong>Sustainability is considered among the most urgent issues of our time</strong>. And for businesses both big and small, there is a clear mandate to become as environmentally friendly as possible. </p>



<p>According to<a href="https://insights.theberkeleygroup.org/corporate-social-responsibility-consumers-new-expectations-for-companies-131d3cdbe336" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> recent surveys</a>, <strong>62% of consumers want companies to take a stand on sustainability</strong>, while 75% of consumers will refuse to purchase a product if they find out the company supplying it supports an issue contrary to their beliefs. </p>



<p>Whether it is part of a Corporate Social Responsibility program or simply a small brand looking to make an important impact, improved sustainability is of benefit to everybody. Finding more sustainable approaches for managing returns can be a tangible way to make such aspirations become real.</p>



<p>Through better returns management, businesses can disposition and recover items so that they stay out of landfills and garbage dumps. Analytics can help find ways to ensure items are repurposed wherever possible, ultimately reducing the carbon footprint while increasing profitability. Discover how G2RL uses analytics to help you do your part to reduce the environmental impact of your brans. <strong>For information and resources check out <a href="https://g2rl.com/"> g2rl.com</a> or reach out to <a href="mailto:info@g2rl.com">info@g2rl.com</a>.</strong></p>



<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 20px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>



<div class="button-wrap text-center mt-3 w-100 blog-cta"><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://g2rl.com/contact/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Get in touch with G2RL</a></div>



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Leverage-Reverse-Logistics-Data

Leverage Reverse Logistics Data to Recover Value and Improve Sustainability


<p>Great reverse logistics programs are becoming vital for businesses: with ecommerce driving the volume of returns up, efficient reverse logistics programs can both positively affect customers’ opinions of a brand and improve bottom-line performance overall.  </p>



<p>The key to this is the overall returns flow – how returned goods are processed, collected, and introduced into the reverse supply chain with minimal touches. Nailing it requires a combination of strategic smarts and technological savvy. </p>



<p>This article explores several key factors businesses need to consider to make reverse logistics programs more of a competitive commercial advantage.   But first, let’s look at how the reverse logistics process has changed in recent years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Finding the right partners</h2>



<p>Traditionally, retailers and other businesses would turn to a <a href="ttps://g2rl.com/solutions#threepls">third-party logistics provider (3PL)</a> to process returns. The provider would handle the transportation, warehousing processes, return to vendor processes, and potentially getting the returned goods into a secondary channel. The upstream challenges, such as generating a return merchandise authorization (RMA) and inducting the return from a consumer, would be left to the business. This system may still be necessary depending on the product line and the final destination or consolidation of products and agreements with suppliers. </p>



<p>In today&#8217;s <a href="https://g2rl.com/blog/what-is-reverse-logistics">reverse logistics</a> ecosystem, however, customer experience is increasingly reliant on high-quality processing and the nature of returns is far more complex. This has made it critical for businesses to find a provider that can drive real value and partnership in developing an efficient, customer-friendly process while remaining cost-effective and maximizing the value of each returned item.</p>



<p>So what areas should businesses be focusing on when examining their reverse logistics processes?</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Customer convenience</h3>



<p>Customers want returns processing to be easy and convenient. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, but generally, it’s about providing more options and flexibility.</p>



<p>For example, grading and dispositioning are processes that were typically performed in the warehouse or at a customer service desk. Today, however, initial grading can be done while generating the RMA through a self-service, digital interface for consumers, which can then guide the consumer to an induction point.</p>



<p>The blending of physical and digital channels to handle returns has even led to some unorthodox partnerships between pure-play online sellers and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. Regardless of the tactics deployed, the trend is evident: Online sellers want to make it convenient for consumers to make a return, whether it is through the retailer&#8217;s storefront, or through a third-party access point.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. <strong>Cost-saving opportunities</strong></h3>



<p>There are a huge range of opportunities for most businesses to make their reverse logistics process more efficient, either saving money or adding value.</p>



<p>Let’s consider grading and dispositioning again: as long as you have the right technology platform to enable it, they can be pushed upstream to help reduce transportation and labor costs.  In some cases, a final destination for the returned item can be determined during the RMA generation process by understanding the grade implications and vendor policies associated with the item.</p>



<p>Over the last couple of years, pushing dispositioning upstream to reduce transportation costs, enable consolidation, and provide other value-added services, has meant expanding the physical network with additional return merchandise induction points. This trend mirrors micro-fulfillment, which involves building out logistics networks close to population centers, and it has led to an expansion of some existing supply chain partnerships.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Technology and data</h3>



<p>Making use of cutting-edge technology and data is key to unlocking efficiency within the reverse logistics process. Sure, returns processing may not reach the same level of automation as a fulfillment center might, given the high variability of items and conditions, but there are many other means of automation that can be highly impactful.</p>



<p>Vision technologies are a great example: they will increasingly be used to grade returns as they enter a facility and make faster, more effective decisions. As the technology becomes stronger and cheaper to deploy, this will drive significant cost savings and added value for businesses.</p>



<p>The use of data and analytics along with advance grading and dispositioning combined with additional inductions points will allow businesses to move their returned merchandise a minimal number of times thus retaining as much of an item’s value as possible.<br />If you’re looking to improve your Reverse Logistics process, bottom line and maximize the recovery from your returns, G2RL&#8217;s team of experts can help.</p>



<p>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Learn how G2RL’s <a href="https://g2rl.com/">reverse logistics solution and technology</a> can help your business and discover if we’re a mutual fit.</p>



<div class="button-wrap text-center mt-3 w-100 blog-cta"><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://g2rl.com/contact/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Get in touch with G2RL</a></div>


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