[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”auto” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”30px” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”||h3 {|| font-size: 18px !important;|| margin-top: 1px!important;|| margin-bottom: 1px!important;||}||||.et_pb_text_0 h2 {|| line-height: 25px!important;||}||||h2 {|| margin-top: 3px!important;|| margin-bottom: 5px!important;||}||||.blog-toc ol, .blog-toc ul {|| list-style-type: decimal!important;||}||.blog-toc ul {|| list-style-type: disc!important;||}||||.blog-toc {||margin: 0!important;||}” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]When customers wish to return items they\u2019ve just purchased, complex orders you worked tirelessly to fulfill inevitably end up back at your door to begin the process most warehouses dread most: returns<\/i>. For major retailers and ecommerce merchants, returns management is particularly challenging to get right, making the use of third-party logistics (3PL) services invaluable for alleviating the stress of high-volume order returns.<\/p>\n
That said, it is not enough for 3PLs to simply receive returns, repeat putaway processes<\/a>, and move on to new sales… competitive reverse logistics<\/a> is a significant undertaking and requires things like testing\/quality control inspections, credit\/refund transactions, dependable communication, the ability to repackage items before accurately rejoining your inventory, and more.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Contents<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With 30% of all merchandise ordered online being returned, it is mission-critical that you prioritize having a streamlined returns management process<\/a> in place as part of your 3PL operations.<\/p>\n Even if you oversee a robust fulfillment network with modern digital warehouse management software<\/a>, 3PL returns management can quickly become an expensive logistics nightmare<\/a> and a liability to your brand\u2019s reputation – particularly if you are handling fulfillment for multiple clients or hybrid operations<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
Returns Management\u2019s Effect on 3PL Clients and Consumers<\/h2>\n