While automation helps improve efficiency and reduce the cost of processing returns, the Goldilocks Dilemma comes into play. Too much automation, you lose. Too little automation, you also lose. How do you get the automation “just right”? This article outlines a two very different operational profiles and sample layouts used for returns automation that were “just right” for these retailers.

Returns are no longer that small cost center located in the back of the distribution center. The rise in e-commerce is forcing all retailers to re-examine and adjust their plans to deal with returns and many are looking to automation to help. This article outlines the 7 operational considerations retailers need to review when looking for an automated solution. Unless, of course, you have a crystal ball.

 MySize, a sizing technology company, found that 50% of consumers return apparel and footwear bought online because of sizing issues. In its latest white paper, The Returns Hangover, additional findings from their survey are included as well as opportunities for online retailers to satisfy various concerns through AI-driven measurement technology including reducing returns.

Returns Index Survey Results: Insights for Q4 2021 Present Situation and Q1 2022 Expectations – Rise in Costs Outpaces Volumes

White Paper: Returns Management Index – Survey Results

Insights for Q3 2021 Present Situation and Q4 2021 Expectations

A detailed literature review that discusses ways to mitigate e-commerce returns, such as virtual dressing rooms, customer reviews, and product photos. A good summary chart concerning the effectiveness of different ways to mitigate returns is also included. The report also includes an extensive reference section for further research purposes.

Even before the boom of ecommerce, product returns – and the policies and procedures retailers built around them – were ubiquitous. As ecommerce has continued to shape the retail environment, those policies have become more liberal. Indeed, market participants realize that returns are part of human behavior. An estimated 40% of consumers purchase products with the intention of returning them. The consensus within the retail industry is that the flexibility of product return policies plays a crucial role in consumers’ decisions to do business with a particular brand or retail outlet.

• Technology integration
• Choosing the right partner
• Gap analysis
• Assessment and solution
• Outsourcing

2021_Supply_Chain_Liquidation_White_Paper_v2

State of Retail Returns 2018: Insights on the Returns Industry a Returns Report by Optoro - 2018

Returns Optimization Platforms: The Solution Retailers need to Improve Returns Processing White Paper 2018 Optoro

WHITE PAPER: State of Reverse Logistics Software- by IFS -2018

The Top 5 Characteristics of Successful Repair Depot Operations for Product-Based Service Businesses - by Tom Devroy, Senior Product Evangelist, Service Management, IFS

4 Reverse Logistics Software Challenges your Software must deal with- by Tom Devroy, Senior Product Evangelist, IFS

Riding the Returns Wave: Reverse Logistics and the U.S. Postal Service - by the USPS Office of Inspector General-2018

The Retailer’s Atlas for Omnichannel Returns: A strategic roadmap for navigating reverse logistics in the new retail reality.

Companies make money selling things, not taking them back. But companies automating the reverse logistics process have discovered a nontraditional but relatively easy way to move dollars to the bottom line. (4 pages)

Authors: Lee Norman and Warren Sumner, ClearOrbit

There are some unmistakable truths about top corporate execs. CEOs and EVPs love to walk the aisles of their stores, which are shiny and freshly waxed in anticipation of their "surprise" visit. Yet, on such field trips, they rarely see the stock rooms, and they are often hustled past the return counter. Likewise, they ride around the distribution center, seeing "neatness" on parade - rack after rack of new merchandise. But they are not afforded the same "royal treatment" when they tour their firm's return processing area. (3 pages)

Author: David C. Wyld, Southeastern Louisiana University

How do you monitor the pulse of your Reverse Logistics operations? How do you monitor your Returns processing activity? What measurements do you use to benchmark and improve your performance?

Successful Reverse Logistics performance requires more than a few month end reports. In this article we look at ways to maximize your Reverse Logistics performance. (3 pages)

Author: Paul Rupnow, ReverseLogisticsProfessional.com