Returns
Run returns as an operational workflow with station assignment, barcode-driven lookup, and inspection screens built for physical processing.
Recent Returns
RMA Scan
| RMA | Customer | Items | Carrier | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
RMA-2024-000123 | Sarah Mitchell | 3/5 received | UPS | Inspecting |
RMA-2024-000124 | James Chen | 1/1 received | USPS | Pending |
Tracking
1Z999AA10123456784
3 pending inspection
Track every return through a six-stage lifecycle
Returns are not a pile on the receiving dock. Every return generates an RMA, tracks its carrier and items received, and moves through Awaiting Label, Pending, Inspecting, Warehouse Complete, Completed, and Cancelled.
- RMA numbers for every return with full tracking context
- Five return types: customer return, return to sender, manual, warranty, exchange
- Structured reasons: defective, wrong item, size/fit issue, not as described, no longer needed
Inspection
IMG
Wireless Headphones
SKU-WH-2024-BLK
Disposition
Condition Notes
Minor cosmetic scratching on left ear cup. Functional. Eligible for restock as open-box.
Reason
QA: Passed
Inspect, disposition, and restock from one station
When a return arrives, operators assess condition against predefined reasons and assign a disposition. Good inventory goes back to sellable locations. Damaged stock routes to quarantine or disposal.
- Disposition options: restock, dispose, return to vendor, repair, or parts
- Condition notes capture inspection detail for audit trails
- Billable return inspections for 3PL invoicing
Return types
Five return types for different scenarios
Customer Return
Standard customer-initiated returns for damaged items, wrong products, or dissatisfaction. Each return generates an RMA number and tracks through inspection to final disposition.
Return to Sender
Undeliverable or refused packages that come back to the warehouse. These are logged separately from customer returns so teams can distinguish between customer issues and carrier failures.
Manual
Warehouse-initiated returns created manually for situations that fall outside standard flows, such as mispicks discovered after packing or internal inventory corrections.
Warranty
Warranty claims tracked as a distinct return type with their own resolution path, inspection criteria, and inventory handling rules.
Exchange
Exchange returns where the customer wants a different size, color, or variant. Tracked separately so replacement fulfillment can be triggered once the original item is received and inspected.
Process returns with structure and accountability
Route returns through inspection, track return reasons, generate billable events, and handle five return types through a six-status lifecycle with crash-resistant processing.
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Packing Stations
Create stations, route work to them, and manage pack/returns workflows by station.
Reports & Analytics
Run reports on demand, schedule recurring runs, and drill into report details.
MerchantOS
Self-service 3PL client portal with visibility into orders, products, billing, and fulfillment.