Knowledge · Returns management
WM GROUP handles returns processes from goods receipt through quality inspection to re-sorting, refurbishment and issuing credit notes.
01 – The basics
Returns management covers every step a returned item goes through: receipt, inspection and assessment, then the decision whether it goes back on sale, is refurbished, returned to the manufacturer or taken out of stock. It also includes the credit note to the customer and the analysis of return reasons.
For retailers and brands, this is not a side process of shipping. Every return ties up working time, storage space and capital, and the faster an inspected item is back in stock and ready for sale, the less value it loses. Analysing the reasons helps prevent returns at the source, for example through better packaging.
Findings feed back into packaging and processes.
02 – What we do differently
The processes are integrated into our own warehouse management system and can be connected to ERP, shop and carrier systems. Returns analyses also feed into packaging and process optimisation.
How does WM GROUP handle the receipt, inspection, refurbishment and restocking of returns in B2B and B2C?
WM GROUP handles goods receipt and unpacking. The returns processes are integrated into our own WMS, and processing times can be defined via customer-specific SLAs.
Quality inspection and damage handling. Items are assessed against the customer’s defined inspection criteria.
Re-sorting, refurbishment, repacking and further value added services. The aim is to return suitable goods to the stock cycle.
Issuing credit notes and automated data exchange via ERP, shop and carrier integrations. Returns, stock and process data are available in KPI reporting.
04 – Figures from reference projects
Three figures from projects in which WM GROUP handles shipping and returns for its customers. [Placeholder: returns per year and customer, to be supplied by WM GROUP]
Online retail is also moving towards heavy, bulky and large-format products. What used to be delivered by freight forwarder to building sites or branches now goes directly to end customers. That calls for intelligent packaging solutions.
06 – Frequently asked questions
Returns management covers every step a returned item goes through: receipt, inspection and assessment, the decision on resale, refurbishment, return to the manufacturer or removal from stock, as well as the credit note and the analysis of return reasons.
The returns processes are integrated into our own WMS. Processing times can be defined via customer-specific SLAs.
WM GROUP handles unpacking, quality inspection, re-sorting and damage handling. Items are assessed against the customer’s defined inspection criteria.
The WMS provides KPI reporting, real-time data and dashboards. Returns, stock and process data can be analysed.
The WMS has ERP, shop and carrier integrations. Data can be exchanged between the systems automatically.
WM GROUP handles re-sorting, refurbishment, repacking and further value added services. The aim is to return suitable goods to the stock cycle.
WM GROUP handles projects with seasonal variations of up to 500 %. Reference projects process up to 1,500 shipments and parcels per day.
Findings from returns analyses and damage analyses feed into packaging and process optimisation. The aim is to reduce damage and avoidable returns.
WM GROUP serves customers in fashion, lifestyle, consumer goods, DIY, trade and e-commerce. Services range from fulfilment to returns and complaints management.
Let’s talk about volumes, inspection criteria and the connection to your systems.
