The Ultimate Reverse Logistics Guide

Reverse logistics is typically a dreaded concept for eCommerce merchants as it might become an additional cost or cut from your profit share. However, after the exponential growth of eCommerce, reverse logistics is increasingly becoming an unavoidable reality for most businesses. Nowadays, the returns process/policies impact consumers’ purchase decisions to such an extent that almost 67% of shoppers check the returns policies before purchasing the product.

What is Reverse Logistics

 
Reverse logistics is a supply chain and logistics concept that works backward. It typically refers to returning the purchased products to the seller, distributor, or manufacturer without damaging them. Though not an ideal situation, returns take place for varied reasons. However, when consumers return unwanted products, sellers usually send back the unsold inventory to the wholesaler, supplier, or manufacturer; whichever is applicable.
 
ALSO READ: 10 Reasons why you must Choose 3PLs with Temperature-Controlled FCs
 
Thus, the objective of reverse logistics is the proper disposition, enhancing customer satisfaction and retention while maximizing net recovery by gaining the highest net benefit for each return, irrespective of the channel.

Process of Reverse Logistics

 
As the name suggests, this logistics process moves in the opposite direction, where the product moves from the consumer back to the seller or manufacturer. When consumers return a purchased item, they demand a refund. If the returned products are not damaged, they are usually resold, or they are disposed offord good.
 
ALSO READ: Ten eCommerce Niches for a Thriving Business
 
Nowadays, reverse logistics has evolved as a key component of any efficient and successful supply chain and logistics operations. For an efficient supply chain management company, reverse logistics typically comprise one or all of the following activities after the original purchase:

• Returns
• Remanufacturing
• Refurbishing
• Unsold goods
• End-of-life
• Delivery failure
• Equipment rentals/leasing
• Equipment repairs/maintenance

Types of Reverse Logistics

 
The various types of reverse logistics are usually known as reverse logistics components, which include the following:

• Returns Management. It deals with the product returned by the consumer or aims to avoid returns. This activity should be fast, controllable, straightforward, and transparent.
• Return Policy and Procedure (RPP). The return policy of a brand/business is RPP, which should typically be visible and consistent.
• Remanufacturing or Refurbishment. This reverse logistics management comprises remanufacturing, refurbishing, and reconditioning. The activities typically include repair, rebuild, and rework of products.
• Packaging Management. It typically deals with reusing packaging materials to reduce waste and disposal.
• Unsold Goods. This type deals with returns from retailers to manufacturers or distributors.
• End-of-Life (EOL). When a product’s life ends due to the advent of a newer, upgraded version, manufacturers mostly either recycle or dispose of these products.
• Delivery Failure. In the case of a failed delivery, the returned products are usually sent to sorting centers, from where they are returned to their origin point.
• Rentals and Leasing. After rented equipment reaches the end of its lease period, the company that owns the product is free to remarket, recycle, or redeploy.
• Repairs and Maintenance. In some cases, customers and companies agree to maintain a piece of equipment and repair it in case of any issue.

Benefits of Reverse Logistics

 
Optimized reverse logistics deliver financial benefits and positively impact the environment and business culture. A streamlined returns process helps businesses keep their customers happy and retain them while saving costs. An efficient reverse logistics process usually collects data about the product by engaging with customers after it is delivered. This data provides critical insight into the company’s logistics operations and the opportunity to improve the product and customer experience.
 
ALSO READ: Things Health & Wellness Brands Should Keep in Mind Before Choosing a 3PL
 
Thus, optimized reverse logistics provides transparency to your supply chain process and delivers the following benefits:

• Cost reduction
• Greater customer satisfaction
• Better customer retention
• Faster and better service
• Loss reduction
• Improved brand sentiment
• Waste reduction and greater sustainability

Useful Strategies of Reverse Logistics

 
You need to develop a consistent strategy to optimize your reverse logistics process to deliver speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. There are multiple factors to consider, such as policies, partners, data, capacity, logistics, and transportation. Here are some valuable strategies to optimize your reverse logistics process:

• Evaluate Relevant Policies and Agreements. After a detailed analysis, review the returns and formulate a return policy that provides you with a competitive edge.
• Collaborate With Suppliers. Collaborate with your suppliers to ensure a smooth, integrated customer experience.
• Use Data to Optimize Processes. Collect detailed data on product returns to understand why customers return your products.
• Track Products Forward and Backward. Link the raw materials with the finished product and customer order so you can selectively process recalls as required.
• Centralize Return Centers. It is wise to have a centralized return center to sort the returned products, segment them and decide on the next step. It helps you reclaim product value more efficiently.
• Examine Logistics and Transportation. Constantly monitor the forward and reverse logistics process and transportation of goods, to decide on transit and club some deliveries.
• Automate. Embrace digital transformation with automation software to streamline your logistics operations. An efficient supply chain management system enables you to provide business intelligence analytics and track and monitor all supply chain-related activities.

Conclusion:

 
To sum up, reverse logistics is a reality in the complete supply chain management process, and you should handle it efficiently to thrive in the competitive eCommerce and retail market. After all, competent reverse logistics management is crucial as it directly impacts customer satisfaction and business growth. Hence, the wisest choice is to hire an expert 3PL partner to handle your reverse logistics so you can focus on your core competency and marketing activities.

About XPDEL:

XPDEL is not another 3PL provider in the supply chain and logistics industry. Powered by advanced technology and led by industry experts, we thrive on data and insights for making intelligent business decisions. Our expert team is experienced in handling reverse logistics seamlessly without any hassles. We also help eCommerce brands accelerate their growth, empowering them with multi-channel fulfillment, whether shipping directly to consumers, delivering to businesses, or selling through retail stores.