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.

Katie Schoolov, Senior Producer at CNBC has been reporting on the nasty, wasteful problem of returns as the numbers continue to break records: $761 billion in returns last year (more than the entire spend on national defense) and 5.8 million pounds of landfill waste. She was finally able to get this exclusive interview with Amazon's head of North American returns, Cherris Armour, in her first ever public interview. Watch to hear all the ways Amazon is working to solve the problem by reselling, donating and liquidating 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

Members of the RLA Advisory board discuss discuss the struggles and issues in the reverse logistics industry resulting from this pandemic of the Covid-19 Coronavirus.  Trish Boehm Director of Operations The Home Depot, Sean Magann Global VP of Sales and Marketing Sims Recycling Solutions, Julie Ryan Sr. Manager NA Returns & Remarketing HP, Inc., and Tevon Taylor Managing Director Technology Sales FedEx Supply Chain  share best practices these global companies have executed during the pandemic of COVID-19.

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.

Reverse logistics is critical to the customer experience and the service life cycle. Efficiently managing this process while ensuring data flows across the entire service life cycle is integral to success in a competitive market.

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

Service Parts Management and Benchmarking Report by Blumberg Advisory Group.

2021_Supply_Chain_Liquidation_White_Paper_v2

When this book was originally published it was one of the first research works examining reverse logistics and it costs and practices. Now, more than 20 years later, it is still relevant and can provide managers and students with a map of how to manage their reverse logistics processes and function.

Creating a digital identity for electronics and the batteries that power them and uniting lifecycle stakeholders on a blockchain platform enables a circular economy for electronics. RLA and Everledger are part of 'Team Portables' which submitted a winning entry for the DoE Lithium Ion Battery Recycling Prize.

Reverse Logistics Association's Standards Committee development of the 12N QR Code.

A Look into Acers commitment to Circular Economy.  Using the Product Lifecycle planning  to incorporate the circular economy.