Eco-friendly Returns Management

The returns process is broken. It’s hurting our environment (and your brand). A lot of people understandably assume that if they return an item, that product will end up back on the shelf and eventually be resold (like magic 🙌). Unfortunately, that’s usually not the case. It takes a lot of time, money, and logistics to assess and repackage returned items — not to mention that many returned items come back stained or damaged — so most retailers end up trashing them instead. If you take into account the fact that shoppers returned nearly $280 billion worth of online merchandise in 2022, that is A LOT of waste that ends up in landfills. So what needs to change? I’m not suggesting that we get rid of returns, but brands need to give customers options. We need to ✨reimagine✨what the returns process looks like. A few thought starters: 1/ We need to stop thinking of the shopping experience as distinctly separate from the returns process. How you set up the shopping experience, especially online, impacts how often customers will engage with the returns process. So whether it’s incorporating sizing solutions like WAIR or adding clearer, more diverse product photos, we have to start thinking of ways to optimize the customer experience BEFORE they check out. 2/ We need to leverage technology. There are a growing number of returns management solutions like Two Boxes, Loop, ReturnLogic and Retail Reworks, that can more efficiently streamline returns and lower the cost (environmental + financial) of reverse logistics. 3/ We need to create a profitable, sustainable path for moving returned inventory. Reselling returned items at the point of return is one of the best ways to do this. It maximizes revenue for the brand while reducing the environmental strain. Brands are leveraging resale platforms like Treet to encourage customers to resell items instead of returning them, or reselling items after they’re returned. I know there are a lot of solutions and strategies I’m missing. Feel free to share below!

How does a 35% decrease in returns sound? That’s what one of our UK partners is seeing through peer-to-peer returns, also known as EcoDrop. Instead of their customers receiving a return label/QR code right away, they’re choosing to delay receiving it for up to 5 days, while their item is listed for a 10% discount as an “EcoDrop” back on the merchant's Shopify store. Other customers can then shop for their item, and they’re selling at an average of just 22 hours post-listing. 😳 This is the fastest we’ve ever seen EcoDrops sell, at one of the lowest listing discounts (10%), without even financially incentivizing returners to hold onto it (simply telling them its a more eco-friendly option). For them, it's resulting in over 100 less returns their warehouse has to deal with, every week. It's also helping them realize revenue 3x quicker. And the best part? None have been re-returned. We highlighted the EcoDrop below that has the greatest shipping distance reduction so far so you can visualize the impact this makes. We can’t wait to share the full case study with you all. #ecommerce #returns #shopify #sustainability

Reverse logistics is no longer just a back-office concern—it’s a strategic lever in the tech industry. A new report from Ingram Micro Lifecycle, titled Reverse Logistics & Recommerce Revolution, highlights the growing importance of reverse logistics and recommerce within Europe’s high-tech sector. Based on research by Research HQ, the findings point to a shift in mindset: returns, once a cost centre, are becoming an opportunity for sustainability, revenue, and customer satisfaction. The report outlines how shorter product lifecycles, consumer expectations, and cost pressures are pushing companies to innovate. Nearly half of surveyed professionals indicated a high urgency to improve return handling. The use of AI, IoT, and blockchain is helping firms optimise return tracking, predict patterns, and manage inventory more effectively. Sustainability is central to this shift. Practices like product refurbishment and resale—especially of high-demand devices such as Apple iPhones—are becoming common. While recycling (37%) and reconditioning (33.3%) are widespread, there’s still space to expand circular economy principles and eco-friendly packaging. #Recommerce is also gaining traction: over 90% of respondents are already familiar with the concept. It’s not just an environmental move—it’s a smart business strategy. Companies report better customer satisfaction when reverse logistics is done right. The report calls on tech companies to prioritise returns, embrace advanced technology, and build circular business models. #ReverseLogistics #Recommerce #Sustainability #HighTech #CircularEconomy #RefurbishedTech

Reverse Logistics: Transforming Returns into Strategic Opportunities Picture this: A customer orders a mobile phone online but upon arrival, it’s not what they expected, gets damaged or simply is not the right fit. So, what happens next? Reverse Logistics ! Here is how it works: - The customer initiates the return. - The company processes the return, inspects the product for any issues, refurbishes it and resells it may be with discount price. Returns do not have to be a burden, they can actually unlock value, reduce waste and boost customer satisfaction. Let’s break down Reverse Logistics steps and how you can harness its potential: 1. Initiation: Returns happen for many reasons, like defects, damage or buyer’s remorse. 2. Collection: The returned item is routed back through the supply chain. 3. Inspection: Items are assessed for reuse, repair or recycling. 4. Disposition: Based on its condition, the item is refurbished, recycled or responsibly disposed of. 5. Redistribution: Refurbished items are resold at a discount while materials are repurposed. 6. Data: Insights are gathered to enhance processes. 7. Waste Disposal: Non reusable items are disposed of in an eco friendly manner. The goal is simple: recover value and minimize waste. Key Strategies for Effective Reverse Logistics: -Simplify Returns: Clear policies and an easy return process improve the customer experience. -Make Quick Decisions: Sort returns fast to determine whether to refurbish, recycle or discard, cutting both costs and waste. -Optimize Cross Border Returns: Collaborate with customs experts to streamline international returns without delays or added costs. -Centralize Returns: Use efficient hubs for inspecting, repairing, and restocking returns, saving time and resources. With turning returns into opportunities, reverse logistics not only strengthens your business but also enhances customer satisfaction and supports a more sustainable future. #SupplyChain #ReverseLogistics #CustomerExperience