Hiring a US returns management provider can be a complicated process, so it’s important that you choose the right one up front.

Although you can do some preliminary legwork online and by asking other business owners for referrals, you should take the time to ask the big questions. After all, there’s no way to know that a US returns management company is a good fit for your business unless you know exactly how they’ll work with your merchandise.

Here are a few good questions to get your started:

  • How quickly can your company turn around a basic return? Merchandise returns can be complicated, which is why you’re hiring a reverse logistics company in the first place. But how quickly they can move a simple return from the loading dock to the sales floor translates to very real dollars and cents to your business.Good reverse logistics companies move products into inventory in days and get credits issued to customers within hours of inspecting their returns.
  • What do you do with items that aren’t perfect? Not every product will come back in a condition that’s immediately saleable. Some products may be missing packaging, pieces or simply non-functional, while others could be damaged or expired, further complicating the puzzle.Your returns management team should have a plan in place for items like yours and know exactly what options there are for dealing with products that aren’t able to be sold as a new any longer.
  • Do you handle recalls? Recalls can be tricky to juggle on your own, especially if you’re a small business with just a few in-house employees. Nonetheless, in many industries you’re obligated to inform customers and stop those products from being purchased upon the recall’s issuance.Top US returns management companies are ready and willing to help with this complicated process to ensure your customers’ trust in your business into the future. They should also be able to explain their recall process, so you can judge for yourself if it’s acceptable for your shoppers.

Your reverse logistics partner should be a company that not only can do those basic things that it takes to be successful, but also a business capable of handling your type of inventory. After all, it’s a very different process to return a book than to return a hot tub or a living room set.

 

Asking if your returns management provider handles inventory like yours can ensure that you’re making a compatible match for your business.