A return is the process of a customer sending a product back to the merchant from whom they purchased it. When using a fulfillment center, the return is sent back to the logistics network and processed. As an e-commerce merchant, it is important to have a clear and efficient returns process in place to ensure that customers are satisfied with their experience and that returned products are handled correctly. You're only charged for return labels that are scanned and accepted by a shipping carrier. Customers may return products for a variety of reasons:
- Receiving the wrong item
- Receiving a damaged or defective item
- Simply changing their mind about a purchase
On this page
Glossary
Term | Definition | Product Eligibility |
Closed Box inspection | Closed box inspection refers to the visual inspection of an item without opening the original item package. |
|
Dispose |
|
All products |
Restock | Items in pristine resell-able condition will be eligible to be put back into the fulfillment center inventory and sold. | All products that are not restricted |
Returns | A return is the process of a customer sending a product back to the merchant from whom they purchased it. | All products that are not restricted |
Rework |
Repackaging into a poly bag if a plastic wrap from the original item is removed Standard barcode label if needed and product is identifiable |
All products that are not restricted |
Reviewing returns processing
You can review what happens with the returned items after they've been inspected based on the outcome.
Flexport inspects returned item and grades them to below condition on their arrival:
- Brand New - The returned item is in new condition with item and packaging intact
- Used/Damanged - The returned items havehas visible signs of usage or is damaged beyond repair
Actions that can be taken based on the condition are called dispositions. The disposition applies to all your items that arrive in each condition.
- Restock - The items would be restocked in one of our facilities
- Destroy - The items would be destroyed
In order to see your return item handling instructions
- In the Seller Portal, click on Returns > Settings.
- In the returned item handling section, review the disposition for each condition of the item.
Deactivate return processing
To deactivate return processing from Flexport it is very important to go into your Returns Management System and disconnect Flexport. If Flexport is removed from your returns application, it will not receive the information any more.
Flexport will no longer process your returns. However, returns that were created before you deactivated the feature will continue to be processed through Flexport.
Returns Pricing
Return shipping and inspection fees will be added to existing invoices following your standard billing cycle. The following are the charging criteria:
STATUS | CHARGES |
Created |
Estimated cost for shipping and inspection is provided. |
In Transit / Inspecting |
Shipping fee charged and an estimated inspection fee is provided. The shipping fee charged may differ from the estimated cost shown earlier as the final cost depends on the carrier. |
Restocking / Completed |
Shipping fee and inspection fee charged are provided. Inspection fee charged may differ from the estimated inspection fee shown earlier. |
If interested, see What are Flexport's fees?