Eligibility
- Return reason
- Authorization rule
- Time limit
- Product exclusions
Reverse logistics
Reverse Logistics With a Defined Decision Path
Coordinate returned, rejected, reusable or recoverable goods from collection through identification, movement and final disposition.
01Return authorization
02Pickup coordination
03Condition check
04Disposition routing
01
Reverse flow
A Return Is Not Simply Delivery in the Opposite Direction
Returned goods may need authorization, collection, identification, condition checks and a decision about what happens next.
The operating design should define which items can be collected, where they go and who decides whether they are restocked, repaired, replaced or disposed.
Authorize
Collect
Identify
Inspect
Route
Resolve
Define the Return Policy as an Operating Process
Collection
- Pickup address
- Packaging condition
- Customer contact
- Collection window
Assessment
- Identity check
- Quantity check
- Condition category
- Evidence required
Disposition
- Restock
- Repair
- Replace
- Recycle or dispose
How a Controlled Return Moves
Authorize
Confirm the item, reason and collection instruction.
Schedule Pickup
Coordinate the origin, contact, packaging and time window.
Identify the Item
Use labels or references to connect the item with the return record.
Move to Review
Transport the item to the agreed inspection or processing point.
Assess Condition
Apply the defined condition and quantity checks.
Complete Disposition
Route the item to restock, repair, replacement or another outcome.
Customer Returns and Business Returns Need Different Controls
The scale, packaging and decision process can vary significantly.
| Consideration | Customer return | B2B return |
|---|---|---|
| Typical unit | Individual order | Cartons, pallets or batches |
| Origin | Home or pickup point | Store, warehouse or business site |
| Assessment | Order-level validation | Quantity and batch validation |
| Transport | Local collection | Last mile, PTL or FTL |
Reverse Logistics Use Cases
Customer Returns
Approved products collected after delivery.
Failed Deliveries
Undelivered shipments routed to a defined point.
Reusable Packaging
Crates, pallets or transport items recovered for reuse.
Stock Recall
Identified inventory returned from business locations.
Repair Movement
Equipment or parts routed to a service location.
Replacement Flow
Return collection connected to onward replacement.
Prepare a Reverse Logistics Brief
Return types
Expected volume
Origin geography
Item dimensions
Authorization process
Packaging expectation
Collection window
Inspection location
Condition categories
Disposition rules
Questions answered
Reverse Logistics Questions
What should happen before a pickup is scheduled?+
Confirm authorization, item identity, origin contact, packaging and the receiving point.
Can failed deliveries enter the same process?+
They can be incorporated when their routing, records and disposition rules are defined.
Who decides whether an item can be restocked?+
The product owner should define condition checks and disposition authority.
Can PTL or FTL support bulk returns?+
Yes, depending on the consolidated quantity, route, handling and timing.
Plan the movement
Tell us what needs to move.
Share the route, cargo profile, timing and handling requirements. NARSIK will review the shipment before recommending the next step.