10 questions to ask to find the best reverse logistics provider and to maximize profits from your sales channels

Reverse logistics refers to the transfer of products back up the supply chain from the customer to the supplier. It includes customer returns from retail sales, as well as the return of products and components to the distributor or manufacturer.

The growth of online shopping has seen the rate of retail returns climb to as much as 40% of sales. If product returns from your customers are costing your company time and money, have you considered outsourcing your returns management to a third-party provider? Or have you had an unsatisfactory experience with a provider in the past?

Some companies handle their own reverse logistics needs. But others choose to outsource reverse logistics to a third-party service provider. A third-party service that specializes in returns management will use the latest technologies to manage every stage of the returns life cycle. That will free up your resources to focus on increasing your sales.

A good reverse logistics provider will help you to:
• Elevate your customer experience
• Maximize returns value
• Protect brand integrity
• Reduce operational costs
• Minimize waste

To find the best reverse logistics provider for your business, you need to ask the right questions. Let’s look at 10 questions that will help you narrow down your options in the selection process:
1. Have You Worked With Similar Businesses in the Past?
2. Do You Have Product Restrictions?
3. How Extensive Is Your Warehouse Network?
4. Do You Offer Systems Integration?
5. How Fast Can You Process Returns?
6. How Is Your Pricing Structured?
7. Is Your Capacity Scalable?
8. Can You Handle Omnichannel Returns?
9. What Insurance Coverage Do You Provide?
10. How Do You Evaluate Your Performance?

An efficient reverse logistics process is essential to maximize profits from your sales channels.

Source: https://www.supplychainquarterly.com/blogs/2-scq-forum/post/5495-10-questions-to-ask-before-choosing-a-reverse-logistics-provider