Clearly record the return
The order, item, reason for return, and recipient should be clearly linked.
Returns management for businesses
Manage returns in a structured way. National and international.
Returns are more than just a return label. Combine return labels, shipping services, tracking, customs information, and system data in one streamlined process – even for international returns and special goods.
Return label
Clearly assign return to return
International
Returns across borders
tariff
Document returned goods in a traceable manner
Automation
Connecting shop, ERP and WMS
Understanding returns
What does returns management actually mean?
Returns management encompasses the organization, control, and documentation of returns. This includes not only return labels and transport, but also the reason for return, tracking, product information, customs details, and the allocation to the original order.
Arrange return transport
The route, weight, dimensions, type of goods and desired service determine the appropriate shipping option.
Track status
Tracking information helps customer service, logistics and warehouse staff to process returns.
Not every return is the same.
Return, repair, exchange or returned goods?
The reason for the return affects the required data, the shipping service, and, in the case of cross-border shipments, possibly also the customs handling.
↩️ Customer return
The order will be returned in whole or in part.
🔧 Repair
Goods are returned for inspection or repair.
🔄 Exchange
Returns and replacements go hand in hand.
🌍 Returned goods
Previously exported goods are being returned.
⚠️ Dangerous goods
The type of goods and their suitability for shipping must be checked before returning them.
step by step
This turns a return into a clear process.
The sooner the necessary data is known, the fewer questions will arise later with the carrier, customs, customer service or warehouse.
1
Record return
Record the order, item(s), reason for return, sender, and return address.
2
Check goods
Check the type of goods, condition, dimensions, weight and any possible shipping restrictions.
3
Labels & Documents
Prepare the return label and, if applicable, customs and shipping information.
4
Track return
Monitor tracking status and assign incoming goods to the original transaction.
International returns
Returns across customs borders require more than one label
For returns to or from third countries, the original shipment, goods, value of goods, and reason for return should be clearly documented. The specific customs treatment depends on the individual case.
What information is important?
Clear documentation helps to clearly distinguish the return from a normal sale or a new import.
- Clear product description
- Quantity and value of goods
- Customs tariff number
- Country of origin
- Reason for return
- Reference to the original shipment
Dangerous goods returns
Do not simply return hazardous goods with a standard return label.
Goods may be subject to the same dangerous goods regulations during return shipping as during initial shipment. Therefore, before creating a return label, it should be checked whether the goods are classified as dangerous goods and which transport route is even possible.
🔋 Batteries & Rechargeable Batteries
Lithium batteries and devices with rechargeable batteries may have special shipping requirements.
🌸 Perfume
Perfume products containing alcohol may be classified as dangerous goods.
🧴 Spray cans
Aerosols and pressurized gas containers require separate testing.
🧪 Chemical products
Cleaning, care, or technical products can also contain hazardous substances.
1. Identify the product
Check the product name, composition, safety data sheet and, if applicable, the UN number.
2. Check condition
Especially with batteries, it can be crucial whether the product is undamaged, damaged, defective, or recalled.
3. Release shipping route
Carrier, country, mode of transport, packaging and labeling must be appropriate for the specific case.
Important:
For returns of hazardous goods, the return label should only be provided after verification of the goods' suitability for shipment. Permissibility and requirements vary depending on the goods, carrier, transport route, and destination country.
Automating returns
Connecting shop, ERP and WMS with returns
Order, address, product, and package data do not need to be re-entered for every return. Existing data can be transferred to the return shipment via integrations and interfaces.
Import order data
Use customer, order and goods items from the upstream system.
Generate return label
Transfer shipping data in a structured manner and assign it to the returns process.
Restore status
Tracking information can then be incorporated back into shop, ERP, or service processes.
Clear delineation of services
Shipping management is not the same as goods handling.
A returns process often consists of two parts: the return transport and the physical processing of the goods in the warehouse or fulfillment center.
International Package
Our focus is on the shipping-side preparation and organization of the return.
- Return label
- Returns
- Tracking
- Customs preparation
- System connections
Warehouse & Fulfillment
Physical processes after the arrival of the return shipment must be considered separately.
- Open and inspect the goods
- Quality control
- Repackage
- Restore
- Reprocessing or disposal
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about returns management
Answers to questions about return labels, international returns, customs, dangerous goods and automated return processes.
What is meant by returns management?
Returns management encompasses the organization, control, and documentation of returns. This includes, among other things, return labels, shipping, tracking, data allocation, and, for international returns, customs information where applicable.
Can international returns be arranged?
Yes. The available shipping solution depends on factors such as the country of origin, destination, type of goods, package details, and carrier. For returns from third countries, customs requirements must also be considered.
What information do I need for a return?
Typically, the sender's name, return address, order details, item numbers, reason for return, package dimensions, and weight are required. For international returns, additional product and customs information is also needed.
What are returned goods?
Returned goods are defined as goods that, after a previous export, return to the original customs territory. The specific customs treatment depends on the conditions and evidence of each individual case.
Can hazardous goods be returned using a standard return label?
Not automatically. Before returning the goods, it should be checked whether they are classified as dangerous goods and whether the carrier, transport route, packaging and labeling are permissible for the specific shipment.
Which returns might contain hazardous materials?
Examples include products containing lithium batteries, loose rechargeable batteries, perfume, aerosol cans, and certain cleaning and chemical products.
What should be considered when dealing with defective batteries?
The condition of a battery is crucial for its suitability for shipping. Damaged or defective batteries may be subject to different or stricter transport regulations and are excluded from certain shipping services. Therefore, each shipment should be individually inspected beforehand.
Can I import return data from my shop?
Depending on the connected system, order, address, goods and package data can be transferred for returns processes via plugins, integrations or API interfaces.
Can a return be tracked?
Once the shipment has been taken over by the transport service provider and a tracking service is available, the return transport can be tracked using the associated tracking number.
Does Paket International also handle goods inspection?
Paket International focuses on the shipping, data, tracking, and customs processes. Physical goods inspection, preparation, and restocking are typically part of warehousing or fulfillment processes.
Organize returns more easily
Bringing together return shipping, tracking, customs and systems.
Create a structured returns process for national and international returns – from recording to the return of the goods.