Author
Tessa Stoppelenburg
Date
23 October 2024
Category
Informative
What is a return label?
Returns are unfortunately unavoidable in e-commerce. Online shopping falls under distance selling and consumers do not know whether the product meets their requirements until after receiving it, which is why it is mandatory to offer consumers the opportunity to return the product. To properly process a return, a return label is required. The traditional method is to add a paper return label to the order and have the consumer fill out the label. However, this has some downsides. In this article, we will show you how Returnless can replace the paper return label to a digital return label and an efficient return process.
What should be included on a return label?
A return label is attached to the return package to ensure smooth return shipping. The following elements must be included on a return label:
Return address and details of sender
The most important element of the return label is the return address and sender information in case a problem arises.
Track & Trace
In addition, the return label should include a unique barcode from the shipping company so that the shipment can be tracked via Track & Trace. This allows you as a retailer to know when which items arrive at your warehouse and to proactively plan the processing of these returns. Your customers also benefit from a Track & Trace code because it allows them to see the current status of their return shipment at any time.
Unique return codes for additional information
To further simplify processing in your warehouse, you can add unique return codes or SKU (Stock Keeping Units; more on this in the next paragraph) information to the return label. This way, you always know immediately what's in the package - without even opening it - and you can further optimize your returns process.
SKU; what is that?
SKU stands for 'Stock Keeping Unit'. This is a unique identification number that allows you to easily track your products through every step of the sales process. Unlike the universally defined EAN numbers, SKUs differ in every online store because you can compile them yourself. They are mainly used for internal purposes, such as warehouse and inventory management and processing returns and analysis.
SKUs are alphanumeric; therefore, they contain not only numbers, but also letters. This allows you to add coded descriptions for key product attributes such as brand, color, gender, category or size. This allows you to easily track, categorize and group your products. Returnless' digital return process allows you to add unique information to the return label. SKUs are especially useful to include - especially when they contain information about the product category. By adding an SKU, you can properly process return packages, without opening the package, in your warehouse.
What does a return label look like?
With Returnless, you can create a digital returns process for your online store in no time. Your customers register their returns online and are immediately informed of the progress of the return. The entire returns process is visualized, so that everyone involved - both your customers and the various departments within your company - always have an overview of all relevant information.
During the return request, the SKUs are called up based on the order number and, with the help of automation, you can have the request approved or rejected immediately. This can be usefull for rejecting personalized products or hygiene items. In the overview you always see the current status of the order displayed.
As soon as the return package arrives in your warehouse, you scan the return label with your hand scanner and immediately see an overview of the products in the package. This allows you to process your returns even more efficiently.
How can my customers easily create a return label?
Paper forms and documents are becoming increasingly rare, and there are also fewer and fewer households with a printer. Without a printer, printing a return label naturally becomes difficult. That's why more and more shipping companies are offering printerless returns, where the package can be shipped using a barcode. As an online retailer, you probably work with regular shipping partners with whom you've negotiated favorable contracts. But not all shipping companies are equally strong in every region and offer all shipping methods. So it can be beneficial to offer different shipping companies and methods, including a printerless return label, to differentiate yourself from your competitors and provide a smooth return experience for your customers.
Returnless gives you access to all shipping companies and return methods in your area. This also allows you to offer printerless return labels with your return options, without having to negotiate directly with the relevant shipping company. At Returnless, we've already taken care of this for you.
Questions about return labels?
Returnless' digital returns process makes every step of a return clearer and easier - both within your company and for your customers. A digital return form gives you all the information you need to create a return label. Unlike the label-in-the-box method, it lets you know in advance exactly which products are being returned, when and why, allowing you to proactively manage the returns process and processing in the warehouse. You also benefit from automation, which allows you to determine in advance how you will handle the return request and if you want to offer customers a paid or free return label. Returnless also gives you instant access to different shipping companies and methods, so your customers can choose the shipping method that is most convenient for them.
Want to learn more about Returnless' digital returns process and its perks related to return labels? Contact us or schedule an immediate demo with one of our experts.
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