1.0 OBJECTIVE
To describe the procedures to be followed by returns department and receivers
2.0 SCOPE
The procedure is applicable for the warehouse
3.0 RESPONSIBILITY
Returns associates and receivers are responsible to follow the laid down procedure in a sequential manner. The Warehouse Manager is responsible to monitor closely and ensure that laid down procedures are followed.
4.0 ACCOUNTABILITY
General Manager
5.0 PROCEDURE
5.1 Returns are processed on a daily basis on a first come first serve basis. We receive returns at the back loading dock via various carriers and sometimes customer drop offs.
5.2 Returns are processed within 3-5 business days. Customers should reach out to the InterFulfillment customer service department if a return has exhausted the 5 business day threshold for processing.
5.3 Returned goods are inspected as per specific customer requirements.
5.4 Our returns team enters return information into our Control WMS, and an automated email notification is sent to the customer notifying them of the items returned. Notes on the transaction include: customer name, original order number, condition of the returned goods and reason for the return.
5.5 Once the return transaction is confirmed the item is immediately placed back into inventory and is visible in real time in our WMS.
5.6 Returns are processed in our system as a new transaction. They are not linked to their original order. In order to reship a returned item, a new order will need to be submitted by the customer.
5.7 The reference number of the return will include the tracking number or original order number. Return transactions are generated based on 2 types of returns. Customer returns are generated with reference numbers starting with RMA. Returns sent back to our facility by the carrier for reasons such as change of address, invalid address, refusal at the door, unknown, are generated with reference numbers starting with RTS.
5.8 Re-sellable items are placed back in their designated inventory location.
5.9 If an item is not fit for resale it is to be placed in a customer specific Not Fit for Sale bin. Once the bin is full our support team will reach out for ship out or disposal instructions.
5.10 Returns not marked by sender with ATTN: RETURNS and/or missing returns documentation need to be placed on hold and inspected by WM.
5.11 Returns can be destroyed or shipped out based on customer requirements. In order to ship out returned products, the customer must provide the InterFulfillment customer service team the address and shipping method desired for the order.
6.0 ABBREVIATIONS
6.1 WM, warehouse manager
6.2 GM, general manager
6.3 Customer, InterFulfillment client
6.4 WMS, warehouse management software