Blog Post

What Is Reverse Logistics And What Are The Benefits?

egough • November 30, 2021

what is reverse logistics and how can it help your business?

what is reverse logistics

As the name implies, reverse logistics is the supply chain working in reverse. That is, the product is moved from the customer back to the retailers, manufacturers or recycling firms.


Retailers have to deal with reverse logistics on a daily basis since customers are constantly returning product for different reasons. How products are dealt with when they go back to the supplier or manufacturer is the domain of reverse logistics.


Here are the main benefits of efficient reverse logistics.


Lower Costs

You can save costs with efficient reverse logistics in different ways for example, on transportation, disposal, tech support and repairs.


When products are recycled and resold, it also results in cost savings.


Higher Customer Satisfaction

If the returns process is easier, there will be less frustration for customers. Goods returned by customers should be managed efficiently to keep costs down.


A well-managed returns process is essential for retaining customers. This is important since it is far more expensive to bring in new customers than to retain existing customers.

mobile workstations

Improved Brand Reputation

How you handle returns is very important for customers. To attract customers, you need a good returns policy. If you don't handle returns well then you will get negative online reviews. But if your brand is quick in handling returns, then you will gain more customers.


Higher Sustainability

Not everything that comes back in the supply chain is waste. Although certain goods need to be disposed, there are many items that can be repurposed. By using items again, you can increase sustainability. By recycling items instead of disposing them in landfills, you can reduce the environmental impact.


Better sustainability and recycling are good for brand reputation.


Higher Profits

Optimized reverse logistics can help you to improve revenue. The main reason for customer returns is that the wrong goods were delivered. Hence, many items that are returned are in good shape and can be resold easily.


Certain returned items may have to be reconditioned. But even this can result in more profits since there often is a big market for reconditioned items.


The Returns Problem

It is estimated that around 5 to 10 percent of goods bought in stores are returned. But for online buying, the goods return rate rises from 15 to 40 percent. As online buying increases, it means that the returns rate will also boost substantially. Hence, some experts are estimating that the value of goods returned annually may eventually reach 1 trillion dollars.


Since such a vast volume of goods are returned, an efficient reverse logistics chain is needed for dealing with this problem.


Bottom Line

Brands can differentiate themselves by how they handle returns. Therefore brands that have a streamlined reverse logistics flow will be able to attract more customers. And since a large percentage of good sold are returned, brands need to find ways of improving reverse logistics.


MIDCOM sells mobile workstation solutions that improve logistic warehouse issues.  Talk to one of our specialist today about how they can improve your logistics processes at (800) 643-2664.

Get More Information On Mobile Workstations Today

We'll contact you within minutes!

mobile carts brochure

Warehouse Mobile Carts

Download Brochure >>

preparing warehouse for 2025
By egough December 6, 2024
Warehouse management is facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Here’s how you can stay ahead the curve and prepare your warehouse for 2025.
warehouse pallet tracking
By egough July 12, 2024
Pallet tracking technology not only streamlines the logistics within a warehouse but also offers numerous advantages that contribute to overall productivity and cost savings.
mobile devices warehouse
By egough May 6, 2024
How are smart mobile devices changing warehouse operation? Smartphones have revolutionized warehouses.
line matrix printer maintenance top 10
By egough May 3, 2024
10 line matrix printer maintenance rules to keep them operational. Line matrix printer maintenance that can increase up-time. Learn more
inventory management strategies
By egough April 1, 2024
Optimize your inventory management control to enhance operational efficiency and meet evolving consumer demands. Learn how to master effective inventory management in 2024 and beyond.
rfid future
By egough January 26, 2024
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is set to become an integral part of our more efficient and connected future world. Read on to learn how.
ecommerce trends 2024
By egough December 1, 2023
eCommerce fulfillment strategies are evolving at a rapid pace to keep up with consumer demands, technological advancements, and global challenges. Retailers are exploring innovative solutions to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and improve customer experience. Let's delve into the eCommerce fulfillment trends that are set to dominate the industry in 2024.
warehouse peak season
By egough September 13, 2023
Learn how to prepare your warehouse operations for peak season, from early planning to efficient returns management and other key strategies for success.
logistic operation future proof
By egough September 11, 2023
Here are four foolproof ways companies can rethink their future strategies to keep up with constant demand.
warehouse of the future
By egough July 27, 2023
With the warehousing industry constantly changing and evolving, we can expect to see many technological advancements in the warehouses of the future
Show More
Share by: