The backward supply chain process of moving delivered or undelivered goods from the consumer back to the fulfillment warehouse.
Reverse Logistics is the complex e-commerce supply chain process of managing the backward flow of goods—moving parcels from the end-consumer's doorstep back to the central fulfillment center. In e-commerce, reverse logistics covers two distinct events: Return to Origin (RTO due to failed deliveries) and customer-initiated returns or exchanges (due to sizing mismatches, print defects, or buyer remorse). Managing reverse logistics in India is notoriously expensive and challenging; reverse shipping rates are often higher than forward rates, tracking packages is difficult, and returns are highly susceptible to shipping damage or customer fraud (such as returning a worn, dirty, or incorrect garment). A highly efficient reverse logistics setup requires automated systems to scan returning AWBs, instantly reconcile the inventory, inspect the garment for damage, and restock sellable items swiftly to prevent write-off losses.