The importance of reverse logistics in the business world could hardly be overestimated. There are several important concerns related to this issue. First, it provides feedback, and customers are able to contact the manufacturers or distributors of a certain good to present their dissatisfaction or some other ideas. Moreover, it helps to improve a companys image in case a good does not meet the main quality standards. In such a case, the company replaces it to preserve its face and guarantee customers satisfaction. In these regards, it is crucial to understand the main aspects of this practice.
First, reverse logistics is the process of moving goods from customers back to the manufacturer or some other company for its final reuse (What is Reverse Logistics? n.d.). The given process is an integral part of the modern business model as it provides the basis for the functioning of numerous companies and conditions the efficiency of warranty. The good is moved using a certain logistics chain. Furthermore, reverse logistics is also used to assure customers that their money will be returned if some problems with good occur (Advantages of Reverse logistics: 5 Reasons it should be Implemented, 2011). However, being an important process, it should be well-organized, and there are several important stages that guarantee the efficiency of the procedure.
Besides, a customer who discovers some problems with a good should go to a retailer who is responsible for the organization of the process and initiation of the procedure of reverse logistics. This stage is very important as it impacts the image both of a retailer and manufacturer.
That is why a store must respond well and accept certain measures to satisfy a client (Ecngroup, 2009). If a customer insists on replacement with the new good, the shop should fulfill this demand. Therefore, there are numerous policies between the manufacturer and retailer that condition the terms of reverse logistics and determines the channels which should be used to move a certain good. In this regard, the shop has to create the return following the basic guidelines fixed in the agreement.
Nowadays, companies use specialized software, which helps to organize the procedure and outline its main peculiarities. However, there is a certain pattern that should be followed. It is necessary to indicate the purchase date and the sort of good. Moreover, it is crucial to ask a customer several fault questions to determine the defect causes. Besides, the date of purchase is important as different companies provide various warranty periods. If the problem occurs during this period and there is no customers fault, it will be covered by the warranty.
Nevertheless, having initiated the return, a retailer should send a good to a manufacturer. It is crucial to indicate the correct address and the reason for the return. Usually, a special label is put on a parcel with a good as it makes the identification process easier.
Having received a good, the manufacturer will inform the retailer by changing the status of this very return. Finally, the analysis of the defect causes will provide information related to further actions.
Altogether, the procedure of reverse logistics is not complex, but it guarantees the stable and trustful relations between customers, retailers, and manufacturers (Why Reverse Logistics Needs to Become a Core Competency Inside Your Supply Chain, n.d. ). Moreover, it promotes the image of a company and helps to increase the level of customers and partners satisfaction.
References
Advantages of Reverse logistics: 5 Reasons it should be Implemented. (2011). Web.
Ecngroup. (2009). A Reverse Logistics Story. Web.
What is Reverse Logistics? (n.d.). Web.
Why Reverse Logistics Needs to Become a Core Competency Inside Your Supply Chain. (2013). Web.