Supply Chain Management For Dummies

Chapter 10

Managing Product Returns and Reverse Supply Chains

IN THIS CHAPTER

Processing returns

Remanufacturing and recycling

Dealing with fraudulent returns

Using trade-ins to increase revenues

Supply chains don’t always flow in one direction, and they don’t have to end at your customer. There are many supply chains that operate in reverse, with products flowing upstream from a customer back to a supplier, but reverse supply chains often don’t get as much attention as manufacturing and retail supply chains.

Companies can even use reverse supply chains as a way of increasing sales, growing market share, and lowering their manufacturing costs. Reverse supply chains also play an important role in reducing the environmental impacts of a product. This chapter covers reverse supply chains and explains how managing them effectively can provide benefits to businesses and their customers.

Growing Revenues with Easy Returns

A well-managed reverse supply chain can increase customer loyalty and grow sales revenues. Some online retailers have built their business strategy on offering their customers ...