--- title: Return to Vendor should not become Return to Sender description: "Your returns process should be prepared for another returns process: return to vendor." --- [![12return](https://www.12return.com/hubfs/Website%20assets/Logo%2012return/12%20return%20transparance%20back%20ground%20new%20resolution.svg)](https://www.12return.com) - PRODUCTS ## Software and services for cross-border returns ### [Return portal Digital returns to remove the friction from the customer return journey and to improve sales retention.](https://www.12return.com/return-portal) ### [Merchant dashboard Personal dashboard for support agents to be in control of all returns and to gain insights from returns data.](https://www.12return.com/merchant-dashboard) ### [International shipping Global and local carrier services for hassle-free, cost-effective, and sustainable returns from any customer anywhere.](https://www.12return.com/reverse-logistics) ### [Local returns processing Returns processing services in Europe and the United States for reuse of products in a cost-effective and sustainable way.](https://www.12return.com/local-returns-processing) - [SOLUTIONS](https://www.12return.com/customer-service) ## [Solutions for every team](https://www.12return.com/customer-service) ### [Customer service 45% less time spent on irrelevant customer contact.](https://www.12return.com/customer-service) ### [Logistics 30% savings in freight spent with local shipping.](https://www.12return.com/logistics_old) ### [Operations 25% reduction in time and costs for restocking and reusing products](https://www.12return.com/local-returns-processing) - [INTEGRATIONS](https://www.12return.com/ecommerce-systems) ## [Integrations with systems and service for your returns](https://www.12return.com/ecommerce-systems) ### [E-commerce systems 12return integrates with your favorite e-commerce system.](https://www.12return.com/ecommerce-systems) ### [Carrier services 12return integrates with global and local carriers.](https://www.12return.com/carrier-services) ### [Marketplaces 12return integrates with your marketplaces of choice.](https://www.12return.com/market-places) ### [Fulfillment 12return partners with fulfillment and logistics service providers.](https://www.12return.com/fulfillment) ### [Revalue channels 12return integrates with revalue channels.](https://www.12return.com/revalue-channels) ### [Productivity tools 12return integrates with your favorite productivity tools.](https://www.12return.com/productivity-tools) - [PRICING](https://www.12return.com/pricing_draft0001) - RESOURCES ## Resources to turn your returns process into an asset ### [Help center Documentation for users to work with 12return.](https://help.12return.com/en/) ### [Developer Documentation for developers to integrate with 12return.](https://developer.returnbird.com/) ### [Program The 12return program supports the transformation of your returns process.](https://www.12return.com/program) ### [GDPR 12return takes data security seriously.](https://www.12return.com/general-data-protection-regulation) ### [Whitepapers and more Whitepapers and more to inspire and rethink returns.](https://www.12return.com/whitepapers) ### [Blog Join the 12return blog for more insights into returns management.](https://www.12return.com/company/blog) - COMPANY ## We are 12return ### [Our story We are one...two...return.](https://www.12return.com/our-story) ### [Contact Contact us at any time.](https://www.12return.com/contact) ### [Demo Request a demo of our software and services.](https://www.12return.com/demo) ### [Partner program Become a partner in the 12return ecosystem.](https://www.12return.com/partner-program) ### [Newsroom Stay informed about what's happening at 12return.](https://www.12return.com/company/newsroom) [CONTACT](https://www.12return.com/contact) returns management # Return to Vendor should not become Return to Sender Your returns process should be prepared for another returns process: return to vendor. [Stef de Bont](https://www.12return.com/company/blog/author/stef-de-bont) Jun 7, 2017 --- Companies that sell products likely deal with returns as well. In fact many companies deal with multiple return flows. The first flow, customer returns, is not such a problem anymore as software and service solutions are available to deal with this flow. The problem often starts when the products from this flow arrive at your returns center and a second flow should start. **Product returns need a disposition to recover value** The second return flow starts with the completion of the first flow. The first flow ends with a simple question; what to do with the returned products? There are many options varying from restock to recycling (and many options like repair and refurbishment in between). The complexity of the returns process increases if a second flow is needed when products are to be returned to the original manufacturer (OEM) or supplier to claim warranty or repair. **Return-to-Vendor** Returning a product to the OEM or supplier sounds easy. Request an RMA, ship the goods and wait for the financial settlement. Easy as it can be. But this process can be extremely complex by the variety of return policies and processes that have been implemented by the OEMs and suppliers. At the end of the day also these parties are very anxious to control the inflow of returns as it means an obligation for them. Requesting a Return Material Authorization at the OEM or supplier requires you to have you act together and simply comply with their return policies. Never, ever just ship an un-authorized return to them as it will likely be just shipped back to you. The possible result, Return-to-Sender, means a second, unwanted, returns flow into your returns center. And a missed opportunity for financial compensation. **The second returns flow requires a controlled first flow** To successfully request an RMA with the OEM or supplier you need to make sure that your return request contains all relevant data (like serial numbers) that is requested by them. Typically, this data is captured in the first return flow when you receive the product from your customer. The first and second return flows are related and your returns management process should make the connection. In the first return flow you already need to take into account the varieties that you will face in the second flow. Varieties that increase if you deal with many OEMs and suppliers. The first flow should run fast and efficient to timely trigger the second flow. The opportunities to claim warranty or repair in the second flow are often time-sensitive. **Return-to-Vendor requires smart tools** Connecting the first and second return flows offers many opportunities to recover value from returned products. In fact there are different, interesting ways, to even go beyond simply connecting these flows. [Returns management](https://www.12return.com/product/returns-management) software can help you to avoid Return-to-Vendor become Return-to-Sender. [returns management](https://www.12return.com/company/blog/topic/returns-management) [return-to-vendor](https://www.12return.com/company/blog/topic/return-to-vendor) ## More from the blog returns management ### [Top 3 challenges in the returns process](https://www.12return.com/company/blog/top-3-challenges-in-the-returns-process) E-commerce is booming and return volumes are exploding. Do you recognize the top 3 challenges for the returns process? Stef de Bont Mar 11, 2021 returns management ### [Set the right priorities when you start improving your returns process](https://www.12return.com/company/blog/set-the-right-priorities-when-you-start-improving-your-returns-process) Set the right priorities when you start improving your returns process Stef de Bont Apr 20, 2017 returns management ### [How sustainable are product returns?](https://www.12return.com/company/blog/how-sustainable-are-product-returns) There has been a lot of debate about the fact that product returns are not sustainable. Let’s have a closer look at returns and sustainability. Stef de Bont Jun 7, 2017 ### Get notified of new posts on the 12return blog Join the 12return blog for more insights into returns management. With 12return, you can connect the frontend and backend returns processes into a digital, integrated business process that is up to the challenges of returns and turns the returns process into an asset for your business. Made with ❤️ in The Netherlands, used by businesses and consumers around the world. ### Products - [Return portal](https://www.12return.com/return-portal) - [Merchant dashboard](https://www.12return.com/merchant-dashboard) - [International shipping](https://www.12return.com/reverse-logistics) - [Local returns processing](https://www.12return.com/local-returns-processing) ### Solutions - [Customer service](https://www.12return.com/customer-service) - [Logistics](https://www.12return.com/logistics_old) - [Operations](https://www.12return.com/operations) ### 12return - [Our story](https://www.12return.com/our-story) - [Contact us](https://www.12return.com/contact) - [Demo](https://www.12return.com/demo) - [Partner program](https://www.12return.com/partner-program) © 2022 12return All rights reserved [Privacy Policy](https://www.12return.com/privacy-policy-website) © 2021 Kalungi, Inc. - All Rights Reserved. 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