Reverse Logistics After Christmas: Up to 30% of Warehouse Operations Are Returns

The post-Christmas period is specific for logistics – while outbound shipments dominate before holidays, returns take over afterward. Reverse logistics now accounts for 10–20% of operations, reaching over 30% in some e-shops, significantly impacting warehouse capacities and costs.

Highest return rates: Fashion, footwear, accessories and consumer electronics generate double-digit percentages – unsuitable gifts, wrong sizes or damaged goods. Furniture sector has low volume due to challenging handling and transport for end customers.

Automotive specifics: Reverse logistics stays under 10% – mainly spare parts exchanges, component refurbishment or B2B return flows, standard costs for dealers and services.

Seasonal surge: After Christmas, Black Friday or sales, return volumes increase – many e-shops underestimate their scale when planning warehouse capacities and transport.

Why it's more complex: Unlike forward logistics (standard pallets/boxes), returns arrive in diverse packaging. Requires thorough identification, quality checks, recording and decisions – resale, refurbishment, write-off or eco-disposal.

Practical surprises: Content often doesn't match documents, parts missing (phone charger) or goods damaged. Logistics providers need manuals and criteria; special processes for lithium batteries as hazardous but 100% recyclable waste.

Eco in practice: Smart packaging minimizes waste – reusable and adjustable to item size allows returning original packaging without creating new waste.

Financial impact: Entire logistics (forward + reverse) reflects in product price. If e-shops don't calculate returns, they face capacity surprises and customer satisfaction drops.

Optimization tips: Facilitate returns with attached paperwork; set up IT processes similar to goods receipt (precise first touch); avoid ad-hoc spot transport buys – flexibility resists pandemics or order volatility.

Future trend: Reverse logistics transforms from cost item to competitive advantage – companies with efficient processes attract e-commerce clients and optimize warehouse utilization.

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Source: systemylogistiky.sk