Apparel returns processing determines how much of your return volume becomes revenue again. Clothing is returned far more often than most categories, so the speed and quality of inspection, grading and restocking has a direct effect on margin and sell-through.
Why speed matters for clothing returns
Speed matters for clothing returns because a garment's value declines with time. A jacket returned in week two of the season can be resold at full price; the same jacket restocked after the season has turned may only sell at a markdown. Slow returns also distort inventory, since the size customers want is sitting unopened in a returns cage while the storefront shows it as sold out.
We receive and process returns every business day. Packages are logged on arrival, matched to the original order and RMA, and moved through inspection in the order received. Brands can see exactly how many returns are pending, how many have been restocked and how many were held for another disposition.
Inspection and grading standards
Each returned unit is inspected against a checklist you approve: original tags attached, no signs of wear or washing, no odors, no makeup, deodorant or pet hair, no stretched seams or pulls, and all accessories such as belts or drawcords present. Units are then graded.
A typical scheme is Grade A for like-new items that can be restocked as is, Grade B for items that need light work such as steaming, a new polybag or a replacement hangtag, and Grade C for items that cannot be sold at full price. You decide what each grade means and where it goes. Photos can be captured for high-value or disputed returns so your customer service team has evidence when a claim is questioned.
Refurbishment: steam, re-fold, re-bag, re-tag
Many returned garments are perfectly sellable once they are presented correctly again. Light refurbishment includes steaming out creases, re-folding to the original pack spec, replacing torn or opened polybags, reattaching or replacing hangtags with your supplied tags, and removing lint.
This is often the difference between a Grade A restock and a markdown. Refurbished units go back into available inventory at their correct variant location, and the stock update syncs to your storefront so the size becomes purchasable again. Items needing repairs beyond light work, such as a broken zipper, can be set aside for your repair vendor.
Exchanges, return reasons and secondary channels
Exchanges are common in apparel because the most frequent return reason is fit. When a customer requests a different size, the replacement can ship as soon as the return is scanned in, or earlier if your policy allows. Every return is recorded with its reason code, style, size and color, giving you data to spot fit problems, such as a style that consistently runs small.
Grade C units can be routed to the channels you choose: a sample sale, outlet or resale program, bulk liquidation, donation or responsible disposal. Each disposition is tracked so you know exactly what happened to every returned unit.
What's included
- Returns received and processed every business day
- Inspection checklist approved by your brand
- A/B/C grading with your disposition rules
- Steam, re-fold, re-bag and re-tag
- Photo capture for high-value or disputed returns
- Exchange shipping triggered on return scan
- Return reason reporting by style, size and color
Frequently asked questions
How quickly are apparel returns restocked?
Returns are received and processed every business day, and units that pass inspection are restocked into available inventory as part of that daily workflow rather than in weekly batches.
What happens to returns that cannot be resold?
Units that cannot be sold at full price are routed according to your rules, such as markdown or outlet channels, resale programs, liquidation, donation or disposal, with each disposition tracked.
Can you replace hangtags and polybags on returns?
Yes. We can replace polybags, reattach or replace hangtags you supply, steam and re-fold garments so they are presented like new.
Do you work with returns portals?
Yes. Returns initiated through your ecommerce platform or a third-party returns portal can be matched to the original order when they arrive, so refunds and exchanges are triggered from the actual scan.