Consumer returns, missed parcels and courier returns - the most important differences
Three similar-sounding sources of goods may mean completely different condition, packaging method and level of batch predictability.
The source of the batch influences its structure as much as the quality class. The consumer return was usually collected and then sent back, while an uncollected parcel may not have reached the recipient. However, this does not automatically mean that its content is new and complete.
What are consumer returns?
These are products returned by the customer after purchase. The reason may be a change of mind, inappropriate size, damage to the packaging, defect or non-compliance with expectations.
The lot may contain new, opened, used, incomplete and defective goods. The key is whether the source has conducted testing and sorting.
- different reasons for return
- often open packages
- possible traces of use
- possible test reports
Missed parcels and courier returns
Uncollected parcels are parcels that were not successfully delivered or were not collected by the addressee. They remain unsorted and may appear as envelopes, plastic wraps, courier bags and cartons with various contents. They do not have a product manifest.
Courier returns are a broader term for parcels returning from the delivery process. They may include missed parcels, refused parcels, incorrectly addressed parcels or parcels returned to the sender. The seller should clearly specify what type of shipments are included in the offered lot. The mere return via the courier network does not confirm the condition of the product inside.
- missed or undelivered parcels
- envelopes, foil wraps, bags and cartons
- unsorted goods without a manifest
- various reasons for courier return
Compare predictability
Consumer returns with a manifest can help you evaluate product categories and quantity. Unsorted uncollected parcels and courier returns do not have a manifest, so their exact contents remain unknown until opened.
Less predictability may correspond to a sales model based on sorting and a large number of different products. Base your decision on your own sales channel, labor costs and the acceptable level of unpredictability.
- type of shipments
- average batch weight
- sorting cost
- further sales channel
Labeled data and consequences of lack of anonymization
Courier labels may include name, address, telephone number and shipment identifiers. Before further sales, recipient data must be effectively deleted or anonymized. Merely superficial crossing out or partial covering is not sufficient if the person can still be identified.
GDPR applies in Poland and the entire European Union. The supervisory authority - in Poland, the President of the Personal Data Protection Office - may apply corrective actions, order the restriction or cessation of data processing and impose an administrative fine. The GDPR provides for two maximum levels of penalties: up to EUR 10 million or 2% of total annual global turnover and, for the most serious infringements, up to EUR 20 million or 4% of turnover. In both cases, the higher value is used. The specific level depends on the obligations breached and the circumstances of the case. This is not an automatic penalty for each label; each case is assessed individually.
- effective and permanent deletion of data
- check whether the data remains unreadable
- possible corrective actions of the authority
- two maximum levels of penalties under the GDPR
Choose a model for your business
An online retailer may prefer more predictable returns with a product list, while an outlet or live commerce store may be better able to leverage a broad mix. There is no universally better type of party.
Before making a larger purchase, calculate the sorting efficiency, the cost of photos and descriptions, the space available and the real sales speed.
- sales channel
- storage space
- art handling time
- accepted level of risk
Compare available lots
Check the parameters of a specific lot.