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How to Organise Return Handling

Author

Listed:
  • de Koster, M.B.M.
  • van de Vendel, M.
  • de Brito, M.P.

Abstract

Already for a long time retailers take back products. In this paper we explore the factors contributing to the decision of combining vs. separating inbound and outbound flows during the return handling process. We do so through a comparative analysis of the operations in nine retailer warehouses, which can be divided in three groups: food retailers, department stores and mail order companies. We identify both aggravating factors and facilitating actions for return handling. Furthermore, we bring about recommendations for practice. At the end we put forward propositions that are useful in feeding studies on return handling efficiency. In particular, we conjecture over the impact that return volume and product diversity have on the decision for combining vs. separating the reverse and forward flows.

Suggested Citation

  • de Koster, M.B.M. & van de Vendel, M. & de Brito, M.P., 2001. "How to Organise Return Handling," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2001-49-LIS, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    • Handle: RePEc:ems:eureri:116
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. de Brito, Marisa P. & van der Laan, Erwin A., 2009. "Inventory control with product returns: The impact of imperfect information," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 194(1), pages 85-101, April.
    2. de Brito, M.P. & Flapper, S.D.P. & Dekker, R., 2002. "Reverse logistics," Econometric Institute Research Papers EI 2002-21, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus School of Economics (ESE), Econometric Institute.
    3. Marisa P. Brito & Rommert Dekker & Simme Douwe P. Flapper, 2005. "Reverse Logistics: A Review of Case Studies," Lecture Notes in Economics and Mathematical Systems, in: Bernhard Fleischmann & Andreas Klose (ed.), Distribution Logistics, pages 243-281, Springer.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Retailing; case studies; inbound and outbound flows; product returns; return handling;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics
    • M11 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Production Management
    • R4 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics
    • R49 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Other

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