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Strategic disposition pathways maximize product value
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Advanced capabilities protect against returns fraud
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Campus integration accelerates returns processing
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Industry expertise drives specialized returns solutions
Strategic disposition pathways maximize your product value
Every return has different recovery opportunities. We evaluate every return systematically and send them to the right pathway to maximize value. Disposition pathways include:
- Direct resell that returns unopened products immediately to sellable inventory
- Refurbishment services to restore opened products to retail-ready condition
- OEM returns for manufacturer recovery programs
- Recycling programs that extract materials from end-of-life products
- Liquidation channels to monetize older models and excess inventory
- Donation programs supporting charitable organizations with suitable products
Our systematic approach ensures maximum value extraction while maintaining your brand standards throughout the reverse supply chain.
Advanced capabilities protect against returns fraud
Returns fraud costs businesses billions of dollars every year. GEODIS reverse logistics makes sure you stay ahead of fraud through specialized detection processes and authentication methods.
- Systematic validation that identifies sophisticated fraud schemes
- Technical authentication for high-value electronics and branded products
- Immediate protocols for preventing fraudulent products from entering inventory
- Continuous adaptation to emerging fraud tactics and schemes
- Secure data handling that protects customer information throughout processing
These capabilities prove especially critical in categories like electronics, where return rates and fraud risks require enhanced protection.
Campus integration accelerates returns processing
Speed and efficiency are essential for successful reverse logistics. GEODIS maximizes both through integrating your returns operations into our forward logistics network.
- Co-located operations that eliminate transportation between returns and fulfillment
- Campus-based warehousing for labor and equipment sharing across operations
- Immediate restocking for moving sellable returns directly to available inventory
- Unified technology that provides complete visibility across all your logistics flows
- Flexible capacity scaling to handle your seasonal return surges
- Single-provider convenience to manage your complete supply chain lifecycle
Our integrated approach reduces your costs while accelerating your returns-to-revenue cycle across our network.
Industry expertise drives specialized solutions
Different industries face unique reverse logistics challenges. GEODIS applies specialized expertise and certifications to meet sector-specific requirements.
- High-tech returns with enhanced security and data protection protocols
- Apparel processing for managing seasonal items and fashion cycles
- Healthcare compliance that meets FDA and regulatory requirements
- Retail operations supporting omnichannel return expectations
- Industrial products for complex B2B return requirements
Our teams understand the nuances of each sector. We apply best practices based on the millions of returns we process every year.
Comprehensive reverse logistics services
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Frequently asked questions about reverse logistics
Reverse logistics is the process of moving products from customers back through your supply chain for returns processing, refurbishment, recycling, or disposal. It's crucial because returns can represent a significant percentage of sales, directly impacting profitability. GEODIS processes millions of returns annually through systematic inspection and six disposition pathways that maximize value recovery.
GEODIS uses specialized fraud detection processes to protect your revenue. We identify counterfeit products through systematic validation and technical authentication, particularly for high-value electronics. Our teams conduct thorough inspections while continuously updating our detection methods to address emerging schemes. When fraud is detected, immediate protocols prevent products from entering inventory, protecting both your revenue and brand reputation.
Reverse logistics proves essential across multiple industries. This includes eCommerce retailers managing high return volumes, electronics companies dealing with valuable products requiring data security, apparel brands handling seasonal returns, healthcare organizations meeting regulatory requirements, and industrial companies managing B2B returns. They all benefit from professional reverse logistics. GEODIS serves each sector with specialized processes and relevant certifications.
Processing speed varies based on your requirements. Standard processing takes 24-48 hours from receipt, with same-day options available for priority needs. Our WMS integration enables immediate refund authorization based on your business rules. Different products support different SLAs—some clients require turnaround within a few hours, while others use weekly consolidation for efficiency. This flexibility balances your customer satisfaction with operational costs.
Products follow one of six disposition pathways based on condition and value. Unopened items are returned directly to sellable inventory. Opened but functional products undergo refurbishment. Items requiring manufacturer attention ship to OEMs. End-of-life products can enter recycling programs. Older models move through liquidation channels. Suitable items, particularly apparel, go to charitable organizations.
Co-locating reverse logistics within forward distribution operations creates significant efficiencies. Products identified as sellable during returns processing move immediately to available inventory without transportation. Shared resources reduce costs while maintaining service levels. Unified technology provides complete visibility. This integration accelerates returns-to-revenue cycles while reducing your total logistics costs.
GEODIS maintains comprehensive certifications ensuring security and compliance throughout reverse logistics operations. These include CTPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism), TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association), World Customs Organization SAFE framework, and FDA registration for healthcare products. These certifications demonstrate our commitment to security, quality, and regulatory compliance.
