Recover inventory from returns, not just receive it.

ShipMonk’s in-house returns program inspects, grades, and routes each returned unit. Recoverable items can be reworked and returned to stock; non-recoverable units follow your disposition rules.

Status from arrival through grading, rework, and putaway is visible in the ShipMonk portal.

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Returns portal and rework workflow

15+ RMAs processed per labor hour

Updated returns workflow across the ShipMonk network.

60–70% of returns go straight to putaway

New-condition units can move directly to putaway.

Every non-new return is photographed

Quality Guard photos are stored in your portal automatically.

Trusted by leading brands to simplify returns & boost loyalty

Liquid IV
Nutrafol
Dr. Squatch
Brooklinen
Ooni
4ocean

The process runs in defined stages, each with its own quality checks.

When a return arrives, it is scanned and logged. If the tracking number matches an open RMA, the RMA updates to Arrived in your portal before processing begins.

Returns Arrival Check In

Step 1

Arrival and check-in

Returns are scanned against open RMAs. When the tracking number matches, the RMA updates to “Arrived” in your portal.

Returns Management

Step 2

Grading

Each unit is opened and graded. New-condition items go to putaway. Other grades are assessed for rework eligibility or disposal based on your rules.

Returns Management

Step 3

Rework

Items that can be restored go to the appropriate rework station, whether that’s steaming and refolding an apparel item, replacing a polybag, retagging a product, re-boxing an opened item, or another service from ShipMonk’s rework menu. Items that complete rework are re-graded before moving to putaway.

Returns Management

Step 4

Putaway

Recovered units return to inventory. RTV, donation, disposal, and secure disposal paths follow your account configuration.

Returns Management

Step 5

Visibility throughout

Non-new items are photographed during processing. Images are available in the portal at receipt for condition review.

Returns capabilities, end to end, in-house.

High-throughput processing

The returns workflow targets 15+ RMAs per labor hour. New-condition items go to putaway; other grades route to the appropriate rework or disposition path.

Standardized grading

Grading uses a consistent framework so disposition is applied the same way across units.

Merchant-configurable grading

SKU-level grading rules can be configured so instructions apply automatically during processing. (coming soon)

Quality Guard photos

Non-new items are photographed during processing and appear in your portal without a support request. Read more.

Applying a ShipMonk returns shipping label to a parcel
Warehouse shelving with returned inventory

Automatic RMA arrival status

When a returned parcel is checked in at our facility, any RMA with a matching tracking number automatically updates to Arrived in your portal.

Returns rework services

ShipMonk offers a rework menu that gets eligible items back into sellable condition. Pricing is bespoke and scoped to your needs.

FDA compliance for regulated products

FDA-oriented prompts in the returns flow support grading and disposition for expiration-dated products, with data retained for reporting and audits.

Loop Returns integration

Integration with Loop Returns connects the customer returns portal to in-house processing with the same operational standards as outbound fulfillment.

Flexible disposition options

You choose what happens with your un-restockable, un-reworkable inventory.

Turn recoverable returns back into sellable inventory.

Rework services restore eligible returns to resalable condition, from cosmetic fixes through repackaging and relabeling.

Steaming and de-wrinkling

Restore apparel to shelf-ready presentation after customer try-ons and transit.

Folding and refolding

Re-fold garments to brand standards before they return to inventory.

Lint, hair, and dust removal

Remove cosmetic debris so items meet your quality bar for resale.

Polybag replacement

Swap damaged or missing polybags so products ship and store correctly.

Repackaging

Re-box opened or damaged packaging to protect inventory and brand perception.

Retagging and relabeling

Apply correct tags and labels so recovered units scan and sell accurately.

Re-barcoding

Update barcodes when SKU or unit identifiers need correction after processing.

Spot cleaning (non-wash)

Address minor marks without full wash cycles when appropriate for the product.

Hanger add/remove

Adjust hanger requirements per your brand’s storage and presentation rules.

Deodorizing

Neutralize odors so recovered items meet customer-ready standards.

Apparel And Accessories Fulfillment at ShipMonk fulfillment center

Built for brands where returns are a real operational challenge.

Apparel has among the highest return rates in ecommerce, and return policy clarity affects purchase decisions. ShipMonk’s grading framework, rework menu, and apparel-focused workflows are designed for high-volume garment programs so more units return to sellable inventory without slowing outbound fulfillment.

Learn more

Quality Guard. See what came back.

Non-new returns are photographed during processing. Images appear in your ShipMonk portal at receipt so you can review condition without opening a support ticket.

Learn more about Quality Guard
Branded Tracking Page

Returns compliance for regulated products.

For expiration-dated or lot-controlled products, FDA-oriented questions are built into the returns flow. Defect responses inform grading and disposition so regulated inventory stays traceable.

What separates ShipMonk’s returns program from the rest.

We grade every item, not just receive it

Each unit is graded against your standards and routed to putaway, rework, or disposition—not only checked in as received.

We show you what came back

Quality Guard captures images of non-new returns in the portal for ongoing visibility into condition at receipt.

We can restore recoverable items

Rework includes steaming, refolding, retagging, polybag replacement, and related services so eligible units can return to stock.

Warehouse associate processing a returned garment
Returns inventory on warehouse shelves

We’re built for apparel volume

The returns workflow is built for high-volume apparel programs, with ongoing throughput improvements beyond 15+ RMAs per labor hour.

Compliance is built in, not bolted on

FDA-oriented questions and grading prompts are embedded in the returns flow at the item level for regulated SKUs.

A returns program that works as hard as your fulfillment program.

Get a closer look at how ShipMonk handles reverse logistics for high-growth brands.

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