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E561: I tracked my Amazon Return for 3000 Miles

The EcomCrew Ecommerce Podcast · July 29, 2024 · 20 min

Summary

This episode provides a unique, first-hand account of Amazon's return logistics, tracking a returned item for 3,000 miles. It reveals the complex journey of returns, from inspection and potential liquidation to the burgeoning reseller market. E-commerce operators will gain critical insights into Amazon's processes, customer return behaviors, and the financial and environmental impacts of returns, helping them to optimize their own return strategies and potentially tap into secondary markets.

Key takeaways

Themes

amazon & marketplacessupply chain & operationsbrand & content

Topics covered

amazon returns processreverse logisticsreseller market for returnscustomer return behaviorenvironmental impact of returnstracking technology in logistics

Episode description

To find out what exactly happens to these returns and where they go, Dave stuck an Apple Airtag in it and tracked it over the next 3 months. Today's episode is sponsored by Clearco, a company that provides ecommerce businesses with working capital to fund inventory, marketing, shipping and logistics, and more! Check them out today!  Have you ever wondered what happens to your Amazon returns? Earlier in the year, Dave bought an Amazon Basics gym bag that he needed to return. To find out what exactly happens to these returns and where they go, he stuck an Apple Airtag in it and tracked it over the next 3 months. Here's exactly where it went and how I found it. The Big Takeaway Amazon inspects returns for their condition and might resell them to liquidators if they're not "like new".  80% of customers mark items as "wrong item sent" to avoid return shipping charges. There is a huge reseller market for Amazon returns. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction: Tracking an Amazon Return 08:05 - The Reseller Market for Amazon Returns 13:17 - Buying Back the Returned Item 17:05 - The Environmental Consequences of Returns As always, if you have any questions or anything that you need help with, reach out to us at support@ecomcrew.com if you're interested.  Don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes if you enjoy our content. If you have any questions, send us an email at support@ecomcrew.com. We'd love to help you in any way we can.  T

Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
Amazon inspects returns and may resell them to liquidators if not 'like new' – understand your own return criteria to identify resale opportunities.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Be aware that 80% of customers falsely claim 'wrong item sent' to avoid return shipping fees; analyze your return reasons to uncover hidden costs and customer behaviors.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
A massive reseller market exists for Amazon returns; investigate these channels for potential liquidation or acquisition strategies for your own returned inventory.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
Consider the environmental impact of returns when developing your policies and logistics, as this increasingly affects consumer perception and regulatory scrutiny.

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