Managing returns is one of the most complex challenges in ecommerce. 

As a result, return software options have entered the market to improve the return process and alleviate some of the pain returns cause.   

Once you decide that return software is right for your business, you may find that many of the available options are either post-purchase or operational returns software.   

But which is right for your business?

Post-Purchase vs Operational Returns Software

Many return software options – especially the more sophisticated return solutions – either focus on post-purchase or operations.

Deciding between them depends on the preferences and priorities of your brand. Either will likely meet your fundamental needs for returns. But they may impact your business differently overall.

Operational Returns Software

Operational return software optimizes the return process. It improves operational efficiency, minimizes costs, and leverages analytics to reduce your return rate.   

ReturnLogic is an example of a operationally focused return solution.   

Effective operations are the foundation of the customer experience. It’s hard to impress customers if you don’t uphold their expectations.   

ReturnLogic strives to enhance the core of the operational side of returns and build a better customer experience.   

For example, after partnering with ReturnLogic, the Squid Socks team saved hours per week and nearly eliminated customer complaints.   

ReturnLogic designs smarter returns automation that enables you to decide which returns are automatically processed and when. Your business is unique; your return process should be too. 

Post-Purchase Returns Software

Post-purchase return software focuses on the customer experience. These solutions focus more on the return portal and less on the back-end operations of returns.   

Post-purchase return solutions include Loop and Returnly.   

These software options can provide a smooth experience for customers. But they lack the capabilities operational return software has in terms of efficiency, visibility, and financial implications.   

As a result, post-purchase return software can create some headaches for retailers. These solutions do provide automation, but they don’t allow you to control which returns will be automatically processed or when.   

That gives you little visibility and control over your return process and can expose your business to return fraud.   

In addition, the accounting records of one solution often don’t match what is reported by the retailer in Shopify. So, many brands are forced to spend hours reconciling their accounting data, or even hire a professional accountant.

Stay on Top of your Returns

Returns create many challenges for ecommerce brands and their customers. Every return software option enhances the return process in some way, but each takes a different approach.   

Operational return software strives to solve the underlying challenges of returns to create a smooth customer experience.   

Post-purchase return software seeks to enhance the customer experience in returns too, but with less attention on visibility and process efficiency.   

Either approach will alleviate many of the pains of ecommerce returns. Consider your needs and priorities as a business when looking for smarter return management.