2 mins
eCommerce Fulfilment

What is Returns Management?

Green Fulfilment, Co-founder

Updated on 13 Apr 2026

Fulfilment Of A Fragile Item

Returns management relates to the entire process of customers returning products and this is an important part of the e-Commerce process.

Why is Returns Management Important?

In a sustainable supply chain, product returns are inevitable. In fact, most UK fulfilment services experts believe that for every ten products that are shipped, one will be returned. While this number may seem high, it’s quite normal and manageable if you have a good returns management system.

For detailed, actionable guidance on processing high-volume returns while protecting the planet, read our guide on Sustainable Post-Christmas Returns: An Essential Guide for UK Brands”.

What about the Buyer?

According to Shopify, 67% of buyers check returns policies before parting with their cash and 72% of shoppers are willing to spend more, more frequently, with brands that make returns simple.

What about the Environment?

From an environmental perspective, returns management is extremely important. Every time a product is returned, it needs to be transported back to the supplier which creates unnecessary carbon emissions and waste.

A good returns management system is important for sustainable logistics, happy customers, and environmental conservation. The pressure on that system peaks every January during Returnuary, when UK retailers face over £1.5 billion in returned goods in just a few weeks.

At Green Fulfilment, we can support you with every aspect of returns management. Our sustainable order fulfilment services will help you to cut down on emissions, and our state-of-the-art software will ensure that your customers are happy with the returns process.

For more information please contact us. We would be happy to discuss your specific needs and requirements.

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