How do I create a return in WMS?

Here is how you can initiate an invoice or customer return in the WMS Module.

There are two types of returns: RMA Invoice Returns and Customer Returns. RMA Invoice Returns (AKA Invoice Returns), require the original invoice to be loaded and the choice of items to be returned. Customer Returns (AKA Bulk Returns) do not require an invoice. Users can add any items they want to return. Both types of return can be started in WMS.

Invoice Return

The standard process for RMA Invoice Returns and Refunds should start in ERP, but it can also start in WMS. This will be based on the policies of the business as far as returns go and that decision must be made at the discretion of the user. These instructions are for typical use-cases.

In a situation where you are not given advance notice of a return (e.g., a package arrives as a return and it should be handled immediately), the process will kick off in WMS. There is another process fork depending upon whether or not the returned items are associated with a specific invoice as a partial or full return (Invoice Return - this section) or if the items are associated with a specific customer but no particular invoice (Customer Return - next section).

On the left-hand menu, go to Return > RMA List. Enter the invoice number, channel order ID, customer name ("Ship Name"), or whatever other value you'd like to search by. You can narrow your shipped date window as well. You will notice that both Search RMA and Search ERP are selected. This means that once you conduct your search, the system will first look in WMS for an existing RMA. If one cannot be found, it will automatically search ERP for either the RMA or the invoice (if an RMA has not yet been created). You can unclick Search RMA if you'd like, but leaving both selected will ultimately yield the same result in this instance. Click Search.

This will launch a pop-up within WMS showing you the order you are looking for. Click Detail.

This will open another pop-up called ERP Return Detail (because you are working with information from ERP within the WMS Module). Scroll down to the list of items. Enter the quantity of each item being returned in the Claim column. You have the option of only returning a part of the order but for this example, we will be returning all items. Click Create Return.

Please note: the original order included two bundles. Make sure when returning a bundle that you claim the parent AND the child items. That way, your inventory will accurately reflect both the bundles and the items within the bundles.

This opens the WMS Return Detail screen where you can now receive your returned items.

To receive the items, scroll down to Next Steps.

Customer Return

Customer Returns should always be started in WMS.

In WMS, you will go to Return > Bulk Return. Click + Create Bulk Return. Whether or not you are processing a return a bulk volume doesn't matter - it's used synonymously with the term Customer Return.

This will open the Create Bulk Return (Customer Return) screen where you can enter the Customer (also referred to as the Store (Channel)), the Reference Number (typically found on the shipping label or packing slip of the return), and other pertinent information. Make sure you have assigned the items to the correct warehouse and entered in any information needed for internal record keeping (e.g., Control No., Box ID, and Notes). Click Create.

You can either step away and receive the items later or receive them now. Clicking Receive Now will automatically open the Receive Bulk Return page which we will go over under Next Steps below.

If you decide to receive the items later, here is how you would do that. When you click Receive Later, the return is saved but not processed. To find it, go to Return > Bulk Return and click Search. Make sure the Return Date field has been cleared if need be. It will appear at the top of the list with no items associated.


Next steps:

How do I receive a product return?

How do I close a return?