UPS is rolling out two new return services for customers in 30 countries across Europe to givebusinesses and package recipients more control over how they return and exchange shipped items.
The introduction of the first service offering, UPS Returns Exchange, in North America andEurope was already announced in June while the second service, UPS Returns Pack and Collect, offersa packaging choice. Both services help to cut carbon emissions and reduce costs since only one tripto the customer is needed.
“These innovative services extend our expertise in reverse logistics making the returns processcontrollable for the shipper and convenient for the recipient,” said Nick Basford, vice presidentof marketing, UPS Europe. “These services increase customer satisfaction by providing therapid replacement or easy return of an important item. The costs associated with unwanted ordefective inventory can be high. Getting items returned, repaired and back on sale quicklycan be an effective way to improve a company’s bottom line.”
UPS Returns Exchange is a combined delivery and pick-up service that streamlines reverselogistics for businesses. A UPS driver delivers a replacement item while simultaneously picking upthe original item marked for return. The return item is packed into the same box used to deliverthe replacement and is shipped back to the original sender or to an alternate location. UPS’stracking tools link the replacement and return shipments, providing end-to-end visibility for theentire transaction, and customers can receive a pre-alert before delivery.
The service, according to the company, makes the exchange of high-value products – such aselectronics or medical devices – more efficient while enhancing the post-sales experience for endcustomers. It is particularly suited to shippers in the high-tech, healthcare and retailindustries.
The second service, UPS Returns Pack and Collect, does not include the replacement item butoffers customers three types of UPS boxes for collection and return of an item. A driver willtake the UPS box and return label to the customer and quickly verify that the item is the correctone to be returned. The driver then will assist with packing the item and it will be returnedto the original shipper through the UPS network. Verification, packing expertise and speciallydesigned UPS packaging ensure that damage is minimized and returned goods reach their intendeddestination.
UPS also announced the availability of a new re-sealable express envelope that allows documentsto be received and returned in the same packaging. The UPS Reusable Express Envelope, nowavailable to customers across Europe, is made from 100 percent recycled fibre. The envelopecan be used twice since a second adhesive strip allows it to be resealed with the strength anddurability of a new UPS envelope.
