What is reverse logistics in wholesale garment trade and how should buyers handle returns?

Reverse logistics refers to the process of moving goods from the buyer back to the supplier — returns, exchanges, or recycling. In wholesale garment trade, reverse logistics is one of the most friction-heavy aspects of the business.

Types of reverse logistics in wholesale:

• Defective goods return — manufacturing defects found on delivery
• Wrong item return — incorrect design or color dispatched
• Size exchange — buyer received wrong size breakdown
• Seasonal return — slow-selling goods returned to supplier (rare — most suppliers do not accept this)

Best practices for smooth returns:

• Document everything with photos and video within 24–48 hours of delivery
• Keep original packaging — many suppliers refuse returns without original tags and polybags
• Agree on who bears return shipping cost before sending — typically the at-fault party bears it
• For large regular orders, negotiate return terms upfront as part of the buying agreement