As order volumes grow, returns become a normal part of eCommerce operations.
Without a clear process, returned goods can create stock discrepancies, delayed refunds, unnecessary handling and extra pressure on your team.
DMC provides a structured returns workflow that receives, records, inspects and directs each item to the appropriate next step—whether that is restocking, review, repair, disposal or another agreed outcome.
Our Process in a Few Simple Steps
How DMC manages every return.
01.
Returns are received
Goods are logged and matched against the original order or return request.
02.
Items are inspected
Products are checked for condition, accuracy and resale suitability.
03.
Outcomes are assigned
Items are categorised for restocking, disposal or further action.
04.
Inventory is updated
Stock levels are adjusted to reflect returned goods in real time.
05.
Reporting and visibility
You maintain clear visibility over returns activity and outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about returns management?
Returns management covers the receiving, inspection, processing and handling of returned goods.
At DMC, this includes logging returns, assessing product condition, determining next steps and updating inventory accordingly.
All returns are received and matched to the original order or return request, then inspected for condition and accuracy.
Based on this, items are categorised for restocking, disposal or further action, ensuring consistent and controlled handling.
Returns are processed through structured workflows and updated within our warehouse management system (WISE), ensuring stock levels reflect returned goods in real time.
This reduces discrepancies and keeps inventory accurate across your operations.
Yes. Our returns processes are designed to scale with your business, whether you are managing steady volumes or peak periods such as post-sale events.
We maintain consistency and control even as return volumes increase.
We handle a range of return types, including eCommerce returns, retail and wholesale returns, promotional returns and faulty or damaged goods.
Each return is processed according to its specific requirements.
Efficient returns handling leads to faster processing, clearer outcomes and fewer delays.
This helps ensure customers receive a more consistent experience, which is critical for maintaining trust and satisfaction.
What you get
A clearer, more controlled returns process.
Structured returns handling
Every return follows a defined workflow from receipt and inspection through to its agreed outcome.
More accurate inventory
Returned stock is recorded and updated promptly, helping reduce discrepancies and uncertainty.
Less manual work for your team
DMC manages the day-to-day handling, recording and routing of returned goods.
A more consistent customer experience
Clearer processing and faster operational follow-through help your team respond to customers with greater confidence.
Types of Returns
Returns workflows tailored to your products and policies.
Different products require different checks, handling rules and outcomes. DMC can structure the process around your agreed returns requirements.
eCommerce customer returns
Retail and wholesale returns
Promotional, sample and campaign returns
Faulty, damaged or incomplete goods
Items requiring restocking, review, quarantine or disposal
Client Stories
Flexible support for complex fulfilment.
BBC has been with DMC for 8 years now, from Richmond to Heidelberg and now Epping. Over that whole time, they’ve never felt like just another 3PL, DMC always felt like a genuine extension of our team. They’re a great family run business with great people and that personal contact makes a huge difference. We’ve loved working with Tanya, Danny, Billie, Rick and plenty of others over the years, and that support has been a big part of our journey! As we’ve grown, DMC has grown with us. They’ve helped us level up with more structure, systems and processes, while still being accommodating from day one when we were smaller and figuring things out. That’s what makes them different, it never feels like a rigid setup where you have to do things their way only. They work with your business, adapt where needed, and always find a way to get it done. The Epping setup in particular has been amazing and shows they’re continuing to evolve with the times while keeping the same great service.
— 3PL Retail
Working with Tanya, Peter and the Team at DMC has been an absolute pleasure, over the past 15 years. We were first introduced through a combination of word of mouth and online research, and from the very beginning, DMC stood out as a trusted and capable business partner. No matter the challenge, DMC are always ready with solutions—practical, thoughtful, and tailored to suit both our business needs and our customers. Their ability to collaborate seamlessly with our retail clients has made a significant difference, and their proactive approach—constantly bringing new ideas and improvements to the table—ensures we are always evolving and staying ahead. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a 3PL partner who is professional, affordable, and reliable.
— 3PL Retail/EDI
We’ve worked with DMC for many years, and they’ve been a key part of Prene’s operational growth. Moving to DMC allowed us to shift our focus from working in the business to working on it, which has been invaluable. The team is approachable, collaborative, and genuinely invested in our brand. Over time, the relationship has become a very personal one, and we value their ongoing support.
— 3PL Retail
DMC manages our client fulfilment through integrated ordering systems that handle stock, backorders, invoicing and operational reporting. Their support covers storage, daily order processing and high-volume campaign execution — including printing, addressing, folding, insertion and postal lodgement.
— Automotive Marketing Agency
They’ve never felt like just another 3PL — DMC has always operated as a genuine extension of our team. Their reliability and consistency make a real difference to our day-to-day operations.
— Fashion Retailer
We originally found Direct Mail Corporation while looking for a 3PL solution. Rang around, met with a couple and decided DMC was for us. We have been working together for 7 years now and it’s been a great experience. The team are very easy to work with, communicate well and run a good operation. We definitely recommend them.
— 3PL wholesale
No matter the challenge, DMC always find a way to make it work. Their flexibility and reliability have been a huge support to our operations.
— Beauty Retailer
Moving to DMC allowed us to shift our focus from working in the business to working on it, which has been invaluable. The team is approachable, collaborative & genuinely invested in our brand.
— Automotive Brand
Nothing is too much trouble when it comes to these guys. Starting an online business can be daunting, so it's really great to know that we can turn to this A+ team. I completely recommend. Keep up the great work DMC!
— Pet Products Retailer
The team are very easy to work with and consistently deliver on what they promise. We know our orders are being handled properly.
— Car Parts Retailer
Our Solution
Returns managed with greater control.
Returns are often overlooked — but they have a direct impact on inventory accuracy, customer experience and operational efficiency.
At DMC, returns are managed with the same level of structure and control as outbound fulfilment, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Get Started
Make returns easier to manage.
Tell us how your returns work today, and we’ll help you create a clearer, more reliable process that protects inventory and keeps operations moving.
