Running a warehouse is never simple. Returns come in every day, but what happens with them is not always clear. Communication gets tricky between departments and even more so when third parties like 3PLs or service centers are involved. What should be a smooth process often turns into confusion, delays, and frustrated customers.
That’s exactly why we built the Warehouse Module - one of our biggest product releases to date. With this feature you can build specific automatic workflows, remove bottlenecks and have better communication between departments and third parties such as 3PLs and service centres.
In this post, we’ve listed 10 warehouse challenges that the Warehouse Module solves - challenges we know many brands and retailers face every single day.
10 Warehouse Challenges and how to solve them
1. Handling return-to-sender packages
When a customer doesn't pick up their order and it's sent back, the warehouse will receive a package with no ticket created on it. With the Warehouse Module, in these cases the warehouse can scan returned package which will create a ticket on Claimlane without any extra work. This ensures no confusion, no manual workarounds, and a smooth flow.
2. Smoother communication with 3PLs
Handovers to third parties are often messy. They’re usually manual and involve different processes. The Warehouse Module solves this: third parties like 3PLs can scan and grade arrived items via a secure Claimlane link, triggering actions like refunds automatically in your system - no manual work needed.
3. Notifying customers when returns arrive
Customers want to know when their return is received. With the Warehouse Module, you can automatically notify them as soon as it arrives or is moved around - whether at your warehouse, a 3PL, or a service centre.
4. Routing edge cases to Customer Service
Some returned items require special attention and should not be handled solely by warehouse staff. With the new workflow, warehouse teams can escalate these cases directly to Customer Service, including notes and photos, ensuring agents have all the information needed to resolve the ticket efficiently and deliver exceptional customer service.
5. Restocking non-damaged returns
Too often, good products get stuck on shelves as there is no grading done to them instead of going back to stock. With the Warehouse Module, staff can quickly grade non-damaged items for restock and keep inventory accurate and sellable.
6. Automated escalation for high-value items
High-value or paid-service return items often require extra care and prioritization. With the Warehouse Module, these tickets can be automatically flagged and routed to Customer Service, ensuring your team focuses on what matters most.
7. Warehouse and Customer Service communication
Miscommunication slows everything down. The Warehouse Module allows warehouse employees to leave internal notes and photos for the customer service team.
8. Communication with Repair Centres
Returns that needs a repair can easily fall into a black hole. With the Warehouse Module, you can run automatic workflows from the repair centre, such as updating ticket statutes and notifying customers.
9. Bulk processing of similar cases
Processing returns one by one wastes time. The Warehouse Module lets staff handle similar cases in bulk, scan and grade multiple items at once, and save hours every week.
10. Reducing manual data entry
Manual updates waste time and cause errors. The Warehouse Module syncs warehouse actions directly with Claimlane so data is always correct and up to date.
This is just some of the use cases for our Warehouse Module. Perhaps you're already thinking of new ones for your business.
If you're interested in hearing how you can process your returns much more efficiently, then reach out today.
