# What is a return? A return occurs when a parcel that was shipped to an end customer comes back to the Linkolis warehouse. Linkolis handles two types of returns. *** ### Types of returns #### Carrier return A carrier return happens when the carrier was unable to deliver the parcel to the end customer — for example after multiple failed delivery attempts, an incorrect address, or a refusal at the door. In this case no return label needs to be created. The carrier sends the parcel back to the Linkolis warehouse automatically. Once received, the items are inspected and reintegrated into your available stock. {% hint style="warning" %} Parcels refused by the recipient or returned due to an incorrect delivery address may incur an additional carrier surcharge. This cost is charged by the carrier and passed on to your account. {% endhint %} From the moment a carrier return is registered in Linkolis, the order status automatically updates to **Return to Sender**. #### Consumer return A consumer return happens when the end customer actively decides to return a product. In this case a return label is required. The label can be downloaded from the **···** menu on any order (see Download the return label). {% hint style="info" %} **One return label per order.** If you click **Download the return label** again on the same order, the same label is downloaded — no new label is created and no additional return shipment is generated. {% endhint %} *** ### How returns are processed at the warehouse Regardless of the return type, when a parcel arrives at the Linkolis warehouse the following process takes place: 1. **The return is created** in your Returns list with the status **Created** and linked to the original order reference with the suffix `-R` (e.g. `MDYE455-R`). 2. **The parcel is received** — the Receipt date is updated and the status moves to **Delivered**. 3. **Quality control is performed** by the Linkolis team. Each returned item is individually inspected and classified: | Item status | Meaning | | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Quality control required** | The item has been received but not yet inspected by the warehouse team | | **Stored** | The item passed quality control and is in as-new condition — it has been reintegrated into your available stock | | **Damaged** | The item shows visible damage and is set aside — it is not reintegrated into stock | | **Exception** | An issue was identified during inspection that requires attention | | **Not received** | The returned parcel did not contain this item | | **Not recognized** | The returned parcel contained an item that could not be matched to any product in your catalogue | Your inventory is updated — items classified as **Stored** are automatically added back to your available stock. *** ### Customer returns inspection You can enable a detailed inspection service so that for every returned product, the Linkolis team provides the condition of the item and photos of the returned product available for download. This allows you to quickly assess the status of your returns and make informed decisions regarding refunds, exchanges, or restocking. To enable this service, go to your account settings → **Return** → **Options** → toggle **Enable customer returns inspection**. *** ### Return address configuration You can configure where consumer returns are sent from your account settings → **Return**. #### Recipient returns address This is the destination address printed on your return labels generated by Linkolis. You have two options: * **Use the Linkolis warehouse address** — check **Use the Linkolis warehouse address for your return recipients** to have all consumer returns routed directly to the Linkolis warehouse. This option is available to all clients regardless of their country. It enables efficient return management: new items are automatically reintegrated into your available stock, and each returned product goes through a quality control process. Damaged or opened items are not reintegrated into available stock — they are recorded in your **Damaged stock** in the Inventory section. You can recover them at any time by creating an outbound shipment, which allows you to receive your returns grouped in a single delivery. * **Use your own address** — enter a custom recipient address. Returns can be shipped back to your address in the following countries only: **France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg**. #### Shipper returns address This is the address used to return products received at the warehouse that are not stocked by Linkolis. Enter your organisation name and address in this section. *** ### Refund status Each return displays a **Refund** indicator to help you manage your return and reimbursement cases. You can update it manually to track the status of each return: | Refund status | Meaning | | ------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | | **Waiting** | The return has not yet been processed | | **Processed** | The return has been handled — refund or decision made | This is a simple indicator for your own internal tracking. Refund decisions are managed outside of Linkolis, directly through your marketplace or your own customer service process. *** ### Return portal Linkolis offers an optional **Return Portal** that allows your end customers to initiate return requests themselves — directly from your website — without having to contact you first. This simplifies the return process for your customers and automatically feeds return data into your **Returns Statistics Dashboard**, giving you visibility into return rates, return reasons, and product quality trends. To enable the Return Portal, go to your account settings → **Return** → **Options** → toggle **Enable Return Portal**. Once activated, you can configure the available refund methods and return reasons. Return statistics are then accessible from the **Returns Statistics Dashboard**. For full configuration details, see [Returns portal](/returns/returns-portal.md). For analytics, see [Returns Statistics Dashboard](/dashboard/returns-statistics-dashboard.md). --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.linkolis.com/returns/what-is-a-return.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. 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