RLMT 301 WEEK 1 STUDY GUIDE
VERIFIED TO PASS 2026
W1: Supply Chain and Reverse Logistics Overview
In preparation for this discussion, you should try to explore the
Program Guide to find additional resources about reverse logistics.
Watch this video and then come up with your own definition of
reverse logistics.
Link to ERL video.
1. What is your definition of Reverse Logistics?
2. What are the significant problems and issues with Reverse Logistics?
My definition of reverse logistics would be the process of collecting and rerouting goods from
the customer back to the vendor or manufacturer that usually occurs after a sale. If a product is
returned because it is defective or has improper fit or function, the customer would return the
product to the retailer. Then the manufacturer would not only have to organize shipping of the
returned product, but also orchestrate the testing, dismantling, repairing, recycling, and or
disposing of the product (GlobalTranz Resources, 2021). With many businesses offering free
returns, consumers have less reservations about blindly buying products without absolute
certainty that the items will completely fit their needs.
Some of the problems with reverse logistics are products not being returned to one central
location. This is when you have goods that are ordered online from a retailer and customers have
the option to either return in store or ship back to the vendor. This mismatch drives up shipping
costs for the retailer especially those that offer free returns and also creates a need for additional
employees to handle the multi-directional flow products between retail facilities and receiving
warehouses. I think efficiency in the repair process is another problem with the reverse logistics
process. Systems have to be developed that route products to different locations. Separating the
returned products that can be resold from those that are damaged, worn or inoperable can bog
down the flow of merchandise.
GlobalTranz Resources. (2021). What is reverse logistics and how is it different than traditional
logistics? What is Reverse Logistics and How Is It Different than Traditional Logistics?
Retrieved October 9, 2021, from https://www.globaltranz.com/what-is-reverse-
logistics/.
VERIFIED TO PASS 2026
W1: Supply Chain and Reverse Logistics Overview
In preparation for this discussion, you should try to explore the
Program Guide to find additional resources about reverse logistics.
Watch this video and then come up with your own definition of
reverse logistics.
Link to ERL video.
1. What is your definition of Reverse Logistics?
2. What are the significant problems and issues with Reverse Logistics?
My definition of reverse logistics would be the process of collecting and rerouting goods from
the customer back to the vendor or manufacturer that usually occurs after a sale. If a product is
returned because it is defective or has improper fit or function, the customer would return the
product to the retailer. Then the manufacturer would not only have to organize shipping of the
returned product, but also orchestrate the testing, dismantling, repairing, recycling, and or
disposing of the product (GlobalTranz Resources, 2021). With many businesses offering free
returns, consumers have less reservations about blindly buying products without absolute
certainty that the items will completely fit their needs.
Some of the problems with reverse logistics are products not being returned to one central
location. This is when you have goods that are ordered online from a retailer and customers have
the option to either return in store or ship back to the vendor. This mismatch drives up shipping
costs for the retailer especially those that offer free returns and also creates a need for additional
employees to handle the multi-directional flow products between retail facilities and receiving
warehouses. I think efficiency in the repair process is another problem with the reverse logistics
process. Systems have to be developed that route products to different locations. Separating the
returned products that can be resold from those that are damaged, worn or inoperable can bog
down the flow of merchandise.
GlobalTranz Resources. (2021). What is reverse logistics and how is it different than traditional
logistics? What is Reverse Logistics and How Is It Different than Traditional Logistics?
Retrieved October 9, 2021, from https://www.globaltranz.com/what-is-reverse-
logistics/.
