What is Reverse Logistics? | Lojistic [ ](https://www.lojistic.com)- Why Lojistic - [ All Inclusive. Zero Cost. Every Lojistic solution. No limits. No fees. ](https://www.lojistic.com/pricing) - [ All Modes. All Carriers. All Currencies. 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Zero Cost. Every Lojistic solution. No limits. No fees. ](https://www.lojistic.com/pricing) - [ All Modes. All Carriers. All Currencies. Parcel, LTL, truckload, ocean, rail, air freight. ](https://www.lojistic.com/carrier-connectors) - [ Industries Served Retail, eCommerce, 3PL, manufacturing, and more. ](https://www.lojistic.com/industries-served) - [ Roles Most Impacted & How Supply chain & logistics, procurement, finance leaders. ](https://www.lojistic.com/roles-most-impacted) - [ Use Cases How Lojistic helps manage and reduce shipping costs. ](https://www.lojistic.com/use-cases) - Platform Features - [ Global Analytics & Reporting Predictive analytics and scenario modeling for all carriers globally. ](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-analytics-software) - [ Rate Optimization & RFPs Tech-powered data prep, strategy, and rate impact analyses. ](https://www.lojistic.com/rate-optimization-rfps) - [ Parcel and Freight Audit & Payment *+PAY* Carrier refunds and payments automated and made simple. ](https://www.lojistic.com/freight-audit-and-payment) - [ GL Coding & ERP Sync Automatically code shipping costs down to the order level ](https://www.lojistic.com/gl-coding-erp-sync) - [ Lojistic API & App Integrations Easily integrate normalized shipping data to your business systems. ](https://www.lojistic.com/api-app-integrations) - [Pricing](https://www.lojistic.com/pricing) - [About](https://www.lojistic.com/about) - [Company](https://www.lojistic.com/company) - [Culture](https://www.lojistic.com/culture) - [Careers](https://www.lojistic.com/careers) - [Partner Programs](https://www.lojistic.com/partner-programs) - [Security](https://www.lojistic.com/security) - [Media](https://www.lojistic.com/media) - [Ratings & Review](https://www.lojistic.com/reviews) - [Videos](https://www.lojistic.com/videos) - [Blog](https://www.lojistic.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.lojistic.com/contact) [Create Free Account](https://app.lojistic.com/demo/connect-carrier?activeStep=create-account&trackDemo=false) [View Demo](https://app.lojistic.com/demo) [ Log In](https://app.lojistic.com/demo/account/login?trackDemo=false) What is Reverse Logistics? ========================== ![Icon denoting blog author information in Lojistic’s content layout](/images/pages/blog/icon-author.svg)Rich Harkey ![Calendar icon used to display blog post dates on Lojistic’s website](/images/pages/blog/icon-calendar.svg)November 30, 2013 It’s a very common question these days: What is reverse logistics? In many different industries, reverse logistics is becoming more and more important to building brand loyalty and safeguarding the bottom line. Reverse logistic operations can be complex, but they are truly worthwhile to those enterprises who engage in them in an appropriately methodical way. But what is reverse logistics, really, and how can you benefit from reverse logistic plans? **Reverse Logistics is About the Aftermarket** Ordinary logistics focuses on everything that happens prior to the sale and then between the sale and the point at which the customer has the product in hand. Your product, whatever it is, must be manufactured and then warehoused in preparation for final shipment, or must be distributed throughout a variety of retail channels or other businesses for position in front of the consumer. On the other hand, the name “reverse” logistics gives us a hint about what this is all really about. It focuses on aftermarket activities: All of the potential logistical needs that your customer could have once they have had your product in their possession for some time. If you are in a high tech field, then one of these potential “needs” probably springs to mind without any effort at all. **When the Logistics “Stream” Runs in Reverse** One of the most common uses for this kind of logistical strategy is when your product has to be sent back to its point of origin in order to be serviced. This happens on a regular basis with electronic and electrical goods. While there are usually many different sources to repair a computer, for example, many appliances can only be effectively repaired by the manufacturer. Another potential form of this sort of logistics has to do when materials need to be recycled or disposed of. The ability to reverse the direction of the logistics cycle is one reason that “ink cartridge recycling” has become so popular lately. Customers are able to have their ink cartridges refilled at a logistical cost far lower than the cost of actually buying a new ink cartridge. **More Logistical Challenges and Opportunities** Unfortunately, most enterprises are not necessarily in a position to use all the same channels for reversing their logistics that they use for the original logistical process. This area of logistics has a tendency to contribute relatively little volume to your logistics contracts, so your established network of providers might not be willing to assist you with this kind of “unusual” need. One way to make things easier and far less expensive is to adopt reverse logistics software. Effective reverse logistics software can help take the guess work out of reversing your usual operations. Helping your nationwide team to enjoy a higher level of visibility when your items are in transit will make things simpler for your customers and will reduce exceptions for you. **More About Logistics From Source Consulting and Around the Web** - [Accessibility Drives Poland’s Growing Logistics Need](http://www.property-magazine.eu/rising-accessibility-is-a-key-driver-of-increasing-demand-for-logistics-space-in-wroc-aw-region-24378.html) ![Rich Harkey Headshot](https://www.lojistic.com/assets/public/users/rich.png) Author Rich Harkey Rich Harkey Senior Strategy Manager Rich Harkey is a results-driven professional with extensive experience in the logistics and supply chain industry. As the Senior Strategy Manager at Lojistic, Rich leverages over three decades of expertise to help businesses improve their shipping strategies and reduce costs. With a deep understanding of the requirements of shippers and the operational intricacies of carriers, he excels in everything from optimizing business rules and managing carrier invoices to negotiating carrier contracts. Rich's comprehensive knowledge of the logistics industry, combined with his strategic insights and passion for data analysis, has enabled thousands of companies to gain visibility into their shipping expenses, driving impactful results. [« Previous Post](/blog/fedex-2014-rate-hikes) [Next Post »](/blog/2014-general-price-increase-ups-and-fedex) **Lojistic Blog** [Recent Posts](https://www.lojistic.com/blog) | [Categories](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/categories) Why Lojistic ---------------- - [All-Inclusive. Zero Cost. ](https://www.lojistic.com/pricing) - [All Modes. All Carriers. 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