How Descartes Peoplevox Makes Managing Returns Painless

• Returns are unavoidable, but a purpose-built warehouse management system (WMS) for returns management can reduce the operational burden.
• Descartes Peoplevox streamlines warehouse returns with clear workflows, enhanced visibility, and automated processes.
• Native integrations connect returns platforms directly to your warehouse returns process.

Returns are an unavoidable part of running an ecommerce business. Customers expect flexible returns, and volumes are only increasing. While returns will always exist, the operational strain they place on fulfilment teams does not have to.

Returns management often becomes top of mind after peak season. In the US, the average ecommerce return rate reached 16.9% in 2024. In the UK, rates typically range from 20% to 30%, while in Australia, they can vary from 15% to as high as 40%. When post-peak returns surge, inefficient warehouse returns procedures quickly expose gaps in systems and processes.

One of the most effective ways to simplify returns is by using a best-in-class WMS. Peoplevox is a WMS that gives ecommerce brands the tools they need to process returned inventory accurately and efficiently.

In this article, we explain how using Peoplevox makes managing returns easier, whether it is post-peak or at any other time of year.

1. What Features Does Peoplevox Have That Make Returns Management Easier?
2. What Integrations Does Peoplevox Have That Make Returns Management Easier?
3. Returns Management Should Not Be an Afterthought: Peoplevox Covers All Your Warehouse Workflows
4. WMS For Returns Management FAQs

Peoplevox is built to handle the realities of high-volume ecommerce operations. Its returns features are designed to support a consistent warehouse return process without adding complexity for warehouse teams.

Peoplevox provides configurable workflows that guide warehouse teams through each stage of the warehouse returns process. From receipt through inspection and disposition, every step follows a defined warehouse returns procedure. This ensures consistency, reduces training time, and minimises errors when processing returned inventory.

Returned items are scanned on arrival using barcode-based processes. This creates immediate visibility into what has been received and links each return to the correct order and stock record. Accurate receipting is essential for maintaining inventory integrity and preventing discrepancies between physical stock and system data.

Not all returns are treated the same. Peoplevox allows you to define clear rules for how returned inventory should be handled. Items can be routed back to available stock, flagged for refurbishment, quarantined, or written off. This level of control supports efficient warehouse reverse logistics and creates the foundation for turning returned inventory into profit, rather than treating returns as a pure cost.

As soon as a return is processed, inventory levels update in real time. This ensures sellable stock is made available quickly while unsuitable items are excluded. Real-time updates reduce delays, prevent overselling, and improve confidence in inventory data across the operation.

Returns rarely exist in isolation. They are often initiated through customer-facing platforms that must connect seamlessly with warehouse systems. As returns technology continues to evolve across carriers, platforms, and customer touchpoints, Peoplevox integrates with leading solutions to create a connected warehouse returns process.

The integration with Loop Returns connects customer-initiated returns directly to warehouse workflows. Return data flows into Peoplevox, giving warehouse teams advance visibility of expected returns and reducing manual data entry.

Find out more about the Loops Returns integration.

Swap Commerce supports exchanges and alternative fulfilment options. When connected to Peoplevox, exchange items can be processed efficiently in the warehouse, ensuring accurate handling of warehouse returns while supporting flexible customer experiences.

Find out more about the Swap Commerce integration.

ReturnGO enables branded returns portals and automated return rules. Integration with Peoplevox ensures that approved returns translate into clear inbound tasks, helping teams manage warehouse returns volumes more predictably.

Find out more about the ReturnGO integration.

Refundid focuses on instant refunds and customer trust. When paired with Peoplevox, warehouse confirmation and inspection data supports accurate refund decisions without slowing down the warehouse return process.

Find out more about the Refundid integration.

Returns impact far more than a single department. Poor returns handling can disrupt picking, distort inventory accuracy, and slow outbound fulfilment. A top-rated WMS supports the entire warehouse lifecycle, not just outbound orders.

Peoplevox is designed to optimise warehouse operations end-to-end. In the 25.10.02 release, we introduced robust return merchandise authorisation (RMA) tools, allowing teams to handle post-peak returns volumes faster and with fewer errors. These tools bring structure and visibility to returns without compromising day-to-day fulfilment performance.

You can find out more about Peoplevox’s returns features here.

Watch the video below from our Warehouse Fundamentals Series to learn practical tips for handling returns effectively in the warehouse:

Ready to make returns management painless in your warehouse? Schedule a demo today to discover how the Peoplevox WMS can reduce friction in your returns process.