Handling Inter-Store Returns and Inventory Restocking
To ensure consistency between the physical location of returned goods and the system inventory in inter-store return scenarios, the POS app provides a flexible mechanism for inventory processing during the return flow. You can use the Restock option to accurately control whether the returned product's inventory is added to the store currently processing the return.
In this article, you will learn how to perform inter-store return operations in the POS app, specifically how to use the Restock and Inbound Location options to ensure the returned product's inventory is accurately placed back into the store currently processing the return.
How to Restock Returned Items to the Correct Store Location
Whether it is a same-store return or an inter-store return, you can manage the returned product's inventory using the following steps:
Step 1: Entering the Return Process
On the POS screen, expand the left menu and tap on Order.
On the Order page, switch the order source to All orders. Locate the order that needs to be returned, and then tap on Return.
Tap on Next step in the pop-up to start the return process.
Step 2: Processing Returned Product Information
On the Return products page, select the product(s) to be returned and their quantity, and tap on x selected, return now at the bottom of the screen.
Select the Refund method. You can choose from Refund to original method, Credit refund, or Manual refund.
In the Summary section, ensure the Restock option is enabled, and select the Inbound location (by default, the inbound location is your current operating store). Then, tap on Refund [amount] at the bottom of the screen.
Important: If you select Credit refund as the refund method, the order status will not be updated to “Refunded” after the transaction is completed.
In order to have the order status reflect a completed refund, select Refund to original method or Manual refund instead.Tap on Complete to finalize the refund process..
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the default setting for the Restock option?
The option is enabled by default. This is to ensure that in most return scenarios, the product inventory is automatically added to the current operating store, achieving automatic alignment between physical stock and system inventory.
Q2: What is the purpose of the Restock option during a same-store return?
When handling a return at the original purchase location, enabling this option adds the returned product back into the current store's available inventory. If you disable the option, the item is not added back to your stock count.
Q3: What if I forget to check (or uncheck) the option during an inter-store return?
A3: Once the return transaction is completed, the inventory status is fixed. If the system inventory does not match the physical location of the goods, you may need to manually create an inventory transfer order to adjust the stock to the correct store to ensure inventory accuracy. Therefore, please be sure to carefully verify the Restock option during the return operation.
Q4: Why doesn’t the order status show “Refunded” after I process a Credit refund?
A4: This is expected behavior. When Credit refund is selected as the refund method, the order status is not updated to “Refunded” after the transaction is completed. If you need the order status to reflect a completed refund, use Refund to original method or Manual refund instead.