Return flows make up 10-30% of e-commerce volume and are just as important as outbound. But they are more complex: addresses are never bundled, customers want a time window, and the shipment can arrive damaged. A returns courier that collects one customer at a time is more expensive than it needs to be; a returns courier that bundles can work economically.
Typical use cases
E-commerce return pick-up at the end customer
A webshop customer wants to return an item but cannot get to a parcel point — we collect it from home.
B2B returns between branches/DCs
Stock return run between a store and the central DC.
DOA urgency (Dead On Arrival)
Urgent return of a defective product exchanged for a replacement.
Seasonal return peaks
January sales returns, Christmas returns, fashion returns — daily peak runs.
The process in 4 steps
- Return requestYour end customer requests a return; you book the pick-up with us.
- Agree a time windowWe call the customer for a time window (morning/afternoon) or drive a fixed route.
- Pick-up plus proofThe courier collects the parcel, signs for receipt and photographs it.
- To DC or returns processorSame-day or next day back to your DC or an external returns processor.
Which vehicles do we use?
A medium/large van for bundled return runs (10-20 pick-ups per route). A passenger car for DOA urgencies. A box truck for large pallet returns from B2B clients.
Liability and confidentiality
Transport is carried out under carrier liability. The packaging condition is recorded with a photo at pick-up — any damaged return condition we can report objectively to your merchant team.
Why clients choose us
- Daily service for webshop clients across the Randstad
- Bundled return routes (cost-effective)
- Photo proof of return condition
- Monthly invoice plus CSV export
- Integration with return-request systems
Frequently asked questions
Can you bundle 20+ returns per day?
Yes. For e-commerce clients with daily return volume we build a planned route per district or region. One courier typically handles 15-25 pick-ups in a single route, so the cost per pick-up drops significantly.
Do I get tracking of the return pick-up?
Yes. The customer receives a time-slot message plus a track link that shows the courier live on a map. You receive the pick-up proof and a photo by email.
What if the customer is not at home?
By default one free second attempt on the same or next working day. If there is still no answer: return to your DC, or drop-off at a parcel point for the customer to collect there. Arranged in advance.
Can you document damaged returns?
Yes. At pick-up the courier photographs the parcel from all sides. If it is damaged this is reported separately to your merchant team, which later helps with insurance claims or customer communication.
Do you work with external returns processors?
Yes. For webshops that outsource returns handling to dedicated partners (such as Returnista or Bleckmann) we drive directly to that location. A courier-to-returns-hub route can be scheduled on a fixed basis.
How long does a returns pick-up round take?
For 15-20 pick-ups in the Randstad: around 4-6 hours. For a small round (5 pick-ups) around 2-3 hours. For an urgent DOA (one pick-up plus delivery of a replacement): around 1-2 hours.
What does returns logistics cost?
Around €15-€25 per pick-up depending on route and bundling. For a bundled route of 10-20+ pick-ups: around €8-€15 per pick-up. Monthly invoice with a volume tier. For urgent jobs (DOA, single run): from €55.
Read more or book directly
Last updated: 21 April 2026