No RMA – What to Do – Step by Step Guide
Consumers must get familiar with Return Merchandise/Material Authorization or RMA. It is a numbered authorization that a consumer receives from an e-commerce merchant or by mail order which permits the return of a product. If a consumer fails to return the product with an RMA, the merchant or seller has the right to refuse the return or charge the consumer a restocking fee. Thus, consumers interested in returning their purchase must consider getting an RMA and sending it accordingly to ensure they can enjoy all the benefits of the return policy. Now, the question comes – what will happen if there is No RMA?
As applying for an RMA is considered the first step of initiating the return process for a purchased product, a consumer is bound to face many difficulties in case this identification number is not provided. Everything a consumer needs to know about the issue of no Return Merchandise/Material Authorization is discussed next. So, to learn more on this topic, do keep on reading.
No RMA Problem
A consumer might be in need of returning a purchased product for several reasons, like damages, defects, or incorrect orders. So, in case of the absence of an RMA like this one, things can go sour quite quickly for the consumer.
Firstly, a consumer will not be able to return the product. Even if a consumer can return it without an RMA, it will be under limited conditions or considered invalid. If a product is not returned under an established RMA process, a consumer will not be able to enjoy the terms of the return policy. So, in case of no RMA, a consumer may not be allowed to exchange the returned product with a new product or not receive any refund for the return (depending on the return policy). Besides, a consumer will not get any response from the merchant about the return request as RMA is required to establish successful communication with the seller about the return.
If a consumer lost their mail-ordered RMA and forwards a return without it, the consumer will have to pay for restocking fees or return shipping to ensure the return policy benefits remain valid. Restocking fees and return shipping expenses can be expensive and can drastically reduce the refund amount/limit.
What to do if there is no RMA – 4 Step Checklist
If a consumer is unable to get RMA, here is what such a consumer can do:
1. Check the return policy
The return policy holds all the necessary information. Hence, a consumer should consider checking the return policy to find a solution. Usually, what a consumer should do or how a product can be returned in case of no RMA is mentioned in detail in the return policy of all reputed sellers.
2. Contact the seller
A consumer should consider contacting the merchant or retailer directly and explaining the issue at hand. Usually, the customer care department handles this issue and provides the consumer with one or an alternative solution to this problem.
3. Contact the manufacturer
A consumer can get in touch with the manufacturer in such a case if the product is under a warranty. They can provide the RMA or an alternative solution.
4. Contact the credit card company or payment processor
A consumer can seek assistance from their payment processor or credit card company when the merchant is not cooperating to the consumer’s satisfaction. They can help to dispute the charge or obtain a refund effectively in many cases.
RMA Benefits
To manage product returns from consumers, most retailers follow a standardized RMA process. A proper RMA process comes with multiple benefits for both the merchant and the consumer including a reduction in customer frustration and a smooth product return procedure. Here are some ways in which the process is designed to help handle returns:
Minimize or eliminate product return-related issues
As the RMA process provides a standardized procedure, every return is processed the same way, regardless of the reason for the return or the product being returned. So, the process can reduce product return-related problems for both seller and consumer.
Proper guidance for a quick outcome
A consumer is guided accordingly via the RMA process as it provides information on the required/right conditions to return the product. Consumers are provided with valuable information, such as where to ship the product, how to package the product and more via this process.
Improves the overall system
Both businesses and consumers can track the number of returns for a particular product. So, the process can streamline the return promptly and effectively. Besides, the process can also help retailers identify any issues or trends that may be affecting sales. A business can pinpoint the pattern of returns of a certain product and that will help the business to understand any recurring issues with that particular product.
The 6 Steps of The RMA Process
The RMA process is sometimes used by businesses to make important decisions regarding product design, inventory levels, and more. It allows businesses to manage their inventory effectively. The process is designed to keep the consumers updated on the status of the return and refund/replacement and this improves customer satisfaction and increases brand loyalty as well. The main components of an RMA process are discussed next for all consumers:
1. Requesting
To initiate the RMA process, a consumer needs to request the return of a product by contacting the seller and filling up the return authorization form. Consumers have to provide information about the purchase made and the reason for returning clearly. The consumer should request an RMA within the fixed timeline for a return (information is available in the return policy).
2. Authorization
Next, the business will review the request and determine if the product is eligible for the return and the return benefits. Accordingly, information/instructions will be provided to the consumer. Once the RMA is provided, the consumer is authorized to return the product accordingly.
3. Labeling and Packaging
Generally, retailers will provide consumers with a shipping label or other documentation. Consumers are required to pack the product for return in pristine condition as per the packaging instruction provided by the merchant. Following the instruction for labeling and packaging is a must to ensure the return gets accepted and the benefits are received timely.
4. Shipping
Most sellers provide free shipping. A consumer needs to follow the shipping instruction provided by the merchant to ensure there are no issues and the package is delivered to the right destination.
5. Inspection Process
A consumer has to wait for the seller to inspect the shipped/returned product. When the seller approves the return, the consumer will become eligible for the return benefits which can be either a replacement or exchange of product or a refund.
6. Refund or Replacement/Exchange
The refund or replacement process will initiate as soon as the returned product gets approved by the seller. The timeline will depend on the payment method and other factors.
Example of an RMA Used to Process a Return
The main components of an RMA process have been described above. However, consumers may still find it difficult to understand. Hence, here is another explanation of the process with an example for better understanding:
Suppose Consumer A purchases a glass vase from Seller 1. Upon receiving the order, Consumer A discovered there is a crack in the vase delivered. Consumer A immediately checked the return policy and requested an RMA according to the instruction provided.
To properly request an RMA, Consumer A contacted the seller’s customer service care and explained the situation. Consumer A was instructed to fill up the return authorization form and wait for the RMA.
Once the RMA was provided along with a shipping label, Consumer A followed the provided instructions to pack the vase and ship it to the provided address accordingly.
After the product reached the seller, it was inspected and consequently approved for return. Consumer A was notified by the merchant via email. The refund process was initiated as soon as the returned product was approved. Consumer A waited for 3 business days, and the refund was provided.
Consumer A used the refund received to purchase the same vase again.
RMA is indeed designed to ease the return process for both sellers and consumers. A consumer will face a lot of problems in case of no RMA. However, all reputed sellers have provided information on the return policy to help consumers in such a situation. Consumers have many ways to fix the issue of No RMA effectively and quickly.
