ReturnBear Talks Smarter, More Sustainable E-Commerce Returns at Manifest 2025

ReturnBear Unveils Smarter, More Sustainable E-Commerce Returns at Manifest 2025

At Manifest 2025, the premier global supply chain and logistics conference, industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of e-commerce logistics. Among them, Katherine Lehman, CMO of ReturnBear, sat down with Racklify to address one of the industry's biggest challenges—returns.

The Growing Challenge of E-Commerce Returns

Returns have become a significant pain point for e-commerce sellers, especially with changing consumer habits. The rise of fast fashion and mass online purchasing trends, driven by platforms like Shein and Temu, has led to a surge in return volumes. Customers often buy multiple sizes and colors, keeping only what fits and returning the rest. This practice has created a costly and complex logistics problem for online retailers.

“If it’s expensive to get a product to the customer, it’s even more expensive to send it back,” said Lehman.

She highlighted the environmental impact and financial burden that returns place on businesses, particularly those operating cross-border.

How ReturnBear is Revolutionizing the Returns Process

ReturnBear is tackling these issues head-on by offering a fully integrated returns solution, covering everything from returns software to logistics. Their step-by-step return management system helps e-commerce brands reduce costs and improve efficiency:

1. Return Portal and Policy Automation – Customers initiate returns through a branded portal, ensuring a seamless process.
2. Convenient Drop-off and Mail-in Options – Label-free, package-free returns at designated locations provide a frictionless experience.
3. Return Verification and Refund Issuance – Returns are inspected in real time, helping brands prevent fraud and expedite refunds.
4. Return Processing and Consolidation – Items are graded and refurbished, optimizing resale potential.
5. Cross-Border Returns Management – ReturnBear’s expertise in cross-border logistics helps brands avoid excessive duties and fees.

For brands selling internationally, ReturnBear offers a localized return experience while reducing logistics costs by up to 50%. Their drop-off network in Canada and the U.S. streamlines returns, ensuring faster refunds and increased customer satisfaction.

The High Cost of Cross-Border Returns

One of the most pressing topics discussed was the burden of cross-border returns. When items are shipped internationally, sellers often face high tariffs, taxes, and multiple shipping fees. Lehman emphasized the challenges:

“Every time a package crosses the border, it gets hit with duties and fees. For retailers, that means triple or quadruple costs if a product is sent back and forth multiple times.”

ReturnBear helps merchants cut costs and complexity by offering local mailing labels, bulk return shipments, and fraud prevention measures. This ensures brands can maintain profit margins while improving their customers’ return experiences.

Sustainable and Profitable Returns

With sustainability at the forefront of the conversation, ReturnBear is pioneering an eco-friendly approach to returns.

“Instead of shipping returns back to warehouses, we enable micro forward fulfillment, meaning products can go directly to the next customer without unnecessary transportation,” Lehman explained.

This innovation not only reduces carbon footprints but also ensures inventory remains sellable within peak seasons.

Finding the Right Return Solution

For brands struggling with high return costs, ReturnBear offers tailored solutions for both domestic and international returns.

• For international brands, ReturnBear helps eliminate expensive cross-border fees with localized processing.

• For domestic brands, ReturnBear provides cost-saving measures like package-free drop-offs and optimized logistics hubs.

• For marketplace sellers, ReturnBear integrates returns across multiple sales channels, including Walmart, Amazon, and The Bay Marketplace.

Final Thoughts

With returns expected to grow as e-commerce continues expanding, solutions like ReturnBear are essential for merchants aiming to streamline operations, cut costs, and reduce environmental impact.

For brands interested in optimizing their return processes, visit ReturnBear to learn more about their end-to-end return solutions.