What happens to a returned garment in our Sydney warehouse: the four steps, the time and the cost
A returned piece of clothing only becomes sales again if someone receives it, matches it, decides what to do with it and puts it back on the shelf. Here is how that works in ShopRest's Sydney warehouse, how long it takes, what we charge brands in AUD, and the one habit that saves the most time and money.
Why do returns matter so much for apparel brands?
Clothing is returned more often than most product categories, mainly for size and fit. A returned garment is still inventory: if it is back on the shelf quickly and in sellable condition, it can be sold again at full price. If it sits in a corner for weeks, it can miss its season. This note describes how returns are handled in ShopRest's Sydney warehouse and the prices we charge brands, as of 25 October 2026.
What happens to a returned garment, step by step?
There are four steps. First, the warehouse receives the parcel and scans its tracking number. Second, the parcel is matched to a return the brand has pre-advised, or recorded as an unexpected return, or logged as a failed delivery. Third, each piece is handled by the brand's instruction for that return: put straight back into stock, inspected and then put away, photographed and held for a decision, or destroyed. Fourth, the return is closed once the last piece has been put away, held or destroyed, and sellable pieces go back into available stock.
How long does it take to get back on the shelf?
A return that only needs direct putaway is typically back on the shelf one working day after the warehouse receives it. Returns that arrive with no advice, or pieces held for inspection, photos or a decision, take longer, because they wait for the brand to say what to do.
Which pieces can be sold as new?
Pieces in good condition with the original barcode intact are put straight back into sellable stock and sold as new. Pieces with wear, stains, missing labels or odour are kept as unsellable stock or destroyed, depending on the brand's instruction. The decision is made at the first touch, so clear rules from the brand keep good stock moving.
What does returns handling cost in Sydney?
Direct putaway is charged per piece by actual weight: AUD 2.82 per piece up to 0.5 kg, and AUD 3.08 per piece from 0.5 kg to 2 kg. A return that arrives with no advice carries an extra handling fee of AUD 3.80 per order; a pre-advised return does not. Photos, inspection, relabelling, repacking, storage of unclaimed goods and destruction are charged separately, and return postage is charged separately per parcel.
Why not send returns back to China?
Shipping a returned garment from an Australian customer back to China costs more than the garment is often worth, and it takes weeks. Handling it in Sydney means the piece can be resold to the next Australian customer within days. Brands that ship China-direct can still keep a small stock in Sydney so that returns have somewhere to go.
How can a brand make returns cheaper and faster?
Two habits make the biggest difference. Pre-advise returns, for example by sending us the order number and tracking number when a customer asks to return, so the warehouse can match the parcel immediately and the unexpected-return fee does not apply. And give standing instructions by condition, such as "barcode intact: put away; any wear: hold and photograph", so pieces are not waiting for a decision.
What about returns in other markets?
Returns can also come back to ShopRest's UK warehouse instead of travelling back to China, and inspection for apparel and shoe returns is available at the German warehouse. Prices and handling times differ by warehouse and are confirmed on the formal quote.