Returns Online and Dealtree launch partnership for online auctions

Returns logistics provider Returns Online and online auction management service provider Dealtree Corp. have partnered in a new offering that provides an end-to-end solution for retailers looking to liquidate returned merchandise on the web.

The partnership, which replaces Returns Online’s earlier relationship with online auction services provider Channel Advisor, provides an integrated solution that covers physical logistics and technology to launch and manage merchandise offerings in online marketplaces such as eBay and eBay stores, Amazon auctions, and others. The companies say the combined offering of technology plus physical processing and fulfillment will allow retailers to efficiently dispose of returns in the secondary markets online, which will free merchants to focus on their own core competencies.

Returns Online brings to the agreement return authorization, including an automated online return authorization on the front end, and it physically receives, inspects and processes the returned merchandise in its returns center. Dealtree contributes online auction management services, which include online customer service, as well as launching and tracking the auctions online. The integrated offering also will handle b2b auctions at the larger exchanges.

The partnership reflects similar relationships formed between reverse logistics providers and technology companies to provide outsourced, soup-to-nuts disposition of returned goods in online markets. Among them, reverse logistics provider Genco Distribution System has recently partnered with online auction management company Slingshot Solutions.