The Challenges of Reverse Logistics and the Cost of Returns

Not Another eComm Podcast

In this episode of "Not Another eComm Podcast," host Ian Kaneshiro welcomes Kevin Lawton, a seasoned professional in the field of distribution and operations management within the warehouse and logistics sector.
Kevin Lawton is the founder of The New Warehouse and has been working in the distribution and logistics industry since 2012 when he began his career as a temp employee in the Inventory department at Simon & Schuster.
Kevin shares the challenges and intricacies of the industry, including the rise of e-commerce, the impact of companies like Amazon, and the growing problem of returns. With insights into the logistics behind getting a package to your doorstep, this episode sheds light on the unsung heroes of the supply chain.
Timestamp
0:00:06 | Introduction to the importance of logistics in online shopping
0:00:33 | Kevin Lawton's background and experience in the warehouse industry
0:01:59 | The inspiration behind starting The New Warehouse podcast
0:03:52 | The expansion of The New Warehouse into a media company and opening their own fulfillment center
0:09:15 | Balancing logistics cost and customer service levels in supply chain management
0:11:14 | The impact of Amazon on consumer expectations for fast delivery
0:11:26 | The challenge for brands to compete with Amazon's logistics capabilities
0:11:56 | Optimizing logistics costs and meeting customer expectations
0:12:08 | Amazon's logistics network and the cost of convenience
0:13:21 | Amazon's brand perception and affordability
0:15:07 | The importance of Amazon as a marketing channel
0:16:12 | The desire for direct website traffic for better margins
0:19:23 | The potential shift from free shipping to customer-paid shipping
0:22:07 | The impact of returns on costs and potential changes in return policies
0:23:09 | The expensive process of reverse logistics and the last mile
0:24:28 | Amazon's solutions for the first mile of reverse logistics
0:25:58 | Kevin explains the inspection process for returned products.
0:29:13 | Ian reflects on the growing problem of returns and its impact on logistics and the environment.
0:31:24 | Kevin mentions the recommerce programs of brands like Patagonia
0:32:06 | The sustainability efforts of some brands in handling returns
0:32:54 | The complexity of logistics and the importance of understanding the supply chain process
0:34:23 | Conclusion and Final Discussions
Connect with our guests:
https://www.thenewwarehouse.com/
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Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iankaneshiro/
Ian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iankaneshiro_
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Full video episodes are always uploaded on YouTube.
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