November 2007
RLA Newsletter — Issue 40
Editor: Chris Morrow

RLA Newsletter

Featured Article

How to Process, Measure and Achieve the Highest Profit for Your Reverse Logistics Inventory

by Paul Rupnow

If your CEO asks you how your Reverse Logistics team is performing with the disposition of your returned goods, what do you say? The answer is not always so easy, but ideally you should say: "We recover the highest profit possible on each item returned by:

  • processing each returned item as quickly as possible
  • for the least cost possible, and
  • selling each item for the highest price possible."

The old saying "Time is money" is especially true for Reverse Logistics inventory. In this article we will explore some Best Practices for handling Reverse Logistics inventory, your processing goals, the impact of time, the high cost of price erosion due to time and some ways to measure and monitor your processing performance to ensure time is not costing you money. Full Article

New RLA Member Companies

Dell, ExpressPoint Technology Services and SPlus Technologies became Gold Level RLA Members recently. Intechra, AssetGenie, TechTurn, WeRecycle!, Gati Limited, Touchstone Wireless, Geodis and Charter AMG each joined or renewed their Silver Level Membership.

RLA Members can display the RLA Membership Logo on their website. Membership provides passes to RLA events and access to RL Quote and conference presentations. Go online for a complete list of Membership Benefits.

RLA Columbus, OH Seminar — November 13, 2007

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Airport
Exploring the Process of Retail Returns

Come hear from speakers representing Sony Ericsson, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell.

GENCO is sponsoring the Facility Tour of a Service Parts and Warranty Returns Center. There will be time to visit with current and new business associates at the Roundtable Discussions during lunch. A panel discussion featuring the speakers and other reverse logistics professionals is sure to be informative as well. This full day seminar begins with a continental breakfast and ends with an evening reception starting at 5:30pm.

We hope you will join us in Exploring the Process of Retail Returns at this seminar in Columbus, Ohio.

Register now to secure your spot. Overnight guests may contact Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Airport directly for availability and rates.

On The Move in Reverse Logistics

Bill Hook recently joined UPS as Vice President of Healthcare Logistics. In his new role, Hook will direct a team that ties together for healthcare customers small package and heavy freight transportation services along with 3rd party logistics, distribution and a network of regulatory-compliant and controlled environment facilities.

Clay Valstad, former Vice President of Reverse Logistics and Specialty Distribution for Sears Holdings Corporation, recently joined GENCO as vice president of Process Improvement and International Business Development. Clay is responsible for working with all of GENCO's reverse logistics facilities to improve productivity through the use of improved processes, systems, equipment and technology.

Redemtech, a leading provider of Technology Change Management (TCM) and IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) services, recently announced it has hired Jim Mejia as Vice President of Environmental Affairs to lead its Environmental Advisory Practice.

Click Commerce, Inc., a leading provider of on-demand supply chain management and aftermarket service solutions, recently announced that Eric Meerschaert has been appointed President of the company.

Iain Beveridge formerly Operations Director at iForce has founded Beveridge Associates Limited, specialist consultants in retail returns, retail e-fulfilment, and delivery management through parcels.

TechTurn, a trusted leader in technology recovery, refurbishing and resale, recently announced that David Wright has joined the executive team as VP of Product Sales and E-Commerce. Wright will be responsible for expanding and maintaining channel development to optimize and diversify TechTurn's product availability.

RL Quote

RL Quote - Four Key Procurement Advantages for OEMs

RL Quote provides OEMs, ODMs and Retailers a way to connect with 3PSPs. With RL Quote a retailer or manufacturer can send out RFIs anonymously to our worldwide database of service providers, screen through the 3PSP responses and narrow down the prospects.

Using RL Quote is simply a better way to source for Reverse Logistics Services, here are four reasons why...

  • FREE Industry Expertise
  • Anonymity
  • Wider Selection
  • New Technologies

For more details, click here.

Industry Insight

How to Avoid the Risks of Donating Used Computers (and Still Enjoy the Rewards)

by Jeff Zeigler

Many companies have a desire to donate old computers to schools or charities in an effort to help close the "digital divide" while freeing up valuable storage space, keeping e-waste out of landfills, and earning a tax deduction. Unfortunately, serious risks and pitfalls are associated with donating used computer systems directly to charities or nonprofits. More Info

RLA Austin Seminar a Great Success!

The RLA Seminar held in Austin, Texas on October 17th focused on Parts Harvesting and Recycling.

Presenters included Dell, 3M Corporation, ClearOrbit, Supply-Chain Services (SSI), and RoShar Associated LLC. There were over 30 companies represented during this all day seminar. Executives from all over the U.S. enjoyed networking and solidifying new business contacts. Babar Afridi, Senior Manufacturing Engineer, at TiVo Inc stated, "I was able to make meaningful connections and get to know some people whom we are now working with."

"The facility tour was at Electronics Recycling & Trading. Gary Bothmann, VP Supply Chain Solutions for ERT said, "Hosting the facility tour was extremely beneficial. We were able to present our company identity, philosophy, and our solutions which gave us the opportunity to close new business. If you are involved in any part of reverse logistics, you need to attend at least one of these seminars each year. The atmosphere is intimate, your questions and concerns can be addressed, and you have the opportunity to come away with solutions."

RLA Conference & Expo - Las Vegas 2008

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
February 4-6, 2008

Over 100 Exhibitors —1500 RL Professionals Attending! Join us in Las Vegas at the 5th Annual RLA Conference and Expo. This conference is shaping up to be the largest Reverse Logistics Conference ever—now expanded to three days to include Industry Focus Committee meetings, RL Workshops, more sessions, and a larger exhibition.

Come to the RLA Football Party on Sunday, February 3! Imagine Super Bowl Sunday in Las Vegas... No other city generates as much excitement surrounding this all-American spectacle. Arrive early to have some fun before the conference starts. Enjoy watching the game with your colleagues and clients.

The RLA conference kicks off on Monday with a number of activities including RL Workshops, RL Industry Focus Committee meetings and the opening of the Exhibit Hall. For those who like one-on-one time with their clients, join us at the RLA Golf Tournament.

Tuesday will start with an industry overview and forecast followed by the keynote address "Major Challenges Facing Reverse Logistics" by Joe Warren, VP & General Manager, Customer Support Operations of Canon USA. Presented by RL professionals and leading academics, afternoon sessions and panel discussions will focus on cutting edge reverse logistics practices. The day concludes with roundtable discussions with each of the speakers. Take advantage of this opportunity to delve into the issues and to network with others who share your interest in a particular topic.

The Wednesday keynote address "Reverse Logistics as an Asset" will be presented by Bernie Schaeffer, Corporate Vice President, Global Repair & Reverse Logistics Integrated Supply Chain, Motorola, Inc. More sessions and panels will follow.

Be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall, open all three days, where OEMs, ODMs, Branded Companies and Retailers can find 3PSPs that can manage RL in the Americas, along with identifying solutions for Europe and the Far East. Exhibitors will be showcasing their RL services and solutions.

If you are a Reverse Logistics professional -- don't miss this event!

We invite professionals from all industries to participate as speakers or panelists. For more information or to sign up, please visit the Speaker Registration page. RLA Conference & Expo speakers receive many benefits.

Industry Events

Industry News Highlights

RLA Links


Disclaimer - Reverse Logistics Association and its agents used their best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein. However, Reverse Logistics Association does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any and all liability for any loss or damage caused by errors, whether such errors resulted from negligence, accident, or other causes. Furthermore, the opinions and commentary of the RLA News may or may not be the opinion of Reverse Logistics Association (RLA) and RLA does not assume any affiliation with any of the above named companies by default of publishing this Newsletter.

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