Packaging & Logistics worked example

Return Logistics Cost with returned orders in the period of 75 returns: a worked example

This worked example runs the return logistics cost numbers for a tougher week than the baseline: returned orders in the period of 75 returns instead of the typical 150 returns. Estimate total reverse logistics cost from returned orders, cost per return, and restocking and disposition costs.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Returned orders in the period: 75 returns (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 150)
  • Reverse logistics cost per return: 8.5 $ / return (held at the documented default)
  • Restocking and inspection cost: 300 $ (held at the documented default)
  • Disposition and refurbishment cost: 200 $ (held at the documented default)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Total return logistics cost = returned orders × reverse logistics cost per return + restocking and inspection cost + disposition and refurbishment cost.
  • Total return logistics cost works out to 1,138 $ at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • Cost per return works out to 15.17 $ / return at these inputs.
  • Reverse logistics cost works out to 638 $ at these inputs.
  • Restocking and disposition cost works out to 500 $ at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where returned orders in the period sits at 150 returns and the headline result is 1,775 $, this scenario comes in 35.92% below the baseline at 1,138 $.
  • Use it when sizing the margin impact of your return rate, comparing return-handling vendors, or setting a threshold below which a returned item is cheaper to write off than to process. A result at this level usually justifies acting on the stressed input before touching anything else, because every other figure in the table is downstream of it.

Results at a glance

  • Total return logistics cost: 1,138 $ (headline result)
  • Cost per return: 15.17 $ / return
  • Reverse logistics cost: 638 $
  • Restocking and disposition cost: 500 $

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Return Logistics Cost calculator, set returned orders in the period to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.