--- title: "Ingrid Returns Carrier integrations" canonical: "https://ingrid-support.refined.site/space/KB/386301953/Ingrid%20Returns%20Carrier%20integrations" format: markdown --- **Returns Carrier Integrations** is the system that connects your Ingrid Returns platform to **return shipping providers** (carriers) you work with. Each integration represents a **specific return shipping service**, such as: - Standard parcel return via national postal service - Home pickup from a courier service - Drop-off at local service points or shops - Parcel locker returns - Express return shipping **How it works:** When a customer initiates a return, the Ingrid Returns system automatically: 1. Identifies which carriers are available based on the customer’s location 2. Presents the customer with available return options 3. Generates a return shipping label through the selected carrier’s system 4. Sends the label to the customer via email 5. Tracks the return shipment until it reaches your warehouse **Key concept:** Only carriers you’ve activated are available to customers. You have complete control over which return methods are offered in each market. --- ### Configuration Options Each carrier integration requires specific information. Common requirements include: | **Information Needed** | **Description** | **Example** | | --- | --- | --- | | **Carrier Name** | Shipping provider you’re integrating | UPS, Royal Mail, PostNord, Budbee | | **Return Service** | Type of return service offered | Standard Return, Express Return, Home Pickup | | **Account Number** | Your account ID with the carrier | RM123456, UPS987654 | | **API Credentials** | Authentication keys provided by carrier | API key, token, secret | | **Company Details** | Your business name and registration info | “ACME Retail Ltd”, tax ID | | **Warehouse Address** | Where returns should be sent | Complete address including postal code | | **Contact Information** | Email and phone for carrier communications | [returns@yourcompany.com](mailto:returns@yourcompany.com) | **Carrier-Specific Examples:** **UPS:** - Account number, shipper company details, warehouse address, contact phone/email, trade terms (for international) **Budbee:** - API key, API secret, warehouse location ID **InPost:** - Account email, authentication token, returns-specific credentials **Royal Mail:** - Account number, contract reference, shipper address **PostNord:** - Customer number, service agreement, return address --- ## Use Cases & Configuration Scenarios **Use Case 1: Multi-Country Retailer with Regional Carrier Strategy** **Business Challenge:** A fashion retailer operating across Europe wants to offer local carriers in each market to reduce return shipping costs and improve customer experience. **Solution:** - **UK:** Royal Mail (cost-effective postal return), Evri (extensive drop-off network), InPost (urban locker returns) - **Germany:** DHL (nationwide coverage), DPD (shop return network) - **Sweden:** PostNord (standard postal return), Budbee (convenient home pickup in cities) - **Netherlands:** PostNL (comprehensive postal network) - **France:** Colissimo (national postal service) **Business Outcome:** - 35% reduction in average return shipping cost by using local postal services - Customer satisfaction score increased by 18% due to convenient local return options - Operational efficiency improved – 90% of return labels generated automatically **Use Case 2: Premium Brand with Express Return Options** **Business Challenge:** A premium electronics retailer needs to offer fast returns for urgent exchanges and faulty products while maintaining standard options for regular returns. **Solution:** - **Standard Returns:** USPS Ground Advantage (free for customer, 5-7 days) - **Priority Returns:** UPS Ground (free for customer, 3-5 days) - **Express Returns:** UPS 2nd Day Air (customer pays £15, 2-day delivery) - **International:** DHL Parcel Connect (tracked international returns) **Business Outcome:** - Customers with urgent exchanges use express options, improving brand loyalty - 70% of customers choose free standard returns, keeping costs manageable - Express return customers have 95% repurchase rate due to positive experience --- **Use Case 3: Cost-Optimised Returns Strategy** **Business Challenge:** An apparel retailer with high return volumes needs to minimise return shipping costs without compromising customer experience. **Solution:** - **Primary Option:** National postal services in each market (Royal Mail UK, USPS US, PostNord Nordics) - **Premium Option:** Express courier for orders over £100 (UPS, DHL) - **Free for Customer:** All returns are free regardless of carrier **Business Outcome:** - 85% of customers choose postal service returns (lowest cost option) - Average return shipping cost reduced from £6.50 to £2.80 per return - Annual savings: £420,000 on return shipping costs --- **Use Case 4: Sustainable Returns with QR Codes** **Business Challenge:** An eco-conscious retailer wants to reduce waste from printed return labels and improve sustainability credentials. **Solution:** - **QR Code Carriers:** UPS, DHL, Evri, PostNord (where QR codes are supported) - **Customer Experience:** Customers receive QR code via email, scan at carrier location, no printing required - **Markets:** UK, Germany, Sweden, US (QR code availability varies by carrier and country) **Business Outcome:** - 60% of returns now use QR codes (zero paper waste) - Highlighted in sustainability report as part of circular economy initiative - Positive customer feedback on convenience (no printer needed) --- **Use Case 5: Home Pickup for Premium Customers** **Business Challenge:** A beauty retailer wants to offer VIP customers a premium return experience with home pickup service. **Solution:** - **VIP Customers:** Budbee home pickup (Sweden), Evri home collection (UK), UPS pickup (US) - **Standard Customers:** Drop-off or postal returns - **Automatic Selection:** VIP status triggers home pickup option in returns flow **Business Outcome:** - VIP customer retention increased by 22% - Average VIP customer lifetime value increased by £340 - Positive brand differentiation through premium service The Setup Guide can be found [here](https://ingrid-ab.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/KB/pages/385351682).