What is the first step in processing a customer return?

• A. Receive return
• B. Inspect condition
• C. Determine restock eligibility or disposition
• D. Update inventory and customer credits

Answer: (A)

Receiving the return is the first step because it puts the item into the returns workflow and creates the official record for that customer order. Until the item is physically received at the returns dock and logged into the system, there’s no way to verify what was returned, link it to the original purchase, or begin any downstream actions. Once it’s received, you can inspect the item, decide if it can be restocked or needs disposition (like refurbishment or disposal), and then update inventory and issue any customer credits. In short, receiving starts the process and makes all subsequent steps possible.