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How Shipping Works

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Written by Ondřej Průša
Updated over a week ago

Shipping is a crucial part of the returns process, enabling efficient transportation of goods from customers back to the e-shop. Retino offers a comprehensive shipping management solution that simplifies the entire process, from ordering shipping to tracking packages.

In Retino, shipping is primarily focused on reverse logistics – transporting goods from the customer to the e-shop as part of handling returns, warranty claims, and other cases.

Shipping Types by Submission Method

Retino distinguishes four basic shipping types based on the package submission method:

Drop-off at Carrier's Branch

With this shipping type, the customer delivers the package to a carrier's branch. Retino generates and sends the customer a shipping label, which they print and attach to the package. This method is suitable for customers who prefer in-person package delivery.

  • The customer receives a shipping label for download and printing

  • The portal displays a map with a selection of carrier branches for the customer

  • The customer delivers the package to the selected branch

  • The carrier transports the package to your warehouse or returns department

Courier Pickup

This shipping type involves a courier picking up the package directly from the customer's address. The customer selects a suitable day and time slot in the portal when they will be available to hand over the package to the courier.

  • The customer chooses the package pickup date and time

  • The courier arrives at the specified address at the chosen time

  • The courier picks up the package directly from the customer

  • No label needs to be printed beforehand

Pallet Shipping

Pallet shipping is designed for large or heavy packages that cannot be transported using standard parcel services. This shipping type is not directly available in the customer portal and can only be ordered from the case detail in the administration.

  • Designed for oversized or heavy packages

  • Orderable only from the administration

  • Specific requirements for package preparation and packaging

Custom Shipping Method

The custom shipping method is used for cases where you utilize an alternative shipping method not directly integrated into Retino. This could include delivery to the e-shop's branch or other specific shipping services handled individually.

  • Allows tracking of packages shipped outside standard integrated carriers

  • Does not provide automatic shipping ordering or tracking

  • Primarily used for complete package tracking within the system

Shipping Billing Methods

Retino offers various shipping billing methods to suit your needs and preferences:

Retino Contract vs. Custom Contract

In Retino, you can use carriers in two basic ways:

Contract Type

Description

Advantages

Retino Contract

Utilizes shipping contracts that Retino has with carriers

Quick setup without needing your own contract, access to multiple carriers simultaneously

Custom Contract

Connects your existing carrier contract using API keys

Preserves your pricing terms, direct billing from the carrier

Customer-Paid Shipping

With this billing method, the customer pays for shipping. In the portal, the customer selects the carrier and pays for shipping directly when creating the case. This model is suitable if you want customers to pay for shipping themselves.

  • The customer pays for shipping with a card directly in the portal

  • The system automatically generates an invoice

  • You can set shipping prices individually for each route

  • Payment can be refunded in case of a return

Shop-Paid Shipping

With this billing method, the e-shop covers shipping costs. This setting allows the e-shop to use Retino contracts with custom configurations. The e-shop can mark shipping as paid in the portal, but payment cannot be collected directly from the customer; it needs to be handled separately (e.g., deducted from a subsequent refund).

  • Shipping is billed to the e-shop at the end of the billing period

  • Possibility to set limits and restrictions for individual routes

Supported Carriers

Retino offers integrations with many popular carriers across Europe:

Carrier

Available Shipping Types

Main Supported Countries

Packeta (Zásilkovna)

Drop-off

CZ, SK, PL, HU, and other EU countries

DHL

Drop-off, Pickup, Freight, International

Most EU countries

PPL

Pickup

CZ

GLS

Drop-off, Pickup

CZ, SK, HU, SI, HR, PL

DPD

Drop-off, Pickup

CZ, SK, and other EU countries

InPost

Drop-off (ParcelPoint), Pickup (Courier)

PL

UPS

Pickup

Most EU countries

The list of supported carriers is constantly expanding. If your preferred carrier is not listed, you can use the Custom type or contact Retino support.

Shipping Management in Administration

Detailed information on shipping management can be found in the Shipping List article.

Shipping in the Customer Portal

The customer portal offers an intuitive interface for selecting and ordering shipping:

  1. The customer selects the shipping type (drop-off or pickup)

  2. For drop-off shipping, they select a branch on the map

  3. For pickup shipping, they choose a date and time for pickup

  4. If shipping is paid, they complete the payment

  5. They receive confirmation and instructions for shipment

Benefits of Retino Shipping

  • Shipping is linked to the case status, and the shipping status is visible directly in the case detail

  • Shipping status can trigger Retino automations – for example, changing the case status when the shipping status changes (see Automations)

  • Clear tracking of all shipments in one place

  • Ability to combine different shipping types and billing methods

  • Integration with leading carriers in the region

Summary

Retino's shipping system is designed to simplify the shipping processes related to returns and warranty claims. With a wide range of integrated carriers, flexible billing options, and a clear interface for managing shipping, you gain a powerful tool for optimizing your returns process.

For more detailed information on specific aspects of Retino shipping, refer to the related articles:

  • Custom Carrier Contracts

  • Customer-Paid Shipping

  • Shop-Paid Shipping

  • Advanced Shipping Configurations

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