The Returns Management feature in Appliance.io gives your team a clear and organized way to handle product returns tied to serial numbers. From unreserving inventory to inspection and final resolution, this tool ensures every return is properly tracked — helping you stay accurate, efficient, and in control.
📍 Accessing Returns Management
To get started, open the sidebar and click Reports.
In the Management Tools section, select Returns Management.
Once inside, you’ll see two main tabs:
Pending – returns that still need action
Resolved – returns that have already been completed
At the top of the page, you’ll also find four filters to help narrow things down:
Search Bar
Date Range
Brand
Returned By
Need to clear everything and start fresh? Just click Reset Filter.
🧭 Understanding Pending vs Resolved
The Pending tab is your workspace. This is where all newly added returns live until they’re reviewed and completed.
The Resolved tab is your history — a clean record of returns that are fully processed and closed.
➕ Adding a Return to Pending
Returns are added directly from an order.
Open the Order page for the model you want to return.
Go to In Warehouse & Reserved.
In the pop-up, click Add to add a Serial Number.
Enter the serial number and click Save.
Next:
Click Check Stock.
In the Stock section, click Unreserve.
📦 Unreserving the Item
A new pop-up will appear. Here’s what to do:
Select the Inventory Location where the item will go
Enter the Serial Number
You’ll then choose one of two options:
Place Back in Inventory
Use this if the item is ready to go right back to stock. Click Save, and you’re done.
Flag Item for Inspection
Choose this if the item needs to be checked first. The item will move to the Returned Inventory page, where you’ll need to enter:
A Reason for Inspection
The item’s Condition
Click Save to finish.
💡Note: This inspection pop-up only appears for products with serial numbers.
Once completed, the return will appear in the Pending tab.
✅ Resolving a Return
To resolve a return, go to the Pending tab, find the order, and click the right-arrow under Mark as Resolved.
You’ll see two options:
❌ No, Resolved Only
Choose this if you’re closing the return without putting the item back into inventory.
Enter your Resolved Notes
Click Save
The return is now complete.
🔁 Yes, Put Back
Choose this if the item should return to inventory.
Select the Inventory Location
Choose the Storage Location
If the item’s condition hasn’t changed, simply add Resolved Notes and click Save.
If the condition has changed, you’ll also need to provide:
Serial Number
Cost
Pictures
Description
Once everything is filled in, click Save.
📂 Resolved Tab
After saving, the return will move from Pending to Resolved, giving you a clear and accurate record of completed returns.
🎉 You’re All Set!
That’s how Returns Management works in Appliance.io. From unreserving items to inspections and final resolution, everything stays organized and easy to track — so your inventory and reporting stay accurate every step of the way.