Overview

Returns and refunds are inevitable in retail. This article covers essential return commands, step-by-step workflows, and best practices to ensure seamless reverse transactions.

Why Return-Specific Commands?

1. Speed: Process returns in seconds with predefined commands.

2. Accuracy: Automatically update inventory and financial records.

3. Compliance: Maintain audit trails for refunds and exchanges.

4. Customer Experience: Resolve issues professionally with clear workflows.

Essential Return and Refund Commands

A curated list of essential Return and Refund commands is given below:

1. Sale Return

Command ID: Sale Return
Parameter Type: None
Function: Processes a full transaction refund.

How It Works:

1. Locate the original sale via Transaction Search.

2. Select Sale Return to refund the entire amount to the original payment method.

3. Inventory is automatically restocked.

Use Case:

A customer returns an unused laptop within 30 days. The cashier retrieves the original transaction and issues a full refund to their credit card.

2. Item Return

Command ID: Item Return
Parameter Type: None
Function: Refunds individual items (partial returns).

Key Features:

• Restocks only the returned items.

• Adjusts the refund amount proportionally.

Use Case:

A customer returns a defective shirt from a $150 purchase. The system refunds $25 (the shirt’s value) and restocks the item.

3. Add Negative POS Invoice Item

Command ID: Add Negative POS Invoice Item
Parameter Type: None
Function: Deducts returned items from a new invoice (for non-receipt returns).

Workflow:

1. Create a new invoice.

2. Add the returned item with a negative quantity (e.g., -1).

3. The system calculates the refund due.

Pro Tip: Use this for store credit or exchange scenarios.

4. Transaction Search

Command ID: Transaction Search
Parameter Type: Single (Interface Profile ID)
Function: Locates past sales for returns.

Search Filters:

• Transaction ID

• Date range

• Customer name

Refund Payment Methods

Refunds must match the original payment type. iVendNext supports:

Step-by-Step Workflows

1. Standard Return with Receipt

1. Search for the transaction (Transaction Search).

2. Select Sale Return or Item Return.

3. Process refund to the original payment method.

4. Print a return receipt.

2. Exchange Without Receipt

1. Create a new sales invoice.

2. Add the returned item with Add Negative POS Invoice Item.

3. Apply the credit toward new items.

Troubleshooting

Here’s a quick look at some common issues you might run into.

• Original Payment Not Found: Check the sale location.

• Inventory Not Updated: Run Sync Masters to force a stock sync.

• Refund Declined: Verify the original payment method’s refund policy.

Advanced Features

1. Gift Certificate Cashback

Command: Gift Certificate Cashback
Function: Converts unused gift card balances to cash (if allowed by policy).

2. Partial Refunds with Surcharges

Workflow:

1. Refund the item (Item Return).

2. Use Add Surcharges to deduct restocking fees (e.g., 10%).