Fulfillment

RMA

Return Merchandise Authorization — the formal process by which a customer is approved to return a product. Each RMA has a tracking number for warehouse accountability.

An RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) is the formal process by which a customer is approved to return a product. Each RMA is assigned a tracking number so the 3PL or warehouse can match the returning package to the original order.

Without an RMA process, dropshipping support spirals: customers return to the wrong address, packages are lost, refunds are issued on items that never actually came back. A standardized RMA flow (either via Shopify's native returns, an app like Loop or Returnly, or a custom support SOP) is one of the quiet upgrades that separates $50K/month operations from $500K/month ones.

Related terms in Fulfillment
3PL
Third-Party Logistics — an external warehouse that stores, picks, packs, and ships your inventory for a per-unit fee. The step between dropshipping and running your own warehouse.
AliExpress
Alibaba's B2C marketplace of Chinese sellers — the default starting supplier for most new dropshippers. Low MOQs, low prices, long shipping times.
Chargeback
A payment reversal initiated by the customer via their bank. Each chargeback is a full refund plus a $15-$25 fee — and too many will get your payment processor shut down.
CJ Dropshipping
A dropshipping agent that sources, stocks, and ships products — typically from China with US or EU warehouse options. Faster and more branded than raw AliExpress.
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