Zalando Return Solutions

Cut costs, get stock back online fast and exceed customer expectations with ZRS.

Brands & Retailers

Key figures

14

markets

20

return centers

1

integration

What it is

Zalando Return Solutions is our return service available to partners on Zalando Partner Program. We handle your returns so that you can benefit from reduced costs and your customers can enjoy a frictionless shopping experience. 

At ZRS, we offer two distinct services: ZRS Plus and ZRS Pure. Integration with both services is possible via Tradebyte, ChannelAdvisor and Direct Integration via API¹. 


¹ Direct Integration via API is currently not available to new Zalando Partner Program partners.

How it works

ZRS Plus:

  1. The customer can return your articles together with other Zalando articles in one single box.
  2. All returned articles are sent to one of Zalando’s return centers, where articles are received, inspected, and the customer reimbursement is triggered. They are then forwarded to a Zalando fulfillment center.
  3. Once the items have arrived at one of our fulfillment centers, they are set online for resale. They remain stored here until the next outbound order, which will be fulfilled by Zalando. 

ZRS Plus is currently available in 14 markets: Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic and Ireland.

ZRS Pure: 

  1. The customer can return your articles together with other Zalando articles in one single box.
  2. All returned articles are sent to one of Zalando’s return centers, where articles are received, inspected, and the customer reimbursement is triggered.
  3. We consolidate the received returns and send them to your warehouse.

ZRS Pure is currently only available in Spain.

It’s important to note that it’s not possible to use either ZRS Plus or ZRS Pure alongside your own return handling in the same market.
 

ZRS can benefit your business by:

  • Saving you up to 15% on logistic costs due to our "one-box" approach
  • Reimbursing your customers quickly  
  • Getting your stock back online fast
  • Increasing customer satisfaction through a seamless return process
  • Providing transparency of your products’ status at every stage of the process

Add-on services

Within the Partner Program, partners can leverage our add-on services in customer logistics, marketing and off-price.

Read some of our Partner Program partners’ success stories.

FAQs


ZRS Plus
Yes, you will need a German VAT number. Please note that Zalando is not a tax advisor. However, we can refer you to our preferred tax partner that can support you with VAT registration.

ZRS Pure
No, you do not need a German VAT number. 


ZRS Plus
You are responsible for the first outbound shipment to the customer, the Zalando service starts with the first return from the customer to a Zalando Return Center.

In the ZRS Plus model the items will be converted into ZFS stock that will be fulfilled by Zalando for future outbounds. 

ZRS Pure
You are responsible for the first outbound shipment to the customer, the Zalando service starts with the first return from the customer to a Zalando Return Center.

In the ZRS Pure model, Zalando will forward the stock to your warehouse after the return process and you will fulfill the outbound shipment for future orders.


For both ZRS Pure and ZRS Plus you are free to use your own packaging. However, inside each parcel you will need to provide the standard Zalando Partner Order documentation, as well as attach an EAN (European Article Number) label to each item. 



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