Use collection service

Collection is a process/service that manages the handling the collection of return shipments from customers. This includes tracking items being returned, ensuring that they are sent back to the appropriate location, and managing any associated logistics and financial aspects, such as refunds or adjustments to inventory.

The collections service integration automates the return process, reducing manual work and potential errors associated with managing returns and tracking items.

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Important

Before using this feature, make sure to enable the 'Collect' integration via the integration activation page.

If you want to enable your customers to have their returns collected from their homes, you can create a Royal Mail shipment using one of Royal Mail's return services TSN Tracked Returns 24 or TSS Tracked Returns 48, and then request a Royal Mail collection for the shipment.

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Important

Royal Mail does not have the Parcel Collect Test environment. Therefore, it can only be developed against the Production environment. This means that you need to book an actual collection and then cancel it before the date of the collection.

You can either let the system default the collection to the first available collection date or allow your customer to select usually up to 5 days in advance. You can also specify if you want the labels to be brought by Royal Mail when collecting the shipment or printed by your customer.

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Note

The return shipment must be created using the CreateShipment request.

By default, the labels are not brought by Royal Mail. If you need this enhancement, you must specify it by setting the BringMyLabel parameter to True. The return shipments and collections do not require manifesting.

Workflow for creating shipments using collection service

Workflow for creating shipments using collection service

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Note

The name displayed on the Parcel Collect notification sent to the end consumer is driven by the name set up on the Online Business Account (OBA) account. Therefore, If you wish to change the name on your account, contact your Royal Mail account handler as you cannot simply change the name just for Parcel Collect.