How capillarity in reverse logistics has driven retail businesses

The growth of e-commerce in Brazil has brought many business opportunities, but also came great logistical challenges. In 2023, global online sales reached US$ 5.8 trillion, and the construction of new storage spaces exceeded 148 million square meters, according to data from the NAIOP portal.In Brazil, the increasing volume of returns reinforces the need for a network of collection points capable of efficiently serving different regions.

Faced with this challenge, capillarity has become a survival factor for companies seeking to optimize reverse logistics and offer better solutions to consumers.

Challenges of a continental country

In a country of continental dimensions such as Brazil, reverse logistics faces challenges ranging from transportation to collection in more remote locations. Electronic devices such as modems, routers and decoders require efficient systems to be collected, transported and reconditioned or recycled.

Without a well-structured collection network, companies can suffer from high transportation costs, delays and difficulties in meeting consumer demands.

Specialist in telecommunications logistics solutions, PostalGow found in capillarity a way to overcome these barriers. With more than 6,300 Post offices and 2,800 return stations able to receive, deliver, return and stock packages throughout the country, the company facilitates the return of equipment by consumers in various locations. This structure allows to reduce the operating costs of contractors and meet more quickly the needs of retail and end customers.

Practical and technological solutions

Reverse logistics requires more than a wide network; it also requires the integration of technology to ensure operational efficiency. PostalGow has developed the ReturnaFacil platform, which offers integrated solutions for the return of products in an agile and traceable way. The tool is compatible with ERP systems of contracting companies, enabling automated management of returns and real-time monitoring of each step of the process.

Carlos Tanaka, founder of PostalGow, explains that technology is one of the pillars to make capillarity operational.“Decentralized collection points, integrated with monitoring systems, ensure efficiency and control.This allows companies to deal with demand peaks, such as those registered on Black Friday, without losing quality in the service”, he explains.

In the Distribution Centers of PostalGow, strategically located in regions such as Barueri, Manaus, Brasilia and Porto Alegre, the items collected undergo sorting, reconditioning and recycling. This approach ensures that the equipment is recovered or destined for correct disposal, promoting practices aligned with environmental and sustainability standards.

Customer experience

In addition to optimizing the logistics processes of companies, capillarity also improves the experience of consumers. The ease of returning products at nearby points and the offer of incentives, such as discounts or loyalty programs, make the reverse logistics process more accessible.

Tanaka highlights that the proximity between collection points and consumers reduces barriers to product returns.“Facilitating access to return points encourages customer participation and reinforces the image of companies as committed to practical and sustainable solutions”, he says.

Benefits for the retail market

In retail, reverse logistics with wide capillarity provides significant gains. Companies reduce their transportation and storage costs, as well as improve efficiency in inventory management.The integration of collection and distribution systems with advanced technology also allows greater predictability and control over operations.

PostalGow, with its “end-to-end” approach, delivers solutions that serve from collection to reconditioning and final delivery of equipment.In 2023, the company recorded growth of 60%, strengthening its position as a reference in the reverse logistics sector in Brazil.