How to hire a returns processor

How to hire a returns processor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step returns processor hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a returns processor job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new returns processor
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a returns processor, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect returns processor also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of returns processors.

   Type of Returns Processor	Description	Hourly rate
   Returns Processor		$12-18
   Processor	Processors are employees who deal with clients and ensure that the clients' requests are provided. Processors usually handle loans or any other related claims... Show more	$11-19
   Merchandise Processor	A Merchandise Processor works at warehouse facilities where they are in charge of preparing and processing merchandise. Their tasks typically revolve around monitoring inventory, organizing and labeling products, packing and tagging items, strategically arranging materials to maximize warehouse spaces, storing supplies according to protocols, and maintaining incoming and outgoing merchandise... Show more	$12-17

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Pallet Jack
   • Computer System
   • RF Scanner
   • Customer Accounts
   • Warehouse Environment
   • Return Merchandise
   • Customer Orders
   • Customer Returns
   • Quality Checks
   • Tax Returns
   • AS400
   • Return Orders
   • Inventory Control
   • Return Reasons

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage tracking for all orders, manage invoice input via QuickBooks and maintain communications with all clients and vendors.
   • Work in the department call RMA.
   • Pull orders, scan data in AS400 system
   • Investigate and troubleshoot for incorrect/missing PO s.
   • Identify multiple carrier labels and identify customer RMA numbers.
   • Scan and process return items from all field locations using AS400 system.

   More returns processor duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your returns processor job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A returns processor salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a returns processor in Illinois may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level returns processor usually earns less than a senior-level returns processor. Additionally, a returns processor with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average returns processor salary

   $15.40hourly

   $32,041 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level returns processor salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average returns processor salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Indiana	$36,041	$17
   2	Nevada	$33,054	$16
   3	Ohio	$32,810	$16
   4	Massachusetts	$32,783	$16
   5	Rhode Island	$32,771	$16
   6	California	$32,648	$16
   7	Colorado	$32,216	$15
   8	Wisconsin	$32,102	$15
   9	Kentucky	$31,654	$15
   10	Missouri	$31,423	$15
   11	Pennsylvania	$31,412	$15
   12	Utah	$29,864	$14
   13	Texas	$29,463	$14
   14	South Carolina	$29,322	$14
   15	Tennessee	$28,036	$13
   16	Florida	$26,832	$13
   17	Illinois	$26,613	$13
   18	Virginia	$26,582	$13

   Average returns processor salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Revlon	$34,512	$16.59
   2	Fresenius Medical Care North America Holdings Limited Partnership	$33,793	$16.25
   3	Dorman Products	$33,264	$15.99	1
   4	Lamps Plus	$32,755	$15.75
   5	McLane	$32,693	$15.72	4
   6	Jordan's Furniture	$32,421	$15.59
   7	Kelly Services	$32,223	$15.49	4
   8	DHL	$32,213	$15.49
   9	Core-Mark International	$32,206	$15.48
   10	Staffmark	$32,097	$15.43
   11	Inmar	$32,044	$15.41	1
   12	PrideStaff	$32,027	$15.40
   13	Covetrus	$32,002	$15.39
   14	Indiana State Police	$31,941	$15.36
   15	Living Spaces Furniture	$31,920	$15.35
   16	Fresenius Medical Care Windsor, LLC	$31,911	$15.34
   17	Capstone Logistics	$31,787	$15.28
   18	Newell Brands	$31,523	$15.16
   19	HW Staffing Solutions	$31,478	$15.13
   20	Randstad North America, Inc.	$31,439	$15.11	3

4. Writing a returns processor job description

   A returns processor job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a returns processor job description:

   Returns processor job description example

   The Returns Processor must be capable to perform all functions associated with Returns (Pre-Receive, Scan, Sort, Pallet Build and Rework) so to facilitate the process of customer returns as efficiently, accurately and timely as possible. The candidate will need to quickly learn to operate in two systems, JDE and SAP, to properly perform required transactions at each of the steps within the Returns process. The candidate must consistently meet or exceed minimum productivity standards set forth by management. A high awareness of safety and housekeeping is expected to be maintained in all tasks performed.
   
   Pre-Scan: Sign for incoming deliveries. Pre-scan of trailers received in returns with accuracy and efficiency. Uses and fully understands the book of accounts provided by credit and management. Correctly fill out the proper forms for each shipment pre-scanned in, and provide the correct documentation for each shipment to clerk.
   
   Scan: Scan incoming cartons from designated pallets. Pre-sort product into assigned bins by category after it is scanned into system. Identify product that is not saleable and needs to be disposed, Identify non hazardous vs. hazardous items for appropriate disposal if needed. Speed and accuracy at scanning items, must be achieved.
   
   Sort: Identify by SKU (Parent or brand) and sort product accurately and efficiently into totes in the flow racks. Product will be visually displayed on front of tote with a piece of product to provide ease of identification. This will require a good amount of walking with a cart to the various locations. Identify product that is over aged using batch codes, and dump it when necessary. Remove filled totes to be process.
   
   Pallet Build: Process filled totes through computer system and scales by Quantity, SKU, & Category. Quantity needs to be acquired by Tare on scale. Proper Codes need to be used for specific products. After product is processed it needs to be staged by category, if possible.
   
   Rework: Open and process all Non-standard orders/folders. Coordinate material usage-components and product. Using batch codes determine lot and what product should be discarded. Box product to meet standard on process order. Know what is non- hazardous and hazardous, to dispose of properly. Submit all paperwork in corresponding folders to clerk for completion.
   
   Waste Disposal - The ability to collect and document all SKU's, Qty's, pallets and weight in process to be dispose, based on Hazardous and Non-Hazardous properly to meet Virginia regulations.
   Flexible to move and perform all jobs in Returns on a daily basis to meet business demands. Must pass Hazmat, hazardous waste disposal and motorized equipment class (pallet jack)
   
   EXPERIENCE :
   
   1-3 years of progressive experience in the Roanoke and Salem Operation
   
   KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES :
   
   Essential
   
   •Knowledge of and the ability to apply basic mathematics skills - addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
   
   •Demonstrate work ethics of dependability, honesty, respect and to work effectively on a team.
   
   •Must be able to analyze errors in two systems and learn corrective steps to resolve/process quickly.
   
   •Ability to learn and understand quality inspection rules to determine good vs. scrap +Hazardous vs. non- hazardous.
   
   •Capable to lift 20-35 lbs, cartons, continually throughout the day (occasionally weights up to 50 lbs).
   
   •Must be able to walk up to 70% daily.
   
   •Above average experience with computer data entry and manipulation in Windows
   
   •Ability to learn and function efficiently in the JDE and SAP system.
   
   •Must be able to stand, kneel, bend, reach with hands, arms and work on feet all day.
   
   •Willing to work extended hours and weekends (as necessary).
   
   Support all safety programs and a willingness to speak up and listen up
   
   Desirable
   
   •Excellent handwriting skills
   
   •Knowledge in Excel, and Word
   
   EDUCATION :
   
   High School Diploma or secondary GED desired.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right returns processor for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your returns processor job on Zippia to find and recruit returns processor candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit returns processors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new returns processor

   Once you have selected a candidate for the returns processor position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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