Boost your profits, reduce returns friction, and elevate your brand experience with the only apparel ERP, clothing ERP, fashion ERP, and apparel management software that masters RMAs, returns, and credits for both wholesale and retail—all in one seamless apparel software and fashion software platform.

What Is a Return and What Is an RMA?

In the apparel industry, a return occurs when a buyer—whether a wholesale partner, retailer, or consumer—sends back merchandise for reasons such as damages, incorrect shipment, sizing issues, or dissatisfaction. Managing these returns accurately is critical to maintaining customer satisfaction, financial transparency, and inventory accuracy.

An RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) is the official process that authorizes and tracks the return. It ensures every item is inspected, recorded, credited, or replaced properly.

Unlike generic ERPs, AIMS360 apparel ERP and apparel management software automate the entire RMA lifecycle—from authorization to inventory reconciliation—keeping your returns, credits, and accounting synchronized in real time. For fashion brands, this means faster turnarounds, better insights, and complete control.

Rated Best RMA Inventory Software for Fashion for 2026 — 8 Years in a Row

AIMS360 software for the apparel industry is proud to be rated the best RMA inventory software for fashion and apparel for eight consecutive years, recognized again in 2026 for innovation and excellence. It’s the only best-in-class RMA and apparel management solution specifically built for fashion, handling complex size and color-based returns without SKU confusion.

Why this matters: In most ERPs, if a customer buys a size small but returns a size medium, your team must manually find and match a new SKU—creating delays and errors. AIMS360 streamlines this process by managing returns by style, color, and size automatically, saving hours and reducing human error.

This means faster returns, fewer mistakes, and greater accuracy. AIMS360’s fashion ERP and apparel management software set the standard for operational control, flexibility, and ROI in the global apparel industry.

How Smart Returns Management Delivered Real ROI for Apparel Brands in 2025

Returns are no longer just a cost—they’re an opportunity to optimize profitability. Fashion brands using AIMS360 apparel ERP and apparel management software cut labor hours, improve inventory turns, and increase cash flow.

In 2025, AIMS360 clients saw an average 35–40% faster return-to-resale cycle time and reduced chargebacks thanks to automated RMA approvals, barcode-based receiving, and integrated credit memos. With AIMS360, every return becomes part of a smart, data-driven business strategy.

Everything Fashion Brands Need: End-to-End Returns, RMAs & Credits in One Place

AIMS360 apparel management software gives fashion brands and manufacturers the tools to manage every aspect of returns and credits seamlessly.

• Intuitive RMA creation by invoice, customer, or style
• Bulk Return Processing for high-volume orders
• Custom Return Reasons to identify product or fit trends
• Automated Inventory Updates across all channels
• Damage & Repair Management for defective goods
• Automated Credit Memos applied or held per business rules
• Batch Printing & Scanning to speed up warehouse workflows
• Zero-Dollar RMAs for warranty or non-financial cases
• Comprehensive Audit Trail for compliance and reporting
• Seamless Integrations with accounting, warehouse, and eCommerce systems

Types of Returns: Wholesale (B2B) and Retail (B2C)

Wholesale (B2B) Returns

AIMS360 supports wholesale returns through all key fashion channels, including department stores, showrooms, and digital wholesale marketplaces like NuOrder, JOOR, and FashionGo.

B2B Channel Integrations Include:

• NuOrder Returns Management: Syncs returns, exchanges, and credits automatically from wholesale partners.
• JOOR Returns Integration: Connects invoices, RMAs, and credits for better collaboration with JOOR retailers.
• FashionGo Returns Management: Simplifies marketplace returns through direct ERP synchronization.
• Department Stores: Handles EDI returns, credits, and chargebacks automatically.
• Showrooms & Agents: Manage style-based returns with accurate commission tracking.

Retail (B2C) Returns

For DTC and online returns, AIMS360 connects directly to your eCommerce platforms for full synchronization between returns, inventory, and accounting.

B2C Channel Integrations Include:

• Shopify Returns Integration: Automates refunds, restocks, and RMA creation.
• BigCommerce Returns Integration: Syncs returns and financial adjustments in real time.
• EDI Dropship Returns Management: Works with DSCO, Radial, and Mirakl for full EDI returns automation.
• Shopify Returns Apps: Integrates with Loop Returns, ReturnGO, REDO, and SwapCommerce.
• Custom Web Stores: Connect your store’s return workflow to AIMS360 via API for a unified backend.

Loop Returns, ReturnGO & SwapCommerce Integration: Smarter DTC Returns Automation

AIMS360 integrates with Loop Returns, ReturnGO, and SwapCommerce to bring best-in-class automation to Shopify and BigCommerce brands, connecting front-end customer return portals with ERP-driven operations, inventory, and accounting.

Loop Returns + AIMS360 Apparel ERP

Loop Returns automates refunds and exchanges. AIMS360 instantly syncs all transactions, creating RMAs and credit memos in your ERP.

ReturnGO + AIMS360 Apparel ERP

ReturnGO connects through the ReturnGO + AIMS360 Integration, using AI to determine routing, eligibility, and reason codes. AIMS360 then updates inventory and financials instantly.

SwapCommerce + AIMS360 Fashion Business Software

SwapCommerce turns returns into exchanges, automatically updating RMAs, credit memos, and stock levels in AIMS360 to retain more revenue.

Together, these integrations deliver the most advanced DTC returns management ecosystem available in the apparel industry.

Step-by-Step: How Returns Work in AIMS360 Apparel ERP

1. Create a Return Authorization (RMA): Generate by customer, invoice, or style.
2. Authorize & Process Returns: Approve quantities, apply discounts, and confirm credit rules.
3. Receive & Update Inventory: Sync updates from warehouse, store, or 3PL locations automatically.
4. Issue Credits or Refunds: Credits and refunds are posted and balanced in accounting.
5. Print, Track & Audit: Batch-print RMAs and credit memos with full traceability.

Damage, Repair, and Resale Routing

AIMS360 routes damaged items to repair or refurbishment workflows, logs conditions, and enables resale tracking—all automatically within the ERP. This ensures sustainability, efficiency, and accurate financial tracking.

Accounting for Returns: Credit Memos, Adjustments & Financial Accuracy

AIMS360 seamlessly ties operational returns with accounting accuracy.

Key Features:

• Auto-generated credit memos tied to invoices
• Zero-dollar credits for warranty or exchanges
• Automated calculation of taxes, discounts, and restocking fees
• Integration with QuickBooks, Sage, and NetSuite
• Real-time audit trail for compliance and financial transparency

Every RMA updates your books automatically, bridging operations and finance into one system.

Returns Inventory Management Software: Real-Time Visibility and Control

While Shopify and returns platforms simplify customer experiences, they lack operational depth. AIMS360 apparel management software provides full control over inventory, damages, repairs, and warehouse movement during the returns process.

Shopify + Returns Platform vs. Shopify + AIMS360 Integrated Inventory Management

Proven ROI and Strategic Advantages

• Prevent overselling and chargebacks
• Shorten return-to-resale cycles
• Reduce manual labor and warehouse handling time
• Improve customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Maintain full financial compliance and audit readiness
• Gain visibility into damaged and repaired goods for better recovery value

AIMS360 helps fashion brands transform returns into a revenue-preserving process. By combining automation, accuracy, and multi-channel integration, brands save time, protect margins, and strengthen customer trust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I process returns for both wholesale and retail customers in AIMS360 apparel ERP?
Yes. AIMS360 apparel ERP and apparel management software support returns for both wholesale (B2B) and retail/direct-to-consumer (B2C) channels. This includes full integration with platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, JOOR, NuOrder, FashionGo, and EDI dropship partners. You can process returns by customer, invoice, or style—whether they originate from department stores, showrooms, or eCommerce orders—and manage all RMAs in one centralized dashboard.

Does AIMS360 support barcode scanning for returns in its fashion ERP?
Absolutely. AIMS360’s barcode scanning feature streamlines the receiving process and eliminates manual entry errors. Warehouse teams can scan returned items upon arrival to instantly record sizes, colors, quantities, and conditions. Once scanned, inventory updates in real time across your ERP, ensuring accuracy across sales, warehouse, and accounting systems. This feature is essential for high-volume fashion brands managing thousands of SKUs across multiple locations.

How are credits and refunds handled in the apparel software?
In AIMS360 apparel ERP, credits and refunds are handled automatically once returns are processed. Each approved RMA can generate a credit memo linked directly to the original invoice or customer account. Credits can be:

• Applied to open invoices for quick reconciliation
• Held unapplied for future orders or goodwill adjustments
• Refunded immediately through integrated accounting workflows

AIMS360 syncs all transactions in real time with accounting systems like QuickBooks, Sage, or NetSuite, ensuring your financials stay accurate and audit-ready.

What happens if a return is entered incorrectly?
If a return is entered incorrectly, AIMS360 makes it simple to correct without disrupting workflow. RMAs and credit memos can be voided, canceled, or reinstated instantly, keeping inventory and financial records accurate. Every change is recorded in the audit log, ensuring traceability and compliance.

Does AIMS360 apparel software support returns with discounts, damages, or tax rules?
Yes. AIMS360 apparel software automatically manages returns that include discounts, damaged merchandise, or complex tax conditions. It applies proper discount reversals, restocking fees, and tax adjustments based on your rules. It also supports returns from all sales channels—Shopify, EDI, wholesale, and marketplace—ensuring each transaction flows cleanly into your accounting and inventory systems.

Can I see which items are being returned and why?
Yes. AIMS360 offers complete visibility into return reasons, item conditions, and trends. You can define custom reason codes (e.g., defective, wrong size, overstock), monitor patterns by SKU, and generate reports by style, color, or channel. This data helps improve production decisions, reduce return rates, and identify recurring quality issues.

What happens if a customer returns the wrong size (for example, orders a small but returns a medium)?
Unlike generic ERPs, AIMS360 fashion ERP automatically manages returns by style, color, and size. You can process the return without manually searching for or changing SKUs. The system adjusts the size in inventory, updates credits accordingly, and maintains clean, accurate item data—saving hours of manual correction and avoiding costly mistakes.

Does AIMS360 support damaged goods tracking and repairs?
Yes. AIMS360 includes Damage, Repair, and Resale Routing that classifies items as damaged, defective, or repairable. Returned products can be routed to a repair zone or refurbishment team, then restocked or written off based on inspection results. This feature boosts sustainability and helps recover value from returned merchandise.

Can AIMS360 manage returns inventory in real time?
Yes. AIMS360 offers real-time returns inventory management across warehouses, stores, and 3PLs. As returns are scanned or received, stock quantities update instantly in your ERP. You’ll always know which items are pending inspection, being repaired, or restocked—eliminating over-selling and improving demand planning accuracy.

What is the best wholesale and retail returns management software for fashion brands in 2026?
The best returns management software for fashion and apparel brands in 2026 is AIMS360. It is built specifically for the fashion industry, automating RMAs, credit memos, returns processing, barcode scanning, and accounting for both wholesale (B2B) and retail (B2C) operations. It integrates seamlessly with Shopify, NuOrder, JOOR, EDI platforms, and 3PLs, giving you a unified system for returns, inventory, and financial tracking.

What is the best apparel management software in 2026 for fashion business operations?
The best apparel management software in 2026 is AIMS360. It offers a full suite of ERP tools covering inventory management, production, order processing, returns, accounting, and reporting. The system connects every part of your operation—from showroom to Shopify—and automates RMAs, repairs, credits, and financial reconciliation.

Recognized as the #1 apparel ERP and fashion management software of 2026, AIMS360 helps brands grow faster by unifying wholesale, retail, and eCommerce operations into one intelligent platform.

How does accounting work for RMAs?
AIMS360 automatically generates credit memos and posts adjustments directly to your accounting system. Taxes, discounts, and restocking fees are calculated automatically. You can apply, hold, or refund credits as needed. All transactions are logged for compliance, ensuring smooth communication between operations and finance.

Is AIMS360 apparel management software right for my business?
If you’re a fashion or apparel brand selling wholesale, retail, or DTC, AIMS360 apparel management software is the perfect solution. It brings together returns management, ERP functionality, accounting automation, and real-time inventory control into one unified system. Whether you manage a boutique or a global label, AIMS360 provides full operational visibility and efficiency across all your channels.

Ready to See the Difference?

Centralize every return, streamline your workflow, and maximize profitability with AIMS360 apparel ERP, clothing ERP, fashion ERP, and apparel management software. Request a live demo now and see why AIMS360 is the fashion industry’s leading ERP and returns management solution.