Returns management systems and methods therefor

A computer-implemented returns management system for handling merchandise return requests from customers of a merchant, comprising:

• a plurality of tables implemented in a relational database;
• a user-interface module configured to interact with one of a customer of said merchant and a customer service agent of said merchant, said user-interface module being configured to receive customer identification data and a return transaction definition associated with a request for merchandise return from a customer associated with said customer identification data;
• and
• a business logic module communicably coupled with said user interface module and said plurality of tables, said business logic module including computer instructions for ascertaining whether an item of merchandise previously purchased by said customer is eligible for return based on said return transaction definition and predefined return-related business rules of said merchant.

A computer-implemented returns management system for handling merchandise return requests from customers of a merchant, comprising:

• means for storing items previously ordered by customers of said merchant and predefined return-related business rules of said merchant;
• means for receiving customer identification data and a return transaction definition associated with a request for merchandise return from a customer associated with said customer identification data;
• and
• means for ascertaining, based on said return transaction definition and said predefined return-related business rules of said merchant, whether an item of merchandise previously purchased by said customer is eligible for return, said means for ascertaining being communicably coupled with said means for storing and means for receiving.