# return rate

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> The return rate measures the share of delivered shipments sent back by customers within a defined period, calculated as the number of returns divided by total deliveries, multiplied by 100.

The return rate measures the share of delivered shipments sent back by customers within a defined period, calculated as the number of returns divided by total deliveries, multiplied by 100. Shippers, logistics providers, and e-commerce operators use it as a KPI to monitor delivery quality, packaging performance, and product accuracy. A persistently high figure points to upstream problems – picking errors, inadequate protective packaging, or product descriptions that diverge from the goods actually delivered – and translates directly into additional reverse logistics costs. The return rate is distinct from the complaint rate: a customer may raise a complaint without physically returning the goods.

**Source:** [https://www.onpulson.de/lexikon/retourenquote/](https://www.onpulson.de/lexikon/retourenquote/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | return rate |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 103 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.onpulson.de/lexikon/retourenquote/ |

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