Product recall. The two words that make any entrepreneur nervous. Regardless of the product you make, sell or distribute, your strategic planning should include product recall strategy. With a focus on consumer safety, a well-handled recall can earn your company kudos and protect your brands.
A growing number of companies provide consumer products recall logistics. These firms specialize in how to handle product recalls, from contacting the Consumer Product Safety Commission to managing the return flow of products. For some, their product recall services start when the product is packaged. Most have software that allows you to quickly trace everything that goes into the product and then track shipments. Because a recall system is so important, most businesses conduct mock recalls.
To assure your product and brand integrity with product recall solutions, take the following steps:
1. Find companies that provide product recall management.
2. Evaluate each firm's product recall process.
3. Choose a product recall system.
Search the Internet for companies specializing in product recall logistics
For many companies that focus on logistics, product recall management is a key service. Many businesses call their service "reverse logistics." Also note that depending on the complexity of the project, product recall quotes can very greatly.
Assess product recall solutions on specific criteria
Product recall logistics vary from provider to provider. Some groups manage the entire project; others only handle certain aspects. To help you evaluate potential product recall solutions, ask some firms to manage mock recalls.
Select product recall services
Perhaps the most important aspect of a successful recall is customer communications. This entails getting the word out and answering questions that arise, including return and refund policies.
- Make sure you are familiar with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's product safety standards and voluntary standards activities. Also review the recall checklist created by the commission's Office of Compliance to help manufacturers conduct an effective and comprehensive product safety. You can find complete information at http://www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/regs.aspx.
