Carwood goes paperless with online returns portal
Remanufacturer and technical services provider, Carwood, offers an update on developments with its online cataloguing and ordering system. Now known as the CarwoodHub to reflect its broader functionality, improvements include an online returns portal, more accurate data and enhanced range coverage.
Introduced in 2022, the digital platform started out as an online catalogue for its aftermarket portfolio of fuel pumps, injectors and turbochargers. Shortly after the company added online ordering capability, enabling Carwood account holders to quickly and easily access live stock feeds and pricing, place next-day and stock orders and track the status of current and historical orders, 24/7.
Soon, Carwood will launch the next in a series of planned developments, designed to make the company “even easier” to do business with a hassle- and paper-free returns portal.
How does CarwoodHub work?
Available here, users can log into their account and click on ‘returns hub’. There, they will be able to initiate a quick and easy return for warranty claims, old core or test and report. Users simply need to select the reason for the return and provide the requested information. Dependant on the type of return, this may include details of the part, the vehicle, who fitted it and when, and the suspected fault. To back up the claim, users also have the option to upload supporting paperwork, images and videos.
On completion, the platform will automatically schedule a collection with UPS for the next working day – notification will be provided via email or SMS, if selected. The pre-paid returns label will be provided at collection, so the user only needs to package the product securely, ideally in the original packaging, and hand it to the driver. No paperwork or labels are required, removing the need for local printing.
Throughout the process, users will be able to track the status of their return and view and download relevant documents, such as credit notes, a summary of the claim and warranty reports. If a warranty claim is rejected, this will include a full explanation as to why.
Carwood Deputy Managing Director, Simon Quantrell, said: “The expansion of our online capability to include returns, is very much a customer driven initiative.
“As well as reducing the carbon footprint of each return, because it’s almost entirely digital, the process will be quicker, simpler and more streamlined, making for a more convenient and trouble-free return.
“What’s more, by providing all the relevant information upfront, not only will we be able to deal with the return more efficiently, but we will also be able to access a raft of important data. These insights will be fed into our quality and engineering teams to support the continuous improvement of our products. So it’s a win-win for everyone.”
Catalogue and data bolstered
Elsewhere Carwood has been working hard to improve both its range coverage and the accuracy of the data it uses to catalogue it. This year alone, the company reported it has added more than 9,000 parts, over 25,000 cross-references and almost 30,000 vehicle linkages, ensuring its cataloguing information is always up-to-date.
By eliminating the need for physical paperwork, Carwood stated it is continuing to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. Meanwhile, its customers can enjoy a more convenient, efficient and faster returns process – simply click here, and sign up for an account.
