Stock movements
Returns
Add a customer return back into stock through a batch's Handle Return dialog.
Updated 2026-09-03
Open a batch and click Handle Return in the toolbar to add a customer's returned stock back into that batch (or a related one). What the dialog asks for — and what happens when you submit — depends on whether the batch is a pieces batch or a bulk (weight-based) batch.
Customer returns
The Handle Return dialog fields are:
| Field | Shown for | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Variant | Bulk (weight-based) batches only | Yes — which pre-packaged variant the returned units are |
| Quantity | All batches | Yes, must be greater than 0 |
| Location/Aisle/Bin | Bulk batches only | Yes — where the returned, now-packaged stock will sit |
| Order Reference | All batches | No |
| Notes / Condition | All batches | No |
| Update stock in Channel | All batches | No — defaults to checked |
Fill in Quantity and, for a bulk batch, the Variant and Location/Aisle/Bin, then click the submit button — labeled Add to Batch for a pieces batch, or Create Return Batch for a bulk batch.
Returning to supplier
The Handle Return dialog only handles stock coming back from a customer. To record stock you're sending back to a supplier, use a correction with the reason Returned to supplier and a negative quantity — there's no separate supplier-return dialog. Source: Inventory/BatchDetails.tsx (predefinedReasons).
What changes
What happens next depends on the batch's unit type, confirmed by the dashboard's own success message:
- Pieces batch — the returned quantity is added straight back onto the same batch via a RETURN ledger entry. Message: "Return processed successfully - Quantity added back to batch."
- Bulk (weight-based) batch — Tracelot creates (or tops up) a separate pre-packaged batch for the chosen variant, carrying the same batch code, expiry date, and supplier as the source bulk batch, with a description noting it came from a customer return. Message: "Return processed successfully - New batch created." If a batch with that same code, expiry, and variant already exists, the return is added to it instead of creating another one.
Source: tracelot-inventory/src/services/batch/service.ts (handleReturn).
Leave Update stock in Channel checked to push the returned quantity to your connected sales channel, or uncheck it to update Tracelot only.