Bins· Smart kiosks
- Secure indoor/outdoor drop-off with guided flows
- Automated intake logging with timestamps and locations
Solutions
Smart return infrastructure
Four building blocks that work together or stand alone — plug Encora into retail, campuses, packaging recovery, and events without replatforming.
$101B
Annual return fraud in the US
Most of it happens at the point of drop-off, before anyone checks.
$29
Average cost per return
Retailers spend it on every return — almost none includes actual verification.
0%
Verified at handoff today
No photo. No weight check. No record. Just a refund.
The four building blocks
Start with one, or deploy them together for end-to-end returns and traceability.
Tags· QR + RFID
- Item-level traceability using QR and optional RFID
- Works with existing IDs, SKUs, and barcodes
Verify· Proof at drop-off
- Photo + timestamp evidence for every drop
- Exceptions flagged automatically for audit review
Connect· APIs & webhooks
- Exportable return events for reporting
- Exportable structured data for operations and internal reporting
How the pieces connect
Every return flows through the same four layers — from physical intake to your existing systems.
01⟲
Intake
Customer scans QR or receipt at the kiosk. The bin identifies the return and opens the intake slot.
02✓
Verify
RetAI would capture photo and weight at drop and could flag wrong items, empty boxes and policy violations.
03⧉
Record
A tamper-evident event is logged per transaction — item, timestamp, location, weight, and photo.
04→
Route
Structured data could be sent to your POS, OMS or logistics system, which would make the refund decision.
Who it's for
Encora is designed for the operators, retailers, and logistics partners who own the return problem.
Apparel & specialty retailers
- Reduce $29/return processing cost
- Could cut fraud with verified intake before refund
- Self-serve kiosks free up staff for selling
- Data that routes items to restock, resale, or RTV
Mall & hub operators
- Shared return infrastructure across multiple tenants
- Drive foot traffic with convenient drop-off locations
- Real-time fill-level monitoring across all units
- Revenue opportunity from returns-as-a-service
Logistics & 3PL partners
- Verified intake data before items reach the DC
- Reduce surprises in the returns processing queue
- Photo and weight records for dispute resolution
- Possible future integration with WMS and OMS
Where it fits
The same platform, deployed across four different environments.
Campuses & municipalities
- Self-service returns instead of staffed counters
- Accurate usage data for zero-waste and climate reporting
- Simple 120V deployments with neutral infrastructure
Retail & apparel
- Could reduce shrink and fraud with proof at drop
- Shorter lines with self-service returns kiosks
- Data that routes items to reuse, resale, or recycling
Packaging & Recovery
- Evidence-grade data for packaging stewardship and recovery reporting
- Granular insights across bins, locations, and materials
- Modular, neutral infrastructure usable by multiple brands
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Events & catering
- Fast, guided drop-off for cups, foodware, and packaging
- Live telemetry on fill levels and contamination
- Reusable infrastructure you can move between venues
Not sure where to start?
Tell us about your environment and we'll show you which building blocks fit.