Value Recovery or Forfeit?
Two ways to clear returns sitting in Germany: recover their value through graded resale, or — where accepted — surrender the goods under a forfeit option. Here is how to decide.
Every return you leave unresolved costs storage or loses value. Returned runs two exit paths: value recovery — we inspect, grade and resell your returns for a per-product commission quoted after inspection — and a forfeit option that may be available subject to acceptance, goods eligibility and agreed terms.
How the two paths work
- 1
Send returns to your German address
Both paths start the same way: customer returns, FBA removals or your own stock arrive at your Returned address in Schorfheide.
- 2
We inspect and photograph every item
Condition, completeness and labels are documented on arrival — the same evidence whether you resell or surrender.
- 3
Path A: value recovery
Goods are graded for resale; the commission is quoted per product after inspection, with no published percentage. You approve before anything is sold.
- 4
Path B: forfeit option
Where the option is accepted, you sign the forfeit declaration and the agreed terms govern costs and the transfer of ownership to Auctum GmbH (subject to goods eligibility).
- 5
Get paid or clear your books
Value recovery returns proceeds per your instruction; the forfeit path clears accepted stock with a parcel-level receipt confirmation, per the agreed terms.
Worked cost example
Example: 100 returns per month processed with Grading before resale or surrender. Rates from the published price list:
Forfeit option: may be available subject to acceptance, goods eligibility and agreed terms
Effective cost per return: €3.07
One-time setup fee: €31.50
Value-recovery commission is quoted per product after inspection of the received goods — no published percentage. Processing rates above are from the published price list.
Both paths need a domestic address first
Unprocessed returns compound: without a domestic returns arrangement, refunds may happen without the goods coming back, storage keeps accruing, and disputes drag on. The first fix is the same in both paths — a domestic German returns address; Amazon's policy may require a domestic return address, a prepaid return label or a refund without return depending on the case.
Once the returns reach a German address, you can still choose freely between recovering value and surrendering it.
Amazon Seller Central: domestic return address policy ↗Frequently asked questions
What does value recovery cost?
Processing is billed at published rates (e.g. Grading at €2.75 per return); the resale commission is quoted per product after inspection of the received goods — there is no published percentage.
What does the forfeit option cost?
A forfeit option may be available subject to acceptance, goods eligibility and agreed terms. Where accepted, the agreed terms define any costs and the transfer of ownership of the goods to Auctum GmbH.
When does forfeit make more sense?
When item value is low, resale would not clear the processing cost, or you simply need the stock off your books this month.
When does value recovery win?
When returns contain brand-name goods, electronics or boxed items with real resale value — graded resale typically recovers more than disposal-based payouts.
Can I mix both paths?
Yes — items are graded first, then you decide per item or per batch: sell, return to FBA, forward, or — where accepted — forfeit.
Not sure which path fits your returns?
Send us a sample list or just ask — we reply in English, German, Turkish or Chinese.