What do Product Rework Companies Do?

When you’re looking for logistics services such as warehousing, one word that you might see pop up regularly is “rework.” In short, rework is a value-added service provided by many third-party logistics providers (3PLs). It’s also an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of distinct services. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of those services and examine what product rework companies can do for your business.

What is rework?

Product rework services most commonly refer to the reconfiguration of products to make them suitable for delivery to your end customers (e.g., retailers). For example, let’s say your product is manufactured and packaged in China, and is shipped to you in the U.S. for distribution here. Unfortunately, however, there is an issue with the product in its current configuration and your customers won’t accept delivery as-is.

When this occurs, you have only a few options. You can ship the products back to China to be reconfigured and then shipped back to the U.S. again – while incurring substantial costs of both time and money in the process. Or, you can entrust the reconfiguration of your product to one of many product rework companies in the U.S. These companies can then perform the necessary product or package updates in the U.S., and work with you and/or your end customers to ensure compliance with all requirements.

Problems That Rework Companies Can Solve

A Product Component Needs to be Replaced

If your product has a part that needs to be replaced, your product rework company can handle that replacement – along with the resealing and relabeling (if necessary) involved. You would simply provide your 3PL with the replacement part(s) and directions as to how to proceed. The 3PL will then perform the necessary upgrades and prepare the products for distribution.

A Product Instruction Manual Needs to be Replaced

In addition to parts, it is also common for instruction manuals to need to be replaced. A 3PL that provides rework services can print new manuals (either in-house or outsourced), replace the old manuals with the new ones within the product packaging, and reseal and/or relabel for distribution.

Product Labeling is Inaccurate

Sometimes, the contents of your product packaging will be fine but the labels on the outside of the packages will need to be replaced. This can happen if an item number changes, if labels were mistakenly placed on the wrong side of the box, or if the existing label barcodes will not scan for some reason. Your 3PL can print and affix new labels or affix new labels that you provide. It can also provide ‘blocker labels’ to cover up the old labels if necessary.

You Need to Meet New Requirements

Rework services can also help you stay compliant with evolving regulations. This includes adding warning labels, safety stickers, or translations required for certain markets (e.g., French for Canadian distribution). Your 3PL can apply these updates directly on-site, avoiding the costly process of recalling products from distribution channels.

You Want to Sell Products in a New Configuration

If a product isn’t selling, a common response is to remarket the item in a new configuration to boost sales. Examples of this include combining two low-selling items into one discounted package or removing an item from one configuration and placing it in another – or selling it on its own. To get this new configuration out to market, you can work out the new packaging details with your 3PL and provide the company with the new SKU that the reconfigured product will use. Your 3PL will then handle the packaging and labeling from there.

This solution also applies when there is a problem with only some of the items in a product configuration. For example, let’s say that you’re selling 6-packs of widgets. However, you realize that 2 of those 6 items are flawed. You can work with your product rework partner to reconfigure those 6-packs into 4-packs for re-entry into the marketplace.

A Product is Recalled

In the event of a product recall, your 3PL can remove defective products from packaging, replace or repair components, and ensure the items are back in circulation fast to minimize downtime.

An Item is Missing from Your Packaging

Have you ever assembled a piece of furniture only to find that there aren’t enough nuts, bolts, and screws to match the instruction manual? When items are mistakenly left out of packages during production, you can simply provide those items to your 3PL for insertion into product packaging – and save amateur furniture builders from headaches in the process.

A Product and/or Box is Damaged

If your product or your product’s packaging is damaged during shipment (e.g., boxes are wet or ripped), your 3PL can repackage your products, apply new labeling, and get them back out for distribution.

Preparation for seasonal promotions or special events

If your business relies on seasonal marketing (like holiday promotions or event-specific packaging), a 3PL can help you prepare. This might include repackaging products with holiday designs, adding promotional coupons, or building custom gift sets based on your specifications.

Lean on Kanban Logistics for Rework Services

Based in Eastern North Carolina, Kanban Logistics is one of the most experienced product rework companies on the East Coast. We routinely perform the services listed in this article – and more – for a variety of retailers and eCommerce companies.

To learn more about the ways in which our rework services – and other logistics offerings – can benefit your business, contact Kanban today.