Kimberly-Clark Professional, a global leader in workplace safety and hygiene solutions, maintains strict quality standards for their PPE and facility supplies while ensuring efficient handling of returns and claims. This comprehensive guide will help distributors navigate Kimberly-Clark Professional's returns and claims processes effectively.
Types of Returns/Claims Available
Quality Claims
Kimberly-Clark Professional handles quality-related issues including:
- Protection level concerns
- Material integrity issues
- Performance problems
- Size/fit discrepancies
- Barrier protection failures
- Comfort/ergonomic issues
- Product specification deviations
Safety Performance Returns
For products with potential safety concerns:
- Protection level failures
- Barrier integrity issues
- Contamination problems
- Protection rating verification
- Filtration efficiency issues
- Comfort and fit problems
- Certification compliance
Bulk Pack/Case Quantity Issues
Addressing:
- Packaging integrity
- Case count discrepancies
- Bundle integrity problems
- Dispensing system issues
- Product consistency
- Storage stability
- Shelf-life concerns
Damaged Goods Claims
For products damaged during shipping:
- Must be reported within 48 hours
- Requires immediate inspection
- Photo documentation required
- Package integrity verification
- Contamination assessment
- Storage condition verification
- Sterility maintenance verification
Before Filing a Claim/Return
Required Documentation
- Product codes
- Lot numbers
- Date codes
- Purchase order information
- Safety certification details
- Protection level requirements
- Application details
- Usage environment data
- Photos of issues
- Case count verification
- Storage condition records
- Quality control reports
Eligibility Verification
Before initiating a return:
- Check product shelf life
- Verify storage conditions
- Review usage parameters
- Confirm proper application
- Check certification requirements
- Verify size/style specifications
- Ensure proper documentation
- Review safety protocols
Product Condition Requirements
Returns must meet these conditions:
- Original packaging when possible
- No contamination
- Proper storage maintained
- Sterility preserved
- All components included
- No unauthorized modifications
- Clean and properly identified
- Protection level maintained
The Claims/Returns Process
Initial Assessment
- Document safety concerns
- Review product specifications
- Verify protection requirements
- Evaluate application suitability
- Check certification compliance
- Assess storage conditions
- Review usage environment
Return Authorization
- Submit required documentation
- Obtain RMA number
- Receive return instructions
- Confirm handling procedures
- Arrange proper packaging
- Schedule pickup/delivery
- Document chain of custody
Product Return Preparation
- Package according to guidelines
- Maintain product integrity
- Prepare shipping documents
- Label properly
- Follow safety protocols
- Ensure clean conditions
- Protect from contamination
Claim Processing
- Technical evaluation
- Safety performance review
- Quality analysis
- Certification verification
- Resolution determination
- Credit or replacement processing
- Documentation completion
Best Practices for Distributors
- Maintain detailed inventory records
- Document storage conditions
- Train staff on PPE handling
- Regular safety compliance checks
- Monitor expiration dates
- Keep certification records
- Document usage environments
- Regular staff training
- Proper storage practices
- Maintain inspection logs
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Improper storage conditions
- Missing lot tracking
- Inadequate documentation
- Poor packaging for returns
- Late incident reporting
- Contaminated products
- Incorrect size documentation
- Incomplete safety records
- Improper handling procedures
- Inadequate protection during transport
Tips for Expedited Processing
- Use KCP's online portal
- Complete all documentation
- Include clear photos
- Follow packaging guidelines
- Track expiration dates
- Maintain organized records
- Quick response to inquiries
- Regular portal updates
- Keep technical data current
Conclusion
Managing Kimberly-Clark Professional returns and claims requires attention to safety standards, product integrity, and proper documentation. Following these guidelines helps ensure efficient processing while maintaining the safety and protection levels of returned products.
For immediate access to Kimberly-Clark Professional's portal click here.
Did you know?
Continuum helps dealers and distributors streamline returns and claims with our Returns Management Software so you can spend less time filing claims, ensure accurate credits, and resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently. Book a demo today to learn more.