Returns requests and authorisations can now be processed via EDI.  For further details email Matthew Hogg.

Alternatively fill in our returns request spreadsheet and email it to us at mdlreturns@macmillan.co.uk.

Since 1 July 2004 MDL have been processing our returns according to the BIC driven, industry-wide Returns Authorisation (RAN) system which has been endorsed by both the Publishers' and Booksellers' Associations within the UK.

The Process

  1. The customer sends his/her request to MDL indicating ISBN, title and quantity.

This can be done via:

Returns requests may be posted to:

Customer Services
Macmillan Distribution
Brunel Road
Houndmills
Basingstoke
Hants
RG21 6XS

Or faxed to: +44 (0) 1256 812558/812521

  1. The requests are then processed through our system to determine which titles may or may not be returned. For reasons that a title might be rejected see below.

  2. Our computer creates a unique Returns Authorisation Note (RAN) listing all the titles and quantities that may be returned. A second page (if applicable) will be produced detailing titles that may not be returned with reasons. Finally a bar-coded address label is produced.

  3. These will be sent back to the customer either by EDI, via Batch.co.uk, or hard copy, dependant upon the customer’s chosen medium.  

NB for customers who choose to post or fax requests, we can provide the facility to email the RAN. For further information please contact Customer Services.

  1. The customer packs the authorised books, noting any quantity amendments he/she has made, and sends them to Macmillan Distribution at the address given, using the bar-coded label.  (If you are using the electronic returns system then you should confirm electronically the number of copies that you are returning.)

NB it is important to send the books back to the address shown on the label, as failure to do so might incur substantial delays in processing.

  1. Upon receipt into our designated warehouse, the received quantities are verified and Customer Services produce a credit note. 

    2. This credit note will be dated according to the day the books are received into our warehouse and not according to the date that the credit is raised.

    The credit is based upon an average weighted price of all the customer’s sales for that product over the last 12 months. As such it will appear as a net price.

    Only titles and quantities that have been authorised will be credited.

    If you have any more questions about our returns system see our Returns FAQs

Batch.co.uk

You do not need to be a Batch user to use this system but you will need to register for Batch Returns. As a web based system it requires no development resources for the customer and there are currently no charges levied upon you for using this. To make use of this facility please look at the website, www.batch.co.uk and follow the on screen instructions

Reasons for rejecting a returns request

R01 - Returns quantity higher than quantity supplied

R02 - Too early (outside parameters) The request is being made within 3 months of the title’s publication date.

R03 - Too late (outside parameters) The title was last purchased from us over 15 months ago.

R04 - Supplied firm – firm sale

R05 - Exceeds agreed trading cap

R06 - Usually ISBN/EAN number not known or not supplied by us

R07 - No longer supplied by us, refer to new supplier

R09 - Distributor unable to authorise, apply direct to publisher

R10 - Reference not supplied or invalid, used for publisher recall reference, promotion or event reference, or pre-authorisation reference

(Back to Top)