Returns & Reverse Logistics Excel Dashboard
FINANCIAL MODELS LAB
Which SKUs lose the most contribution per unit shipped?
Use the populated dashboard to read the result, investigate its components and explore the stated decision assumptions. The workbook keeps the source figures and calculation steps available so another reviewer can trace the same selection.
See the illustrative example
Month: Oct 2026, Unit: Trail boots. The workbook opens with calculated sample figures and working financial charts. Each displayed amount belongs to its labelled selection and unit of measure.
Explore the financial questions
Return burden is refunds plus reverse costs less inventory restored at cost. Dollar changes are attributed in volume, return-frequency and severity order.
Burden=sold×return rate×burden per return. Chain-substitute volume, then rate, then burden per return; reconcile the three dollar impacts.
Compare the observed results using each unit’s own denominator.
Move between the decision views
The analytical views include Dashboard, Driver detail, Avoided returns. Start with the overview, then use the relevant driver, register or scenario view to explain a difference. Keep the reporting context consistent when comparing an amount with its source or another operating unit.
How to adapt the dashboard
Start with the short How to worksheet, which identifies the inputs, selectors and result views for this dashboard. Keep an unchanged copy of the sample before replacing its data. Enter your source values in the highlighted cells, review one reporting selection and reconcile a headline amount to your records. Change a material driver and check the result in its labelled unit. A decision assumption describes a modelled case; it does not replace the observed source figures.
Understand the calculation basis
This schedule excludes exchanges unless their two legs can be attributed consistently. Late returns can change a historical cohort. Avoided units are capped at observed returns. Refunds, reverse costs and restored inventory value per avoided return keep their observed averages.
For a team review, record the selected period, operating unit, source of the inputs and the case assumptions alongside the conclusion. This context helps a colleague reproduce the result and distinguish a change in the business from a change in the modelling assumptions. The included sample is illustrative rather than company reporting.