ReturnMate

Counter Swap (In-Store Replacement)

Process in-store product replacements using the Counter Swap workflow, from swap to disposition.

4 min read
Last updated 3 April 2026

The Counter Swap workflow handles in-store product replacements where a customer brings in a faulty item and receives a replacement on the spot. The original faulty item then goes through an internal diagnostics and disposition process.

When to Use Counter Swap

Use Counter Swap when:

  • A customer is physically in your store with a faulty product
  • You want to provide an immediate replacement rather than sending the item away
  • The item needs internal diagnostics after the swap
RMA Numbering

Counter Swap RMAs use a SWP- prefix (e.g. SWP-00012) to distinguish them from standard returns (RMA-).

Counter Swap Workflow

1

Create the Counter Swap

  1. Go to Create RMA
  2. Select Counter Swap as the return method
  3. Search for the customer's order
  4. Select the faulty item being returned
  5. Choose the replacement product to hand to the customer
  6. Enter a fault description
  7. Submit the RMA
2

Begin Diagnostics

After creation, the RMA enters Counter Swapped status. The customer has already left with their replacement.

  1. Open the SWP RMA from the list
  2. Click Begin Diagnostics
  3. Enter diagnostic notes describing the fault findings
  4. Record fault codes if applicable
3

Begin Repair or Skip

Once diagnostics are complete, the item moves to Offline Diagnostics status.

Option A: Begin Repair

  1. Click Begin Repair
  2. Assign a technician
  3. Add repair notes

Option B: Skip Repair

  1. Click Skip Repair (Set Disposition) from the secondary actions menu
  2. Proceed directly to setting the final disposition
4

Set Disposition

After repair (or skipping it), choose what happens to the faulty item:

DispositionWhen to Use
Restock (Master)Item is repaired and ready to sell at the primary location
Restock (Child)Item is repaired and ready to sell at the originating store
Write OffItem cannot be repaired or resold
Return to SupplierItem needs to go back to the manufacturer
  1. Click Set Disposition
  2. Select the appropriate disposition
  3. Add any final notes
5

Close the RMA

Once the disposition is set, the RMA moves to Offline Resolved.

  1. Click Close RMA to finalise
  2. The RMA moves to Offline Closed status

Status Flow

Counter Swapped → Offline Diagnostics → Offline Repair → Offline Resolved → Offline Closed
                                       ↘ (Skip Repair) ↗

Status Reference

StatusDescriptionPrimary Action
Counter SwappedCustomer received replacement, faulty item in handBegin Diagnostics
Offline DiagnosticsItem under internal assessmentBegin Repair / Skip Repair
Offline RepairItem being repaired by technicianSet Disposition
Offline ResolvedDisposition set, ready to closeClose RMA
Offline ClosedCompleteReopen (if needed)

Diagnostics Section

During the Offline Diagnostics and Offline Repair stages, the Diagnostics Section on the RMA detail page is editable. Use it to:

  • Record fault codes and findings
  • Document the item's condition
  • Note any parts replaced during repair
  • Attach photos of the fault

Complete diagnostics thoroughly before moving to repair. This data helps identify recurring product issues and informs supplier conversations.

Reopening a Closed Counter Swap

If you need to revisit a closed Counter Swap RMA:

  1. Open the RMA
  2. Click Reopen RMA
  3. The RMA returns to Offline Resolved status
  4. Make any changes and close again when done
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