Return Merchandise Authorisationnoun · abbr.

An RMA authorises a specific return before it ships back, recording what is coming, why, and what will happen — refund, replacement, repair or credit note. Goods arriving without one are unidentifiable.

The RMA also decides where returned stock lands: back to sellable, into quality hold, or straight to write-off. Returning damaged goods to available stock is a fast way to lose a second customer.