Online shopping makes it easier for consumers, but returns are still a hassle

UPS recently invested in Optoro, a software company that helps retailers and manufacturers handle returned and excess inventory.

“It’s a high-tech solution for how to connect items to the next best home,” said Optoro co-founder and CEO Tobin Moore, whose company takes a cut of any money it helps retailers recover.

Depending on the item’s condition, it might go back to the retailer to be sold again, returned to the vendor for a credit, sold to a liquidator or on a secondary market like eBay, recycled or donated, Moore said.