[1][2] The issuance of an RMA/RGA is a key gatekeeping point in the reverse logistics cycle, providing the vendor with a final opportunity to diagnose and correct the customer's problem with the product.
RMA/RGA comes before the customer permanently relinquishes ownership of the product to the manufacturer, commonly referred to as a return.
Adding a customer survey capability may prevent RMAs by detecting problems in advance of returns.
[citation needed] Returns are sometimes minimized by reducing transaction errors prior to the merchandise leaving the seller.
In many cases the RTV was originally returned to the seller by the end consumer.