Overview

On this page you will find step-by-step directions for store self-managed credits. While the directions attempt to clearly guide you through this process, it is expected that a sales consultant has previously provided hands-on training and that you already have some familiarity with Spark.

Create Credit

With Spark you can use the built-in scanner (triggered with the press of the physical blue button on the side of the device) to scan in credit-eligible items.

1. Open Spark
2. Tap Get Started
3. Sync with Corporate to get the most up to date data or if already synced for the day, proceed to Work with A Store
4. Tap Create Credit

You are now on the Credit entry screen. On this screen you will scan or search for all items that you wish to request credit for. 

1. Using the blue trigger button on the side of the device, scan your first item. If the item doesn't have a barcode, you can use Search to type the items description or item ID, or manually locate the item by diving through the appropriate category and header.
2. After scanning an item, select a credit reason. Based on the reason code, you will have a cases quantity control and or a units quantity control.
3. Increment the cases or single units to the appropriate quantity being returned.
4. Place the credit items into a tote.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 until all credit-eligible items are scanned and placed in totes.

Now proceed onto the review and finish process.

1. Once done scanning items, tap Done in the top-right of the screen.
2. The Items on your Credit screen allows you to scroll through all items for verification. If everything appears accurate, select Continue in the bottom-right of this screen.
3. Set the number of totes being returned with credit-eligible items inside.
4. Enter your name and use your finger to pen signature on the Sing Here line. If all information on this screen looks accurate, select Continue.
5. On the Finish Order screen you have a few options. You can optionally Email or Print a credit receipt for review, or if you're ready to submit the credit, select Finish Credit. This will "close" the credit, which should only be done once the credit is ready to be finalized (no further changes).
6. With Finish Credit select, Spark will confirm the credit is closed. Now print a Credit Receipt, 1 copy to be placed in each tote being returned.
7. Placed the Credit Receipt into each tote being returned and zip tie the totes.
8. Finally, Transmit The Credit Now. This will initiate a Sync. On the Sync Completed screen you will receive confirmation that the credit has been sent, along with a credit confirmation number.
   

Credit Reason Code Definitions

RETURNED
Item is sellable (in date, no wear and tear, can be returned to for sale to other retailers) and is returned in the original selling unit the store received (the full case must be returned if originally  ordered as a case).
                
BROKEN CASE RETURN
Guaranteed product that is being returned in quantities less than how the store originally received it (for example, a single candy bar).  

STORE OUT-OF-DATE
Product that has expired as indicated by the manufacturer’s published date printed on the packaging. Only product that is outside of the manufacturer’s published date can be returned using this code.

PRODUCT RECALL CREDIT
Allows any item that has been designated as “Recalled” from the manufacture to be returned. Do not use this code unless first notified of a recall.

FAQ

What paperwork is required?
Each tote being returned must have paperwork inside identifying the store. If the store experiences printer problems it is sufficient to simply handwrite on a piece of paper the store’s name and account number to be placed in each tote. 

What happens when a non guaranteed product is included in the tote? 
Product is disposed of and no credit is issued. If the amount of the discrepancy is material (over $10), the Reclamation team will attempt to notify the store.

What happens if the counts are not correct?
Counts will be adjusted by the  Reclamation team to reflect what was actually returned and the credit amount likewise adjusted.

How will credit be handled for product that is disposed of at my store and not returned?
Any product that is to be credited but not returned must be processed by the Sales Consultant.

Is there a penalty for mistakes made?
Our goal is to make this process simple. Stores who routinely make mistakes will be contacted by their Sales Consultant and receive additional training. In some instances a store may be removed from the self-managed credits program.