Return to Origin (RTO) is a logistics term used when a shipment is returned back to the seller or warehouse after an unsuccessful delivery attempt. This typically occurs when the package cannot be delivered to the customer due to various reasons such as customer unavailability, incorrect address, refusal to accept the order, or failed delivery attempts.

RTO is especially common in eCommerce and Cash on Delivery (COD) orders, where customers may refuse the order at the time of delivery or are not reachable. It is considered a major challenge for online businesses as it directly impacts profitability, increases operational costs, and disrupts inventory flow.

The RTO process begins when a delivery attempt fails. The courier partner may try multiple delivery attempts, after which the shipment is marked as undelivered. The package is then routed back through the logistics network to the seller’s origin location or warehouse. This reverse movement is known as Return to Origin.