Returns Processing Snake — RMA Path With Badges (Infographic)
Best for: a customer-service process where each step changes who is responsible Avoid when: the process branches by return reason (use a decision flowchart) Answers: the standard RMA path and what happens at each hand-off
infographic sequence-snake-steps-pill-badge
theme
colorPrimary #2b66c4
palette
- #2b66c4
- #2f9e44
- #f3a33c
- #d1242f
- #7048e8
- #0f9b9b
- #c16f8a
- #7c5a3d
data
title Return Merchandise Process
desc Five steps from request to refund
sequences
- label Request received
desc Portal form or phone
- label Eligibility check
desc Within 30 days, unopened
- label Label issued
desc Prepaid, tracked
- label Inspection
desc Warehouse grading and photos
- label Refund
desc Original payment methodData Shape
sequences in process order, five items. Snake layouts wrap across two rows, so pill badges keep the labels
compact and the flow readable.
Key Options
| Option | Effect |
|---|---|
infographic sequence-snake-steps-pill-badge |
Badge steps on a serpentine path |
sequence-snake-steps-simple |
Plain variant for internal wikis |
sequence-snake-steps-underline-text |
Underlined labels; quietest of the three |
Pitfalls
- ❌ Branching hidden inside a step → ✅ eligibility is the branch point; name it honestly
- ❌ Missing the refund step → ✅ the process ends when the customer is made whole
- ❌ Six or more steps → ✅ snakes hold five labels before wrapping becomes confusing
Alternatives
| Variant | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Claims pipeline with volumes | claims-pipeline-funnel.md |
| Procurement approvals | procurement-approval-path.md |
| Onboarding journey stages | customer-onboarding-journey.md |