(pronounced as separate letters) Short for returned materials (or merchandise) authorization, an alphanumeric identifier used by hardware manufacturers that indicates a user has been authorized by a company representative to return a product to the manufacturer for repair or refund. An RMA is similar to a tracking number in that it identifies a transaction, and both parties can get information on the progress of the transaction by using the RMA. It is not uncommon for a company to refuse a returned item if it is not accompanied by an RMA identifier. A practical reason for using an RMA system is that manufacturers want the customer to contact them before simply returning a product for repair or refund because the problem may be remedied during the live interaction with the company’s representative. The issuance of an RMA often is the last resort when the problem with the product cannot be rectified.
