ReturnGO has integrated with Shopify's new returns API to give you more control and visibility over returns directly within Shopify.
What is the Shopify Returns API?
Shopify’s returns API enables partners such as ReturnGO to display their third-party returns directly within the Shopify platform.
This allows ReturnGO to seamlessly create relevant Shopify returns for orders. Additionally, as RMAs go through different stages (approved, rejected, canceled, done, etc), the corresponding Shopify return and order are updated in real-time updates.
Requirements
Any user can enable this feature.
Note: In the future, this will be mandatory and all returns will be processed as Shopify returns.
How to Enable Shopify Returns
To start using the Shopify returns API:
- Go to Settings > Integrations > Products & Services.
- Open the Shopify Integration section,
- Enable the toggle for Create RMAs as Shopify Returns.
- Click on the save icon to save your changes.
Enabling this setting allows ReturnGO to create relevant Shopify returns for an order directly as Shopify returns.
How It Works
Shopify has a basic built-in returns function for manually creating and managing returns directly within Shopify.
The Shopify returns API enables ReturnGO to utilize this native returns function to automatically create linked returns in Shopify from RMAs in ReturnGO.
When an RMA is approved in ReturnGO, a corresponding Shopify return will be created in Shopify, connected to the original Shopify order. The Shopify return will include all the relevant information from the ReturnGO RMA such as:
- Returned items and quantities
- Requested action such as exchange, refund to gift card, etc
- Return reasons and notes
- RMA status like approved, pending, rejected, etc
Tip: In a manual Shopify return, the only available resolution is a refund to payment method and basic exchanges. By using ReturnGO, you can offer a wide range of resolutions that help keep the revenue in your store.
When the RMA is updated in ReturnGO, the linked Shopify return will also be updated. For example, if the RMA is marked as done in ReturnGO, the Shopify return will be completed as well.
Approvals, rejections, completion, and any status changes to the RMA in ReturnGO will sync to the connected Shopify return so you have full visibility into the return status in both systems.
RMA Creation and Processing
Approving an RMA in ReturnGO automatically creates a return in Shopify as well. Any updates made to the RMA status in ReturnGO will be reflected in the Shopify order timeline. If a ReturnGO RMA is canceled or reopened, the Shopify return will be updated accordingly.
Note: When a Shopify return is created, a "Refund Owed" message will appear on the Shopify order, and will disappear only once all open returns have been either refunded or canceled. While this message may seem like a warning, don't worry, no action is needed on your part, and your reports and revenue won't be affected in any way.
Refunding and Restocking
Instead of refunding either an entire order or specific items, you refund the Shopify return.
When restocking, ReturnGO leverages Shopify's inventory API rather than using the old refund API's restock option, and the Restock by” setting is no longer configurable.
Return Portal Flow
The customer experience is not affected by switching to Shopify Returns. Customers have the same portal flow and still receive notifications through ReturnGO.
The only thing affected in the return portal is that items that were returned via a Shopify return that was not created by ReturnGO, will be marked as "Returned" and cannot be selected to create a new RMA. This prevents duplicate returns.
Exchanges
Shopify Returns does not support exchanges yet. Therefore, when an item is returned for exchange it will appear as if it is returned for a refund, and the order notes will show that there was an exchange (draft) order created when the RMA is approved.