Setting up your return rules and return policy

Early access

Return rules are in early access and are available only to certain merchants.

You can set up default return rules that let you define rules for returns in your store. To use the return rules, you need to activate self-serve returns in your online store. You can also create a written return and refund policy.

Default return rules

You can set up default return rules to determine when customers can request returns and how return fees are applied. An estimated refund is displayed to your customers based on your return rules.

Customers can only submit return requests for items that are eligible under the rules you set up. This lets you have more control over return requests and prevents your customers from requesting returns for items that aren't eligible based on your return policy.

Self-serve returns need to be activated to use return rules. This lets your customers request returns from their accounts, where return rules display eligible items and return fees.

You can set up the following types of return rules:

• return window
• return shipping costs
• restocking fee
• final sale item exceptions

Return window

Select a preset return window, or enter a custom number of days. You can select one of the following options:

• 14 days
• 30 days
• 90 days
• Unlimited
• Custom days

Return window starts on the item's delivery date. If the delivery date is unavailable, the return window starts on the item's fulfillment date plus a buffer for transit time.

Return shipping costs

You can choose how you handle return shipping costs by selecting one of the following options:

• offer free return shipping
• add a flat rate return shipping fee that's charged once per return
• have your customer buy the return shipping label on their own

Restocking fee

Choose whether you want to charge a restocking fee that is a percentage of the return. If activated, then a restocking fee is displayed to your customers.

Final sale item exceptions

You can choose which products or collections aren't eligible for returns as final sale item exceptions. Your customers can't submit return requests for items that are included in the final sale item exceptions. Final sale exceptions might include items that can't be returned, such as perishable, custom, or personal care items, or you can use these exceptions to clear out excess inventory or last season's stock.

You can include multiple products or collections to the final sale item exceptions, but not both.

Set up default return rules

1. From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Policies.
2. In the Default return rules section, click Edit
3. In the Return window section, select how much time a customer has to request a return after an order has been delivered (or fulfilled).
4. In the Return shipping cost section, select how you want to handle return shipping fees. If you chose to charge a flat rate for return shipping, then enter your flat rate.
5. Optional: To charge a restocking fee, select Charge restocking fee and then add a percentage.
6. Optional: To select collections or products that aren't eligible for returns as final sale item exceptions, do the following:
   1. In the Final sale item exception section, select Specific collections or Specific products.
   2. Search for collections or products, or click Browse.
   3. Select collections, products, or product variants, and then click Add.
7. Click Save.
8. Go back to Policies.
9. In the Return rules section, select Use return rules.
10. Click Save.

Create a written return and refund policy

You can also add or generate a written return and refund policy for your store. You can use HTML in the content of your store policies. The generated policy doesn't automatically include the return rules you set up.

A return and refund policy template can be generated only in English and for checkouts that are set to English language. If you operate your store in another language, then you need to create your own policy. Contact a local law expert for help.

Although Shopify can generate a template policy, you're responsible for following your published policy. Review your policy carefully before adding it.

Steps:

1. From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Policies.
2. In the Written return and refund policy section, enter your store's return and refund policy, or click Create from template to generate default template policy.
3. Review your return and refund policy and make any changes.
4. Click Save to add your return and refund policy.

After you add your return and refund policy, it's automatically linked in the footer of your checkout pages. Customers might need to view your policies before they check out, so it's a good idea to link your return and refund policy in your store navigation.