Managing returns and exchanges is an important part of running an e-commerce business. ShipStation offers several return options to help you manage customer returns efficiently—whether you prefer manual label creation, a self-service portal, or a branded return experience.
These options give you flexibility to choose the return process that best fits your business needs.
ShipStation supports multiple return and exchange workflows. The comparison table below outlines the key differences between them.
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Return Options |
Best For |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|
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Shopify merchants who want an automated, branded return and exchange experience |
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Businesses that need a simple, self-service return portal for all selling channels |
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One-off or manual returns without a need for a self-service portal |
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Not all carriers or services support return labels. For carrier-specific details, visit our Integrations Help Guide.
Please Note:
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UPS and FedEx generally support prepaid labels.
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Endicia Pay-on-Use labels are only billed if used.
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Shopify Returns & Exchanges is available only for Shopify merchants.
Return labels count toward your monthly shipment limit—even if unused. Keep this in mind when offering prepaid or automatic returns.
The return process allows customers to send items back to the merchant for a refund or exchange. The steps for handling a return depend on the method you use.
The return process for Shopify Return & Exchanges:
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Customer starts the return or exchange: Through the Customer Returns Portal.
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System generates the label: The customer downloads the label immediately.
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Customer ships the item back: Using the label provided.
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Merchant processes the return: Issue a refund, store credit, or exchange depending on your policy.
The return process for Standard Returns:
The return process for Manual Returns:
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Customer requests the return: Customer contacts the merchant directly.
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Merchant generates the label: Create a return label manually or include it in the original shipment.
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Customer ships the item back: Using the label provided.
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Merchant processes the return: Refund, store credit, or exchange is processed manually.
How you’re billed for return labels depends on the carrier and billing type.
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Billing Type |
When You’re Charged |
Carriers |
|---|---|---|
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Prepaid |
When the label is created |
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Invoiced |
Only if the label is used |