This document outlines the default settings automatically enabled for ShipStation Returns and Exchanges upon account creation. These initial settings, which include the return location, refund methods, and return reasons, are designed to streamline the onboarding experience, simplify return management, and ensure immediate operational readiness.
You can edit or customize these settings at any time in the Returns Settings menu.
Ready for a webinar about ShipStation Returns and Exchanges?
For a deeper dive into all of ShipStation Returns and Exchanges' available features, see our on-demand Simplify Shopify Returns Exchanges onboarding webinar.
For more details about how to use ShipStation Returns, please see our Get Started with Returns & Exchanges in ShipStation article.
Review the list of details below to understand the baseline functionality of your returns feature. While these defaults ensure you can begin processing returns immediately, you can easily review and customize every setting detailed in this guide at any time in the Returns Settings menu.
Access Return Settings Menu
To access the Returns Settings menu link (here and above), you will need to be logged in to your ShipStation account, and you will need to have Returns and Exchanges for Shopify enabled in that account
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Return Location Selection: Defaults to the Ship From address created within ShipStation. You can update this address in your Store settings for ShipStation Returns.
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Refund Methods: Refunds default to the original payment method. Optionally, you can change this to enable Gift Cards.
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Exchanges are enabled: Shoppers can use exchanges to swap a return for a replacement item. You can learn more about exchanges in our Create and Manage Exchanges with Returns & Exchanges for Shopify article.
Exchanges are preconfigured with the following settings:
- No monetary incentives are enabled to promote Exchanges.
- The ability to Purchase additional items during the exchange process is disabled.
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Return Reasons: A set of default Return Reasons is pre-configured:
- Ordered Incorrect Product
- Changed My Mind
- Defective Items received
- Style not as expected
You can configure custom reasons and sub-reasons in the Returns settings.
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Return Window: The default timeframe is set to 30 days after the order was delivered.
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Shipping Cost: The setting is enabled to have Shoppers responsible for paying the return label fee instead of sending a Prepaid Return Shipping Label.
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Return Fees: The setting is enabled to exempt Shoppers from processing/restocking fees.
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Branded Theme: The customer portal Landing page is enabled at signup. You can fully customise this feature to include your brand logo, favicon, and brand colors. To host it on your website, copy the link available in the Settings page.
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Features that do not require printing:
- No Label Feature: Enable shoppers to return their items using a barcode instead of printing a physical label. Available for USPS and UPS only.
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No Box, No Label: Enable shoppers to drop off their items at The UPS Store® anywhere in the US without printing a label or repackaging their shipment. The shopper is given a barcode that can be scanned.
Learn more about the No Box, No Label feature.