Shopify Returns & Exchanges has a Restocking feature that allows you to update inventory levels in Shopify when returned items are processed in ShipStation. If an item is restocked, the stock quantity for that SKU will be added to the Shopify location that fulfilled the original order.
This Feature is Part of Shopify Returns & Exchanges
In July of 2025, ShipStation released Shopify Returns & Exchanges. The contents of this article are related to that workflow.
For information on other return workflows please see Returns & Exchanges in ShipStation.
With restocking, you can:
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Send stock updates to Shopify
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Ensure accurate inventory levels to prevent over and under selling
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Configure a default restocking action
For users with Administration or Configuration permissions in ShipStation, you can configure whether items returned through the Shopify Returns & Exchanges Portal are restocked by default.
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Select the Returns tab.
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Select Configure Return Settings.
You will be redirected to a new returns management portal.
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Select
Configure > Return Management -
Click the Manage button for Item Restock Defaults.
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Select the default restock mode for your requests, Restock or Don't Restock.
You can also change an items individual setting while processing a return.
You can choose to restock each line item individually, depending on whether the item can be resold. You can select whether you would like to return the item on the returns detail page.
To restock an item using Shopify Returns & Exchanges:
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Review the Return Details Overview screen. You can adjust the restocking settings as needed by using the drop down menu that is below the item details.
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Restock Item: If this option is selected the inventory will be updated in the Shopify location that fulfilled the original order.
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Do Not Restock Item: if this option is selected the inventory for the item in Shopify will not change. This is often used for damaged or unsellable goods.
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Click the Approve All button when you are ready to complete the return. This will immediately update your stock in Shopify.
If your Customer requests a return or exchange through the portal you can review the pending request by following the steps below:
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Open the Returns tab.
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Select the Request ID you want to review.
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Approve or Reject the request using the action buttons.
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ShipStation updates the inventory for the Shopify location that originally fulfilled the order. The location cannot be changed during the restocking process.
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If automation rules auto-approve returns, the default restock setting determines whether those items are restocked automatically. Review this setting to ensure it matches your intended process.
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If you are approving multiple items within a single order each line item must have the Restock Item option selected to be included in the inventory update.
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Once the return is approved and submitted in ShipStation, inventory updates are made in real time. You can verify the updated inventory quantities in Shopify under the ‘Product’ tab or in the Order timeline.
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If inventory in Shopify does not update after restocking it is possible that:
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Shopify may be experiencing a processing delay. Check the Shopify status page to confirm.
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The SKU for the returned item does not match a SKU in Shopify.
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The Shopify location that originally fulfilled the order no longer exists. In case that you disable the location in Shopify, we recommend setting up a fallback location.
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Once a restock is approved the action cannot be voided. You will need to manually update the inventory in Shopify if you want to cancel restocking the item.
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The Restocking feature does not use or affect ShipStation Inventory Sync, it only syncs with the Shopify location that originally fulfilled the order.