Import Returns

Updated May 05, 2026 16:14

When a return or refund is created via a supported selling channel, ShipStation will import the Return into your Returns tab. Think of ShipStation as your main dashboard, instead of logging into different stores to check on your items, you can see all your returns in one place. This helps you save time and keeps your records organized.

View Imported Returns

To locate your imported returns you will need to enable the Source column in the Returns grid. Follow the steps below if you have not already enabled this column:

Go to the Returns tab.
Click on Columns.
Check the box for Source.
Click Save Columns.

The Source column will say Imported if a return was imported to ShipStation from a supported selling channel.

Understanding Return Statuses

In the Returns grid there are four status options, review the details in the status table below to learn more about how return statuses work in ShipStation.

Status	Details
Awaiting Shipment	The return has started, but there is no shipping label yet. ShipStation displays Awaiting Shipment orders by default.
Processing	A label has already been made. If you make a label in ShipStation, it moves here automatically.
Flagged	These returns have encountered an issue during processing. For example, there may have been trouble issuing a refund. Flagged returns will have a red alert banner when viewed on the Returns detail page. Note: Currently Imported Returns do not support this status.
Completed	The item is back in your hands and the customer has been refunded.

When using Imported Returns please note that the statuses for returns in your store may not exactly match the statuses ShipStation uses. That's because ShipStation statuses relate directly to your returns workflow, which might require different statuses than what your store provides. ShipStation uses a process called mapping to determine which store statuses correspond to which ShipStation statuses.

Notes about Importing Returns

Currently ShipStation can only import Returns data from connected selling channels, it cannot send updates back to the selling channel. If you make a label in ShipStation, you will still need to update your store manually if they require the tracking number.
If you are not able to see this feature please contact the ShipStation Support team to have it enabled in your account.

Supported Selling Channels

ShipStation currently supports importing Returns from the following selling channels:

Selling Channel	Additional Details
Amazon	You will need to contact ShipStation support to confirm you want to have this feature enabled as it will add processing time to order imports. Return information is available via Amazon's ‘Reports’ API. This means they will import into ShipStations once the Return has reached the Approved status in Amazon. Amazon returns will always import in the Completed status in ShipStation. Currently it is not possible to create return labels for Amazon orders in ShipStation. For information on return field mapping please see the Amazon integration guide.
BigCommerce	Merchants using BigCommerce V3 should automatically see returns import. BigCommerce orders with a Refund Record will import to the Completed status in ShipStation. Merchants using BigCommerce Legacy will need to contact ShipStation support to have this feature enabled. For information on return field mapping please see the BigCommerce integration guide.
eBay	Merchants using eBay V2 should automatically see returns import. Merchants using eBay V1 will need to upgrade to V2 in order to import returns. For information on return field mapping please see the eBay integration guide.
Etsy	Return information is available via Etsy's ‘Refund’ API. This means they will import into ShipStations once a return label has been created in Etsy. Etsy returns will always import in the Completed status in ShipStation For information on return field mapping please see the Etsy integration guide.
Shopify	To import Shopify Returns into ShipStation you will need to click on ‘Return’ and select ‘No Shipping Required’ within Shopify. Returns in the Paid or Return in Progress (no label attached) status in Shopify will import to the Awaiting Shipment status in ShipStation. Returns in the Return in Progress (label already created) status in Shopify will import to the Processing status in ShipStation. Returns in the Fulfilled, Return Closed, Partially refunded/returned status in Shopify will import to the Completed status in ShipStation. For information on return field mapping please see the Shopify integration guide.
TikTok Shop US	Merchants using TikTok Shop should automatically see returns import. For information on return field mapping please see the TikTok integration guide.
Walmart US	Merchants using Walmart US should automatically see returns import. For information on return field mapping please see the Walmart integration guide.
WooCommerce	Return information is available via WooCommerce's ‘Refund’ API. This means they will import into ShipStations once the Return has reached the Completed status in WooCommerce. WooCommerce returns will always import in the Completed status in ShipStation For information on return field mapping please see the WooCommerce integration guide.

View Imported Returns

Understanding Return Statuses

Notes about Importing Returns

Supported Selling Channels

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