Configure Your General Return Policy Settings

Overview

This tutorial will give you an understanding of our general return policy settings, which are applied to all return requests and can be found under the Return Policy section in AfterShip Returns admin.

Return policy set up

1. Go to Return Policy > Order lookup in the AfterShip Returns admin
2. Set up a Return window to allow customers reasonable time to return a product

• Choose when the return window will start

a. Order date

b. Fulfillment date (recommended)

c. Delivery date

• Select the radio button for either of the three options to configure the Start from point from where the return window calculation will start.
• Input the number of days under Ends in to specify when the return window will close from the date of start.

• You can also configure holiday and product-specific return window to allow customers more time to return certain products. Click Add workflow.

Get a detailed tutorial to set up general and product-specific return windows here

• Move the toggle to the right to activate to allow customers to submit return requests during the return window only when their original orders are fulfilled.

3. Move the toggle to the right to enable customers to return gifts without interacting with the original buyer directly on the returns portal.

Setting up gift returns functionality for your store is quick and easy with AfterShip Returns. Get a hands-on tutorial to enable gift returns for your customers.

Use Case Example

Scenario:

A Shopify merchant wants to provide a 30-day return window starting from the fulfillment date, but extend it to 45 days during the holiday season for increased customer satisfaction.

Setup Steps:

1. Go to Return Policy > Order lookup in your AfterShip Returns admin.
2. Set Return window start to Fulfillment date and input 30 days under Ends in.
3. Click Add workflow to create a holiday-specific return policy, extending the window to 45 days for orders placed in November and December.
4. Toggle Enable holiday return window ON.

Outcome:

Customers purchasing during the holiday period enjoy extended return flexibility, while standard orders remain under the default 30-day policy, maintaining operational control while improving customer experience.

Supported plans and platforms

FAQs

1. Can I set different return windows for specific products or holidays?

Yes. You can create holiday or product-specific return workflows by clicking Add workflow under the Return Policy settings. This allows flexibility for certain products or time periods where extended return windows are appropriate (e.g., holiday season purchases).

2. How can I enable customers to return gifts without involving the original buyer?

Gift returns can be activated by toggling the Allow customers to return gifts option under the Return Policy section. Once enabled, recipients can process returns directly through the returns portal without needing order details from the original purchaser.

3. Are there plan-based limitations for the return policy and gift return features?

• Find Orders: Available for all plans.
• Return Window: Available for Free, Essentials, Premium, and Enterprise plans (with limited triggers for Free and Essentials).
• Gift Returns: Available for Essentials, Premium, and Enterprise plans.

4. How do I restrict customers from submitting return requests outside the return window?

You can toggle the Allow returns only during return window setting under the Return Policy configuration. When enabled, customers will only be able to submit return requests if their orders fall within the active window period.

For any further questions or help, please contact our chat support team or reach out to us at support+returns@aftership.com.

Updated on: 13/11/2025