Articles on: Returns Management

How to Disable RMA Creation for Unfulfilled Orders

Plans: All plans Platforms: Shopify, Wix, SFCC, BigCommerce, Magento 2, Commerce API


Overview


AfterShip Returns allows users to prevent RMA creation for unfulfilled orders and lets merchants decide whether customers can raise return requests for unfulfilled (unshipped) orders during the return window. Activating this feature will enable customers to only submit return requests on the return portal when their original orders are fulfilled during the return window.


What you’ll learn


In this tutorial, we will show you:



Disabling RMA creation for unfulfilled orders


  1. Navigate to Return Policy > General in the AfterShip Returns admin.
  2. Move down to Prevent return requests for unfulfilled orders under the Return window settings.
  3. Move the toggle to the right to activate the feature.


  • This will allow customers to submit return requests during the return window only when their original orders are fulfilled. By default, the feature will be disabled. This means you allow customers to raise return requests for unfulfilled orders once the return window starts.





  • Here's what customers experience while placing returns for unfulfilled orders:



Return partially fulfilled orders


The partially fulfilled orders, in this case, would be considered Fulfilled:


  • The customers would see the items that are fulfilled and eligible for returns during the item selection on the return page.
  • The unfulfilled orders that are not eligible for returns would be faded-out on the item selection page and will be listed under Non-returnable Items.



Key takeaways


  • AfterShip Returns allows merchants to prevent customers from submitting return requests (RMA creation) for unfulfilled (unshipped) orders.
  • Partially fulfilled orders are considered "Fulfilled." Customers can only initiate returns for the fulfilled items, while the unfulfilled items are marked as non-returnable.


FAQs


1. Can I override the “Prevent return requests for unfulfilled items” rule for a specific order or a specific customer?


Yes, you can easily override this rule. Just add a specific order or customer to the Allowlist. Go to Return policy > Eligibility rules settings.


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

Updated on: 04/12/2025