How to Set Up Point of Sale (POS) in AfterShip Admin

Overview

Setting up Point of Sale (POS) in AfterShip Admin allows you to manage in-store and online returns seamlessly across your retail locations. This setup empowers staff with flexible return handling, supports Shopify exchange workflows, and enables efficient in-store return processing. Follow the steps below to complete the configuration.

Demo

Configuration steps

Step 1: Import Shopify POS locations

• Navigate to the Point of sale page in AfterShip Admin.
• Import the Shopify store locations where the Shopify POS app is installed.

When you add a new location in Shopify, the inventory at that location is made available for online purchases by default, which means the location is activated for fulfilling online orders. For Shopify POS, you need to assign your Shopify POS device to the new location to ensure it is used correctly for in-person sales. So, while the location is activated for online order fulfillment by default, you must manually assign the POS device to that location in the Shopify POS app to activate it for POS use. Learn more about Shopify location management. 

• Ensure all active retail locations are visible and synced for return processing.

Step 2: Enable return processing options

For each store location, manage the scope of return handling by enabling or disabling:

• Accept in-store returns: This allows POS staff to initiate return requests (refunds or exchanges) directly in-store using the AfterShip POS extension.
• Accept online returns: This allows POS staff to view and process RMAs submitted by customers via the online return portal.

This gives you control over what return services each location supports.

Step 3: Decide whether your store staff should be allowed to override return policy eligibility rules

When enabled:

• Staff members will be able to proceed with return requests even if the items are flagged as Does not comply with our return policy.
• This provides flexibility for handling exceptional cases and improves customer service.

Step 4: Enable Shopify Exchange API

• Go to Return policy in your AfterShip Returns admin. Move to Refunds and exchanges, then to Exchange order processing section.
• Select Add exchange items to the original order.

This configuration:

• Activates Shopify’s native exchange API.
• Ensures exchange items are added to the original order, keeping records accurate and unified.

 Learn more about limitations in the Shopify Exchange API documentation.

Step 5: Enable QR codes for in-store returns

• Go to Return policy > Return routing rules > Return to a retail store shipping method.
• Check the box for Display QR code of returns.

This enables:

• A scannable QR code that customers can present during in-store returns.
• Faster, contactless processing for retail staff and a smoother experience for shoppers.

By completing these steps, you’ll successfully integrate AfterShip Returns with your Shopify POS system, enabling efficient, flexible, and customer-friendly return management across all store locations.

Returns POS help resources

• AfterShip Returns POS Introduction
• How to set up AfterShip Returns on Shopify POS
• How to set up Shopify POS in AfterShip Returns - Currently reading
• How to process online returns in Returns POS
• How to process in-store returns with Returns POS (Refund)
• How to process in-store returns with Returns POS (Exchange)
• How to fulfill exchange orders on Returns POS
• How AfterShip Return Policy Settings Apply to Returns POS

Updated on: 09/07/2025