How to Use Return Workflows in AfterShip Returns

Overview

AfterShip Returns introduces workflows that enable merchants to customize a rule set to manage returns based on various conditions. Merchants can define how the return policy should function under different scenarios. Instead of applying a “one-size-fits-all” return policy, workflows allow for flexibility in adapting actions based on conditions such as customer type, order, product category, or return reason. In this article, learn how to set up workflows to manage returns. 

Steps to create a workflow in AfterShip Returns

1. Log in to your AfterShip Returns admin.
2. Navigate to Return policy > Workflows.
3. Click Create from scratch to open the workflow editor.

Key components of the Workflow editor

When creating a workflow, you’ll define conditions and actions.

1. Set Conditions

Choose at least one condition from the condition list. Select condition relation:

• Any condition is met (OR)
• All conditions are met (AND)

2. Assign Actions

Select one action per workflow. 

3. Save and Enable

Save your workflow and enable it. You can also keep workflows in draft. Test it directly on the returns page to ensure accuracy.

Available conditions

Product category condition: When you set a condition based on a product (like product type, tag, or SKU), AfterShip Returns uses the product information from the time the customer made the purchase.

Order/Return/Customer category condition: The conditions, like order amount, return reason, or customer type, are updated in real-time from the eCommerce platform. Update speed is based on the internet speed.

Available actions

Actions define what happens when a condition is met. Provided actions are as follows:

Considerable examples

Understand how workflow works with these examples:

1. Charge Cost of Return

Merchants can charge or override default return fees under certain conditions.

Use cases: Suppose you want to charge no return fee from VIP customers or want to charge an extra amount.

How to set it up

1. Choose how to process the return fee

• Override the original fee→ Replace any existing fee with the new one.
• Add to the original fee → Add the new fee to the existing fee.

2. Add a new return fee type

• Free → No charge
• Flat rate → Fixed amount in desired currency
• Percent of return value → % of the product price

How it works:

2. Require Gift Product Return

When a customer buys a gift product as part of a promotion, you can automatically require it to be returned if the main product is returned.

• Promotion: Buy headphones and get a free hat.
• Customer returns the headphone → The hat is automatically selected for return.
• Show a custom message like: “Since you are returning the headphone, please include the free hat in the return.”

How to set it up

1. Set condition: Choose conditions like ‘Discount code’ or ‘order tag’ or ‘product type’
2. Apply action: Choose ‘Require gift product return’ and identify gift product SKU or product tag.
3. Optionally, only apply this to discounted products.
4. Add a message to the customer you want to display, say, “Since you are returning the headphone, please include the free hat in the return.”

Rules for automatic gift return

Exploring the Returns workflow dashboard

Quick start templates

AfterShip provides ready-made workflow templates for common return scenarios:

• Manually review returns from frequent returners
• Prevent returns for worn items
• Extend your holiday return window
• Block return of final sale items
• Offer exchange only for specific reasons
• Add extra labels for bulky items

These templates help merchants save time by quickly applying best-practice workflows.

Create from Scratch

For merchants who want full control, Create from scratch (on the top-right) helps to build a custom workflow as per the business needs.

Workflow list table

Below the templates, you’ll find a list of all existing workflows that you have created. Each entry displays:

• Set a custom name for the workflow.
• Shows the action the workflow performs (e.g., set return window, charge cost of return).
• Status: Draft or Enabled.
• Last Updated: Date and time of the last edit.

This makes it easy to review, edit, and organize your workflows at a glance.

Key takeaways

• Use workflows to customize returns based on your business rules.
• To create workflow: Go to editor > set up conditions → define actions → Save & enable.
• Use quick start templates for fast setup or create custom workflows from scratch for full control.
• Manage return fees, gift product returns, set up exception return windows, and more.

FAQs

1. Can workflows be paused or disabled temporarily?

Yes, you can disable workflows and keep them in draft without deleting, allowing you to reactivate them later.

2. How many workflows can I create under one subscription plan?

Yes, you can create multiple workflows; there are no such restrictions, but AfterShip evaluates based on the conditions you set in the workflow list. Conflicting actions may require careful setup.

Updated on: 09/10/2025