Returns Management

The Returns page allows you to manage product return requests submitted by customers. You can approve or reject returns, mark items as received, and process refunds through multiple payment methods.

Accessing Returns

Navigate to Dashboard > Returns from the sidebar to view all return requests.

Dashboard Overview

Four statistics cards summarize the current state of your returns:

Metric	Description
Total Returns	The total number of return requests across all statuses
Pending	Return requests awaiting your review
Approved	Returns that have been approved and are in progress
Refunded	Returns for which refunds have been issued

Return Statuses

Each return request moves through a lifecycle of statuses:

Status	Description
PENDING	The customer submitted a return request. It awaits your review.
APPROVED	You approved the return. The customer should ship the item back.
SHIPPED_BACK	The customer has shipped the item back.
RECEIVED	You confirmed receipt of the returned item.
REFUNDED	The refund has been processed.
REJECTED	You rejected the return request.
CANCELLED	The return request was cancelled.

Searching and Filtering

Use the filter bar above the table:

• Search -- Search by return ID, order number, or customer name/email.
• Status Filter -- Filter by any specific status (Pending, Approved, Shipped Back, Received, Refunded, Rejected, Cancelled) or show all.
• Clear Filters -- Click the clear button to reset all filters.

Processing Returns

Approving a Return

1. Locate a return request with PENDING status.
2. Click the Approve button (green check icon) in the Actions column.
3. Optionally enter an admin note explaining the approval.
4. Click Approve to confirm.

Info: After approval, the customer is expected to ship the product back. The status will update to SHIPPED_BACK once the customer confirms shipment.

Rejecting a Return

1. Locate a return request with PENDING status.
2. Click the Reject button (red X icon) in the Actions column.
3. Enter a required reason for rejection. This reason is shared with the customer.
4. Click Reject to confirm.

Warning: A rejection reason is mandatory. Be clear and professional in your explanation, as the customer will see this message.

Marking as Received

1. When a return has SHIPPED_BACK status, click the Mark as Received button (package check icon).
2. The status will update to RECEIVED.

Processing a Refund

1. Once a return is in RECEIVED status, click the Process Refund button (dollar icon).
2. A refund dialog opens with these fields:

Field	Description
Refund Amount	The amount to refund. Pre-filled with the original order total. You can issue a partial refund by entering a lower amount.
Refund Method	Choose from: Original Payment (refund to the original payment method), Store Credit, or Bank Transfer.
Reference	An optional reference number for the refund transaction (e.g., bank transfer ID).
Note	An optional admin note about the refund.

3. Click Process Refund to complete.

Table Columns

The returns table displays:

Column	Description
Return ID	A truncated unique identifier for the return.
Order Number	The associated order number.
Customer	The customer's name and email (or "Guest" for guest orders).
Reason	The reason the customer provided for the return.
Status	The current status badge with color-coding.
Refund	The refund amount if one has been processed, or "-" if pending.
Date	When the return request was submitted.
Actions	Context-sensitive action buttons based on the current status.

Return Workflow

The typical return workflow follows these steps:

1. Customer submits a return request -- status is set to PENDING.
2. You review the request and either Approve or Reject it.
3. If approved, the customer ships the item back -- status updates to SHIPPED_BACK.
4. You confirm receipt of the item -- status updates to RECEIVED.
5. You process the refund -- status updates to REFUNDED.

Best Practices

• Review pending returns promptly to maintain customer satisfaction.
• Use admin notes to document your decision-making process for internal reference.
• Verify the returned item before processing refunds to confirm it matches the original order.
• Consider partial refunds for items returned in used or damaged condition.
• Choose the appropriate refund method -- store credit can encourage repeat purchases.