Kristin Weswoo
Aug 30, 2023
Returns are an unavoidable part of e-commerce operations, and a smooth and transparent returns process not only reduces customer complaints, but also helps to increase customer trust and loyalty to the brand.Shopify Although there is no built-in return label auto-generation function, with reasonable settings and external tools integration, you can completely build a professional return processing system.
1. Introduction
Creating a return label in Shopify usually means that after a customer requests a return, the merchant generates a downloadable waybill PDF (with barcode and return address) for them to use for logistical return shipping.
This article will teach you how:
Setting up a return policy
Manage the order return process
Automatically generate return labels using third-party tools
Support exchange or refund operation
Improve overall after-sales efficiency and experience
2. Understanding the Return Label (RL)
A return label is a logistical proof that the customer has sent the item back to the merchant and usually contains:
Merchant's return warehouse address
Customer's order number, reason for return
Barcodes (for logistics scanning and tracking)
Whether postage is prepaid (e.g. Paid/Collect)
In the U.S., U.K., and Canada, where Shopify Shipping is supported, merchants can generate labels directly through the Shopify backend. Sellers in mainland China or using third-party logistics will need to integrate with an external system or generate them manually.
3. Setting up a return policy
Clear return rules should be set up and displayed prominently on the website before providing a return label.
Set the path:
Shopify backend → [Settings] → [Policies].
Find the "Refund policy" area
Write return policy content, for example:
Return time limits (e.g., within 14 or 30 days)
Merchandise condition requirements (unopened/unworn)
Availability of free return shipping
What items are not accepted for return (e.g. underwear, customized products)
📌 Suggest adding a link to the return policy:
checkout page
Bottom menu of the website
In the order confirmation email
4. Methodology for creating return labels
Method 1: Automatically generated using a third-party returns app (recommended)
App Name
Function Highlights
Whether or not the label is supported
AfterShip Returns
Self-service returns portal, automatic generation of PDF labels
✅
Return Prime
Exchange support, automatic approval, integrated logistics
✅
Loop Returns
Brand-oriented, multi-warehouse return process support
✅
Procedure (using AfterShip as an example):
Install the App and synchronize Shopify store data
Set return rules, time limits
Customers submit return requests online
The system automatically generates and sends PDF labels with barcodes.
Customers print labels and send back merchandise
5. Resend and customize return labels
If you are using third-party logistics (e.g., SF, Caijiao, DHL, etc.), you can manually create and send a return label.
A. Manual Processes:
Generate return labels in the logistics platform (PDF format)
Upload to the Shopify "Files" backend
Send document links to customers (via email, chat tools, etc.)
B. Customized recommendations:
Add Brand Logo, Customer Service QR Code
Brief description of return notes (e.g., packaging, address, contact information)
Anti-counterfeiting code, limited time expiration label can be set up
📦 Automated return email templates can be combined with Klaviyo, Shopify Email and more.
6. Managing the returns and exchanges process
In the Shopify backend → [Orders] → open an order → click [Create Return].
You can:
Select the number of items to be returned
Fill in the reason for return
Upload tracking number for customer returns
Record status (pending receipt/received/refunded)
If you support exchanges, you can use an app that supports "automatic exchange" (e.g. Return Prime) to enhance the user experience.
7. Conclusion
While Shopify doesn't have native return label generation, with an external app, a self-built return process, and a clear return policy, you can:
Enabling self-service return requests from customers
Automatically generate and email return labels
Supports multiple return conditions and exchange rules
Provide traceable logistics services
This not only helps reduce the customer service burden, but also increases customer satisfaction and repurchase rates.
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