Returns and exchanges: the parts, in plain words

36 parts and 18 phrases. Apps in this area include Loop Returns, AfterShip Returns, Narvar, ReturnGO, Happy Returns.

Starting a returnreturns.requestShowWhere and how a return request is made.

How to extend

SlotOne per storeaccount.slot.order_status.mainOne returns plugin per store may render its own portal on the customer's order page in place of the core request form.
EventMany side by sideevent.return.requestedA plugin reacts to each new return request through the return event.

Part	Litestore today	How to extend
Return request form`returns.request.form`A form on the customer's order page where they choose items and give a reason to request a return.	Core`modules/orders/storefront/returns/actions.ts`	Slot · oneEvent · many
Item selection`returns.request.item_select`The choice of which order lines and how many units to send back, limited to what is still returnable.	Core`modules/orders/returnable.ts`	Slot · oneEvent · many
One open return per order`returns.request.one_open`A rule that rejects a new request while another return on the same order is still open.	Core`modules/orders/returns/customer-return.ts`	Slot · oneEvent · many
Staff-created return`returns.request.staff_created`A return that staff open in the admin on the customer's behalf, for example after a phone call.	Core`modules/orders/admin/returns/workflows.ts`	Slot · oneEvent · many
Guest return lookup`returns.request.guest_lookup`A page where a customer without an account finds the order by number and email to start a return.	Plugin	Slot · oneEvent · many
Return requested email`returns.request.confirmation_email`An email that confirms the request and lists the items the customer asked to return.	Core`modules/email/templates/return-requested.tsx`	Slot · oneEvent · many

Return policy rulesreturns.policyShowWhat may be returned, for how long, and why.

How to extend

Core onlyThe window and returnable quantity gate refunds, a conserved amount, so they stay in core; richer rule sets come with a returns plugin.

Part	Litestore today	How to extend
Return window`returns.policy.window`The number of days after delivery, or after purchase, during which a return or refund may be requested.	Core`modules/orders/refund-window.ts`	Core only
Delivered units only`returns.policy.delivered_only`A rule that only units on a delivered or collected shipment count as returnable, while digital lines use the ordered quantity.	Core`modules/orders/returnable.ts`	Core only
Return reason`returns.policy.reason_text`A free-text reason stored on the return and on each returned item.	Core`prisma/schema.prisma`	Core only
Reason list`returns.policy.reason_list`A fixed list of reasons, such as too small or arrived damaged, that the customer picks from.	Plugin	Core only
Final sale items`returns.policy.final_sale`Products or collections marked as not returnable.	Plugin	Core only
Conditional rules`returns.policy.conditional_rules`Rules that change the window, allowed resolutions or fees by product, order value, customer tag or country.	Plugin	Core only
Photo evidence`returns.policy.photo_evidence`Photos the customer must upload, for example of a damaged item, before the request is sent.	Plugin	Core only

What the customer getsreturns.resolutionShowThe outcome of a return: money back, credit or another item.

How to extend

Core onlyRefunds and store credit move conserved money, so the refund path stays in core.
Assistant toolMany side by sideproposeRefundThe assistant proposes a refund for staff approval through its refund tool.

Part	Litestore today	How to extend
Refund to original payment`returns.resolution.refund_original`A refund sent back to the card or wallet the customer paid with, through the payment provider.	Core`modules/orders/refunds/refund-requests.ts`	Core onlyAssistant tool · many
Store credit`returns.resolution.store_credit`A refund paid as a balance the customer spends on a later order instead of money back.	Core`modules/orders/refunds/refund-requests.ts`	Core onlyAssistant tool · many
Manual refund`returns.resolution.manual_refund`A refund recorded as paid outside the payment provider, such as cash or bank transfer.	Core`modules/orders/refunds/refund-requests.ts`	Core onlyAssistant tool · many
Refund without return`returns.resolution.refund_only`A refund request approved on its own, with no return parcel, so the customer keeps the item.	Core`modules/orders/refunds/refund-requests.ts`	Core onlyAssistant tool · many
Like-for-like exchange`returns.resolution.exchange_same`A new order for the same product in another size or colour, sent in place of a refund.	Plugin	Core onlyAssistant tool · many
Exchange for another product`returns.resolution.exchange_other`A credit of the return's value spent on a different product during the return, with any price difference charged or refunded.	Plugin	Core onlyAssistant tool · many
Exchange sent before receipt`returns.resolution.exchange_before_receipt`An exchange shipped before the returned item arrives, with a hold on the customer's card until it does.	Plugin	Core onlyAssistant tool · many
Extra credit for keeping value`returns.resolution.credit_incentive`Extra credit, as a fixed amount or a percentage, added when the customer picks an exchange or store credit over a refund.	Plugin	Core onlyAssistant tool · many

Getting the item backreturns.shippingShowHow the returned parcel travels to the store.

How to extend

ProviderMany side by sidereturn labelsA label or drop-off provider creates return labels and QR codes and writes the tracking number onto the return.

Part	Litestore today	How to extend
Return method`returns.shipping.method`How the item comes back: on a store-paid label, sent by the customer, or handed over in person.	Core`prisma/schema.prisma`	Provider · many
Return tracking number`returns.shipping.tracking`The tracking number of the parcel on its way back, stored on the return.	Core`prisma/schema.prisma`	Provider · many
Prepaid return label`returns.shipping.prepaid_label`A postage label bought by the store and sent to the customer to print.	Plugin	Provider · many
QR code drop-off`returns.shipping.qr_code`A code the customer shows at a carrier counter instead of printing a label.	Plugin	Provider · many
Drop-off network`returns.shipping.drop_off_network`A network of partner shops that accept returned items without a box or label and consolidate them.	Plugin	Provider · many
Return shipping fee`returns.shipping.label_fee`An amount taken off the refund to cover the return label.	Plugin	Provider · many

Receiving and restockingreturns.receiveShowStaff review, the check on arrival and putting stock back.

How to extend

EventMany side by sideevent.return.approved event.return.rejected event.order.refundedA plugin reacts when a return is approved, rejected or refunded.
Core onlyRestocking writes the stock ledger, which stays in core.

Part	Litestore today	How to extend
Approve or reject`returns.receive.approve`A staff decision recorded on the return as an approved or rejected date.	Core`modules/orders/admin/returns/workflows.ts`	Event · manyCore only
Return assignee`returns.receive.assignee`The staff member responsible for working a return, used for a my-work filter.	Core`modules/orders/admin/returns/assignee-picker.tsx`	Event · manyCore only
Mark received`returns.receive.mark_received`A staff action that records the parcel's arrival and starts restocking and the refund proposal.	Core`modules/orders/admin/returns/workflows.ts`	Event · manyCore only
Item condition`returns.receive.condition`A note on each returned item describing its state on arrival.	Core`modules/orders/admin/returns/return-items-card.tsx`	Event · manyCore only
Restock`returns.receive.restock`Adding returned units back to sellable stock unless their condition reads as damaged, used or faulty.	Core`modules/orders/returns/restock.ts`	Event · manyCore only
Refund on receipt`returns.receive.refund_on_receipt`A refund request created from the received items so money moves only after the goods arrive.	Core`modules/orders/admin/returns/workflows.ts`	Event · manyCore only
Refund on first scan`returns.receive.refund_on_scan`A refund issued as soon as the carrier first scans the return parcel.	Plugin	Event · manyCore only

Return abuse rulesreturns.fraudShowLimits on customers who return too often.

How to extend

ProviderMany side by sidereturn risk checkA risk plugin scores returns from its own data; core keeps a request limit.

Part	Litestore today	How to extend
Request limit`returns.fraud.request_limit`A cap on how many refund requests one customer may make within a set number of days.	Core`modules/operations/activation-rules.ts`	Provider · many
High return rate flag`returns.fraud.return_rate_flag`A flag on customers whose return rate passes a set level, used to block or limit their returns.	Plugin	Provider · many

Phrase	Made of
returns portal	returns.request.form returns.request.item_select
self-service returns	returns.request.form returns.request.item_select returns.shipping.prepaid_label
return window	returns.policy.window
final sale	returns.policy.final_sale
return reasons	returns.policy.reason_list
returnless refund	returns.resolution.refund_only
keep the item	returns.resolution.refund_only
exchange first	returns.resolution.exchange_same returns.resolution.exchange_other returns.resolution.credit_incentive The return flow offers exchanges and credit before money back.
variant exchange	returns.resolution.exchange_same
shop now	returns.resolution.exchange_other
instant exchange	returns.resolution.exchange_before_receipt
bonus credit	returns.resolution.credit_incentive returns.resolution.store_credit
store credit refund	returns.resolution.store_credit
prepaid return label	returns.shipping.prepaid_label
printerless returns	returns.shipping.qr_code
box-free returns	returns.shipping.drop_off_network
refund on receipt	returns.receive.mark_received returns.receive.refund_on_receipt
restock returned items	returns.receive.condition returns.receive.restock

Returns and exchanges

What the phrases mean

Phrases left out

Sources