Whiplash can be configured to the returns workflow that makes sense for your business. In this section, we will discuss: 

• Return Settings
• Customer Initiates a Return
• Important Return Considerations
• Shipping & Receiving 
• Systems Update and Notifications
• Pricing
• International Returns

Return Settings

You can find these settings by clicking on "Customer" in the top right corner. Select "Preferences" and then click on "Returns".

You can customize:

• The return address, which defaults to the originating facility.

  • Note: You will need to update this if you are selling items that cannot be returned such as personal items or underwear.

• Which items can be exchanged with one another based on their SKU.

• Whether items are returnable or exchangeable by default.

• The time limit for which orders are eligible for a return.

You may have specific items that you do not want to be returnable, such as a seasonal or final-sale items.

To prevent these items from being returned, turn off the Returnable option on the Edit Item page: 

1. Select an item within the Order Detail page. 

2. Click on "Details". 

3. Select "More"

4. Scroll down to "Returnable" and select your option in the dropdown. 

5. Click "Update Item" 

As the store owner, you are able to override any of these settings by visiting the Pre-Approved Return URL yourself and modifying the items listed there before sharing the URL with your customer.

Customer Initiates a Return

In order to maintain visibility, we require your customer to request a Return Authorization using Whiplash. Whiplash will generate a white-label return link, unique to each order, that can be shared with your customers in a number of ways. 

Automatically Sending the Return Link

If you would like your customers to be able to make returns without contacting you first, you can include the link in your shipment confirmation emails from Whiplash. 

To enable this:

1. Click on "Customer" in the top right corner and select "Preferences" and then "Email Confirmation".

2. Toggle "Email Confirmation" to "Always" 

3  Include the return link in your email confirmation template, which might look something like this:

<p>If you need to make a return or exchange, click <a href="{{order.return_url}}">here</a>.</p>

Note: Aside from utilizing custom development, there is currently no way to include the white-label return link in confirmation emails from your e-commerce provider. Our Returns functionality is accessible via our v2 API.

Sending the Return Link With a Third-Party Service

We integrate with Returnly, which allows you to utilize their return platform seamlessly through Whiplash. At the end of your customers' interaction with Returnly, they'll have a Whiplash RMA link and we will  process the return as usual!

The Pre-Approved Return URL looks something like this:

https://getwhiplash.com/rma/260515a0006089943

Manually Sending the Return Link

When your customer reaches out to your Customer Service Department asking to return an item:

1. Log into Whiplash

2. Locate the customer's order by searching for an order ID, customer name, etc.

3. Click the Order Number

4. In the Order Detail page, select "Return" to access the refund portal your customers will see.

5. Copy the URL from the address bar and send it to your customer. You may also follow the process below to create the labels and send the labels directly to your customer.

Once the customer goes to the URL:

1. They (or you) will select a reason for sending each item back.

2. They (or you) can select what items, credit, or refund they'd like in return.

3. They (or you) will be given a shipping label to print and affix to the package.

5. A Ship Notice is automatically created detailing the items coming back to the warehouse.

If the customer requests new merchandise, an order is created with the status 75: Pending Return. This order will not ship until the inventory has been received back at the warehouse. If you would prefer to ship this order immediately, you can skip this verification on the Order Details page.

Here's what the whole process looks like:

Note: The "Start Over" button allows you to start over the return. For example, it would be used if you selected the wrong item to return. 

Important Return Considerations

It is important that a return is created for every item returned to your facility. If you choose not to provide labels through Whiplash to your customers for a return, you will still want to follow the  process to create the return in app. 

You will follow the same steps:

1. You will select a reason for sending each item back.
2. You can select what items, credit, or refund they would like in return.
3. Instead of choosing the "Create Label" they (or you) will choose "No Shipping Label Necessary".

A Ship Notice is automatically created detailing the items coming back to the warehouse.

Without a return created in app with the associated Ship Notice, the return may be delayed or un-receivable. 

This is also how we accept international returns, where we do not allow label purchases but can accept returns if the processes above are followed.

Shipping & Receiving 

As stated above, you can decide whether you want to pay for the customer's return label during the Return Authorization process. Label purchasing is only available within the United States. 

Processing Workflow

When a customer uses the RMA link, a Ship Notice is generated letting us know what items were returned and that they are en route to our facility. When we receive a return, we will identify the order it belongs to, leave notes in the order regarding the status of the returned item, and receive it back into inventory if it is re-sellable. The average processing time on returns is anywhere from 3-7 business days, depending on volume.

We will work with you if you have specific needs for determining if items are re-sellable, defining a specific workflow for you during onboarding.

Systems Update & Notifications

System Update

When a return is processed, we receive re-sellable inventory back into stock. Inventory counts are adjusted and any connected systems will now reflect the new inventory.

Notifications

In the Notifications preferences, in the section called "Customer Return" you can add members of your team to receive notifications when returns are Created, Deleted, have a Changed Status, or are Completed.

Pricing

Returns are billed based on the pick and pack rate as the original outbound order. Additional handling fees apply for reconditioning or other projects. In the case of an exchange, you would also pay for the new outbound order.

Return labels are billed when the label is generated. You can set the number of days before unused labels are voided in your account preferences under the "Returns" tab. Any voided labels are credited to your Whiplash account balance upon receipt.

International Returns

You can accept international returns, but your customers cannot use the returns portal to generate them.

To allow international returns:

1. Have your Support Team generate a Return link while logged in, and work through the portal. This can only be done while logged in.
2. Select "No shipping label necessary".
3. Have your customer send the return to the facility, addressed to "ATTN: {{ COMPANY NAME }}". Many Whiplash users require international customers to purchase their own return postage as a matter of policy. You could also buy their shipping label for them outside our platform or reimburse them for packaging.
4. The return will be processed as normal when it arrives to us.

Note: We cannot refund or credit international return shipping costs. 

Related Questions:

How can I customize my return settings?

How does a customer initiate a return?

What happens if a return is not created in the application?

What does the "Start Over" button do? 

What happens when a returned item is received at the facility?

How are returns billed?

How do I generate an International return?