> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://parcelwill-returns.gitbook.io/help-center/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://parcelwill-returns.gitbook.io/help-center/settings/return-rules.md).

# Return rules

Return rules help you control which items are eligible for return and how different aspects of the return process are handled. These rules apply globally across your store and work together with your return solutions and automation workflows to create a complete return policy.

Go to **ParcelWILL app > Return settings > Return rules** to configure your rules.

<figure><img src="/files/LJP4wY3CHtSzoKvOfshj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Return window

The return window sets how long customers have to submit a return request. You configure two fields:

* **Start from** — when the clock starts (choose from **Order fulfillment date**, **Order created date**, or **Delivery date**)
* **Within** — the number of days the customer has to request a return

For example, setting "Start from: Order fulfillment date" and "Within: 30 days" means customers can request a return within 30 days after their order is fulfilled.

{% hint style="info" %}
Using the fulfillment date is the most common choice. It starts the clock from when the order actually ships, which is fairer to customers than the order creation date.
{% endhint %}

## Block setting

Block rules help you prevent return requests that don't meet your return policy from being submitted. By setting block conditions in advance, you can reduce unnecessary return requests, avoid extra manual review, and lower the risk of return disputes.

### How to set up block rules

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open block management

Go to **ParcelWILL app > Return settings > Return rules**, then click **Manage** under the **Block setting** section.

<figure><img src="/files/PGc7hrAFKeOplmG05r3R" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<table><thead><tr><th width="165.63671875">Block type</th><th>What it does</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Block rules (legacy)</strong></td><td>Create custom conditions for specific return scenarios<br><mark style="background-color:red;">Available for existing users only. New users can create return-blocking conditions in Workflow.</mark></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Collections</strong></td><td>Block products that belong to selected Shopify collections</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Countries or regions</strong></td><td>Block return requests from specific customer countries or regions</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Customer email</strong></td><td>Block return requests from specific customer email addresses</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Discounted items</strong></td><td>Block all items that were purchased with a discount</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Product name</strong></td><td>Block products by product name</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Product SKU</strong></td><td>Block products by SKU</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Product type</strong></td><td>Block products by Shopify product type</td></tr></tbody></table>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open the Add block rule dialog

Click **Add block**. A dialog will open.

<figure><img src="/files/wa6githbpyfwaLwNRgMX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Name your rule
  * Enter a **Block rule name** (max 50 characters). This is for your internal reference only — customers won't see it.
* Set the block reason
  * Enter a **Block reason** (max 200 characters). This message will be displayed on the customer's return page when the item is blocked, so write something clear and helpful (e.g., "This item is final sale and cannot be returned").
* Configure the conditions
  * Under **Logical**, choose how multiple conditions should work together:

    * **If all conditions are met** — every condition must be true to block (AND logic)
    * **If any conditions are met** — at least one condition must be true to block (OR logic)

    Then build each condition using three fields:

    * **Field** — what to check (e.g., Product name, Product SKU, Order tag)
    * **Operator** — how to match (e.g., Contains, Is, Is not)
    * **Value** — the specific value to match against
  * You can add more conditions using the **And** rows. Click the trash icon to remove a condition.
    {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Save the rule

Click **Add** to save the block rule. It will take effect immediately.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### What customers see when blocked

When an item matches a block condition, the customer cannot submit a return request for that item. The blocked item appears as ineligible on the return page, and the **Block reason** you entered is shown so customers understand why.

<figure><img src="/files/fwUcrx2ktFsC8bI3mPmi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Restocking fee

Charge a fee to cover the cost of processing returns. This amount is automatically deducted from the customer's refund. Requires the **Essential plan**.

You can create up to **4 different restocking fees**, each with its own amount and conditions. The fee is calculated in two ways:

<table><thead><tr><th width="258.359375">Calculation method</th><th>How it works</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Non-charge</strong></td><td>No restocking fee is applied</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Fixed</strong></td><td>A fixed dollar amount is deducted per return</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Percentage</strong></td><td>A percentage of the item price is deducted</td></tr></tbody></table>

#### Conditional restocking fees

Each restocking fee can be set to apply only when specific conditions are met. The available condition types are:

* **Return solution** — apply the fee only for certain solutions (Refund to original payment method, Exchange for different items, Refund to store gift card, or Refund to store discount)
* **Return reason** — apply the fee based on the reason the customer selects
* **Return shipping method** — apply the fee based on the shipping method (Ship with a return label provided by the merchant, Ship on your own, or Green returns)
* **Return quantity range** — apply the fee based on how many items are being returned

{% hint style="info" %}
When multiple restocking fees match a single return, the system automatically applies the one that deducts the **maximum amount**. This ensures you always charge the most relevant fee when conditions overlap.
{% endhint %}

#### Where customers see restocking fees

Restocking fees are shown to customers on the return item selection page in the returns portal, so they can see the deduction before submitting their request.

<div><figure><img src="/files/SBkZ0wQuwRkpWnsFXVoA" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/VvOIFcGSG5xnD5Rrmtn8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

***

## Shipping fee

Charge customers a return shipping fee to help offset the cost of return labels. Requires the **Essential plan**.

<div><figure><img src="/files/y9sv1lIbhKqlRpP4L328" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/DdzKNvtAXqg6zzw1L5xM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

<table><thead><tr><th width="284.0859375">Option</th><th>How it works</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Non-charge</strong></td><td>No shipping fee is charged</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Fixed</strong></td><td>A fixed shipping fee per return</td></tr><tr><td><strong>The actual cost of shipping fee</strong></td><td>The actual carrier rate is charged (applies to direct integration and manual label methods)</td></tr></tbody></table>

***

## Return rewards

Encourage customers to choose non-refund options (like store credit or gift cards) by offering a small bonus reward. Requires the **Essential plan**.

<div><figure><img src="/files/RJtWpdfe6RUSYT0bzNn8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/uYFAYO10lChEOdObDpmV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

<table><thead><tr><th width="152.20703125">Option</th><th>How it works</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Non-charge</strong></td><td>No reward is offered</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Gift card</strong></td><td>Customer receives an extra gift card amount when choosing a gift card refund</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Store discount</strong></td><td>Customer receives an extra discount when choosing a store discount refund</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Store credit</strong></td><td>Customer receives extra store credit when choosing a store credit refund</td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
Return rewards are a great way to retain more revenue. For example, offering a 10% bonus when customers choose store credit can encourage them to keep the value in your store rather than requesting a cash refund.
{% endhint %}

## Exchanges setting

Control which products or variants are available for exchange when customers submit a return. Requires the **Essential plan**.

<table><thead><tr><th width="339.96484375">Available rule</th><th>What it means</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>All variants with stock</strong></td><td>Customers can exchange for any variant that has inventory</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Minimum inventory level</strong></td><td>Only variants above a set inventory threshold are available</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Continue exchange when out of stock</strong></td><td>Allow exchanges even for out-of-stock variants</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Specific variants with stock</strong></td><td>Only specific variants you select are available</td></tr></tbody></table>

***

## Exchange order setting

Choose the initial status of exchange orders created in Shopify when a customer selects an exchange:

* **Unfulfilled** — the exchange order is created as unfulfilled, ready for your team to ship
* **On hold** — the exchange order is placed on hold until you manually release it (for example, after you receive the returned item)

***

## Return request setting

Control how customers submit return requests:

* **Allow multiple items to be selected for each return request** — customers can return several items from the same order in one request
* **Only one item can be selected for each return request** — customers must submit separate requests for each item

***

## Customer shipping address

Choose whether customers can edit their shipping address when submitting a return:

* **Customers cannot edit their address** — the address from the original order is used
* **Customers can edit their address** — customers can update their address, and the new address will be used for return shipments and exchange orders

## Need help? <a href="#need-help" id="need-help"></a>

🌻 If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to [our support team](mailto:returns@parcelpanel.ltd).


---

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