Introduction
Shopify Sync seamlessly connects Returndotai Returns to your Shopify store, allowing return orders and information to sync between platforms. This enables better visibility and easier management of returns directly within your Shopify admin.
Access this feature
Navigate to /settings/store in your application.
How to Activate Shopify Sync
Enable Shopify Sync
To activate Shopify Sync:
- 1Navigate to Settings > Return/Exchange flow > Configuration
- 2Find the "Shopify Sync" toggle
- 3Toggle it ON to enable synchronization
- 4Save your changes
How it Works
Synchronization Mechanism
When Shopify Sync is enabled, return requests created in Returndotai will automatically sync to your Shopify admin as return orders.
- Automatic sync of return requests to Shopify
- Bi-directional data flow between platforms
- Real-time status updates
- Customer information synchronization
- Product and order details synced
Important Note on Timing
Only orders created after enabling Shopify Sync will be synced. Previously created orders will not be retroactively synced.
Return Creation and Synchronization
Return Request Process
When a customer creates a return request through Returndotai:
- 1Customer submits return request via Returndotai portal
- 2Return request is created in Returndotai system
- 3System automatically creates corresponding return order in Shopify
- 4Return details sync to Shopify admin
- 5Status updates flow between both platforms
Where to See Synced Returns
In your Shopify admin:
- 1Navigate to Orders section in Shopify admin
- 2Click on the Returns tab
- 3View all synced return orders from Returndotai
- 4See return status, items, and customer details
- 5Access complete return timeline
What Information is Synced
Synced Data Fields
The following information is synchronized between Returndotai and Shopify:
- Return Order ID and reference number
- Return request date and status
- Customer information (name, email, contact)
- Shipping address details
- Return items with quantities and reasons
- Return method selection
- Return fee information
- Label tracking details (if applicable)
- Refund calculations and amounts
- Timeline events and status changes
Status Synchronization
Return statuses are mapped between Returndotai and Shopify:
- PENDING → Return Requested
- APPROVED → Return Approved
- REJECTED → Return Declined
- IN_TRANSIT → Return In Transit
- RECEIVED → Return Received
- REFUNDED → Return Closed/Refunded
Benefits of Shopify Sync
Key Advantages
Shopify Sync provides several benefits for your business:
- Unified view of returns in Shopify admin
- Better visibility into return operations
- Simplified reporting and analytics
- Reduced manual data entry
- Consistent customer experience across platforms
- Easier compliance and record-keeping
- Streamlined refund processing
- Better integration with existing Shopify workflows
Key Features
Automatic Synchronization
Return requests automatically sync from Returndotai to Shopify without manual intervention
Bi-directional Data Flow
Information flows seamlessly between both platforms for consistency
Real-time Updates
Status changes and updates sync in real-time between systems
Complete Data Sync
All return details including customer info, items, and tracking sync to Shopify
Status Mapping
Return statuses intelligently map between Returndotai and Shopify formats
Easy Activation
Simple toggle in settings to enable or disable synchronization
Important Notes
Only Future Orders Sync
Remember that only orders created after enabling Shopify Sync will be synchronized. Previously created returns will not appear in Shopify admin.
Enable Early
It's best to enable Shopify Sync as early as possible in your setup to ensure all return orders are tracked in both systems from the start.
Use Shopify for Reporting
Once enabled, you can leverage Shopify's built-in reporting tools to analyze return patterns alongside your regular order data.
Refund Processing
While return data syncs to Shopify, refund processing still happens through Returndotai. The sync provides visibility, not duplicate processing.
Train Your Team
Ensure your team knows that return orders will appear in Shopify admin after enabling this feature. Update your SOPs accordingly.
Check Permissions
Ensure Returndotai has the necessary Shopify permissions to write return orders. If sync fails, verify app permissions in Shopify admin.
Monitor Initial Sync
After enabling, monitor the first few return requests to ensure they sync correctly to Shopify and all data appears as expected.
Related Articles
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