How to manage return request with pagination

Article on: Returndotai
Updated on: 01/14/2026

Introduction

The pagination feature lets you navigate and view between requests directly from the detail page, so you don't need to go back to the list view each time. It will reduce the time you spend managing and approving a large volume of submitted return requests. This powerful navigation tool streamlines your workflow and improves efficiency when processing multiple returns.

Access this feature

Navigate to /returns in your application.

Pagination Overview

How Pagination Works

The pagination system allows you to move through return requests sequentially without returning to the main list view. Navigate between previous and next requests while maintaining your current filter settings.

  1. 1View return requests in the management list with your selected filters
  2. 2Click on any request to open the detail page
  3. 3Use pagination controls to navigate to the next or previous request
  4. 4Pagination respects your filter settings - only shows requests matching your filters
  5. 5Process multiple requests efficiently without losing your place

Using Management Filters

Step 1: Apply Management Filters

Before using pagination, set up your filters to show only the requests you want to process. The pagination will respect these filters and only navigate through matching requests.

  1. 1Navigate to the Returns Management page
  2. 2Use the filter options to narrow down your request list
  3. 3Filter by status (Pending, Approved, Rejected, etc.)
  4. 4Filter by date range, customer name, or order number
  5. 5The filtered list will be the basis for pagination navigation
Management filter interface

Pagination Navigation Controls

Step 2: Pagination Button Preview

Once you open a return request detail page, you'll see pagination controls that allow you to navigate between requests without going back to the list.

  1. 1Open any return request from your filtered list
  2. 2Look for the pagination buttons (usually arrows) on the detail page
  3. 3Previous button (←) navigates to the previous request in your filtered list
  4. 4Next button (→) navigates to the next request in your filtered list
  5. 5Buttons are disabled when you reach the first or last request
Pagination button preview

Step 3: Hover to Preview Next/Previous Request

When you hover over the pagination buttons, you can see a preview of the previous or next order that matches the same status filter. This helps you know what request you'll navigate to before clicking.

  1. 1Hover your mouse over the Previous (←) button
  2. 2A tooltip or preview will appear showing the previous order details
  3. 3Preview includes order number, customer name, and status
  4. 4Hover over the Next (→) button to see the next order preview
  5. 5Only shows orders that match your current filter settings

Step 4: Navigate to Exact Order

Click the pagination button to instantly navigate to the exact order shown in the preview. The page will load the full details of that request.

  1. 1After previewing the next/previous order, click the button
  2. 2The page will navigate to that specific return request
  3. 3All request details will load instantly
  4. 4Your filter settings remain active
  5. 5Continue using pagination to process multiple requests efficiently

Building an Efficient Workflow

Recommended Workflow Strategy

Use pagination strategically to process high volumes of return requests efficiently.

  1. 1Filter requests by status (e.g., "Pending Approval")
  2. 2Start with the first request in the filtered list
  3. 3Review and take action (Approve/Reject/Request Info)
  4. 4Click Next to move to the next pending request
  5. 5Repeat until all filtered requests are processed
  6. 6Change filters to process different categories of requests

Time-Saving Tips

Process requests in batches by status to maintain focus

  • Use hover preview to quickly assess the next request before navigating
  • Combine filters (status + date range) to create focused work queues
  • Keyboard shortcuts may be available for faster navigation
  • Mark requests for follow-up if you need more information before deciding

Filter Persistence and Navigation

How Filters Stay Active

The pagination system maintains your filter context as you navigate between requests, ensuring you only see requests that match your criteria.

  • Filter: Status = "Pending" → Pagination only shows pending requests
  • Filter: Date = "Last 7 days" → Pagination limited to recent requests
  • Filter: Customer = "John Doe" → Pagination shows only that customer's requests
  • Multiple filters combine → Pagination respects all active filters

Changing Filters Mid-Navigation

If you need to change your filters while reviewing requests, you can return to the main list, adjust filters, and resume pagination with the new filter set.

  1. 1Click "Back to List" or navigate to the management page
  2. 2Adjust your filter settings
  3. 3Open a request from the newly filtered list
  4. 4Pagination now reflects the new filter criteria

Best Practices

Batch Processing Strategies

Process all "Pending Approval" requests in one session

  • Review all requests from the last 24 hours together
  • Handle high-priority customers in a dedicated batch
  • Process similar request types together (same product, same reason)
  • Set aside complex cases for later, continue with straightforward ones

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Always check the hover preview before clicking to avoid navigating to the wrong request

  • Don't forget to save changes before using pagination to move to the next request
  • Be aware when you reach the last request in your filtered list
  • Remember that pagination is filter-dependent - changing filters resets the navigation context
  • Use browser back button carefully - it may not maintain your filter state

Key Features

Seamless Navigation

Move between return requests without returning to the list view

Hover Preview

See order details before navigating to the next or previous request

Filter Awareness

Pagination respects your active filters and only shows matching requests

Time-Saving

Process large volumes of requests faster with continuous workflow

Visual Indicators

Clear buttons and disabled states show when you reach the first or last request

Context Preservation

Maintains your position and filter settings as you navigate

Important Notes

Best Practice

Always set up your filters before starting pagination to create an efficient workflow queue. Process requests in batches by status or priority.

Important Note

The pagination only shows requests that match your current filter settings. If you change filters, you'll need to start from a new request in the filtered list.

Efficiency Tip

Use the hover preview feature to quickly assess whether the next request needs immediate attention or can be skipped for later review.

Save Before Navigating

Always save any changes to the current request before using pagination to navigate away, or your changes may be lost.

Keyboard Navigation

Check if keyboard shortcuts are available for pagination (e.g., arrow keys) to navigate even faster without using the mouse.

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