How to prevent return request from specific date range

What This Feature Does

The Order Date Range Policy enables merchants to block return requests for orders placed within a specific date range. This is particularly useful for managing returns during high-volume sales periods, holiday seasons, or special promotional events where you need more control over your return policy.

1. 1Prevents return requests for orders from specific date ranges
2. 2Automatically enforces the policy without manual intervention
3. 3Protects inventory during critical business periods
4. 4Applies to all orders created within the specified timeframe
5. 5Can be enabled or disabled as needed

Key Capabilities

With the Set Order Date Range Policy, you have complete control over return eligibility based on order creation dates.

1. 1Define a start date and end date to block return requests
2. 2Block returns for orders created within that timeframe
3. 3Automatically prevent all return requests for the restricted period
4. 4Set multiple date range policies for different periods
5. 5Enable or disable policies without deleting them

Step 1: Access Policy Settings

Navigate to the policy settings page where you can configure order date range restrictions.

1. 1Log into your Returndotai dashboard
2. 2Go to Settings in the main navigation
3. 3Click on Policies section
4. 4Find the "Order Date Range Policy" or "Prevent Returns by Date" option
5. 5Click to expand or configure the policy

Step 2: Configure Date Range

Set the start and end dates for the period during which you want to block return requests.

1. 1Click "Add Date Range" or "Create New Policy"
2. 2Select the START DATE - First day of the restricted period
3. 3Select the END DATE - Last day of the restricted period
4. 4The policy will apply to all orders created between these dates
5. 5Review the date range to ensure accuracy

Step 3: Enable the Policy

Once you've configured the date range, enable the policy to start blocking return requests for orders from that period.

1. 1Toggle the policy to "Enabled" or "Active"
2. 2The policy takes effect immediately
3. 3All orders created within the date range are now ineligible for returns
4. 4Customers attempting returns for these orders will see a message
5. 5Save your changes

🔍 Real-World Example

Let's walk through a practical scenario to understand how this feature works.

• Scenario: Black Friday Sale (November 20-30, 2025)
• Policy Set: Orders created between 20/11/2025 – 30/11/2025
• Result: All orders from this 11-day period cannot be returned
• Customer Impact: Shoppers see "This order is not eligible for return"
• Business Benefit: Protected from post-sale return surge

Step-by-Step Example

1. 1Merchant sets policy: Start Date = 20/11/2025, End Date = 30/11/2025
2. 2Policy is enabled in the settings
3. 3Customer purchases on 25/11/2025 (within the restricted range)
4. 4Customer attempts to initiate a return
5. 5System blocks the return request automatically
6. 6Customer receives a message explaining the order is not eligible
7. 7Orders purchased before 20/11 or after 30/11 remain eligible for returns

Holiday Season Protection

Black Friday / Cyber Monday sales - High volume, final sale items

• Christmas shopping period - Gift purchases with different return dynamics
• New Year clearance sales - Deep discounts requiring protection
• Valentine's Day promotions - Time-sensitive gift purchases
• Back to School sales - Seasonal items with limited return windows

Special Events and Campaigns

Flash sales - 24-48 hour sales with no returns policy

• Clearance events - Final sale items that cannot be returned
• Product launches - New products with restricted return periods
• Liquidation sales - Closeout inventory sold as-is
• VIP member exclusive sales - Special pricing with modified policies

Inventory Management Scenarios

Seasonal inventory clearance - Moving seasonal stock before season end

• Warehouse relocation - Temporary restriction during logistics changes
• System upgrades - Technical maintenance periods
• Peak shipping periods - Managing volume during high-demand times
• Limited edition releases - Special products with stricter policies

Creating Multiple Policies

You can create multiple date range policies to cover different periods throughout the year.

1. 1Each policy can have a unique start and end date
2. 2Policies can overlap or be separate
3. 3Enable/disable individual policies as needed
4. 4View all active policies in a list
5. 5Edit or delete policies that are no longer needed

How Policies Work Together

When multiple policies are active, understand how they interact.

• Overlapping dates: Both policies apply - order remains ineligible
• Gap between policies: Orders in gaps ARE eligible for returns
• Policy disabled: That date range becomes eligible again
• Policy deleted: Permanent removal, cannot be recovered
• All policies checked: System validates against all active policies

What Customers See

When a customer tries to return an order from a restricted date range, they will receive a clear message.

1. 1Customer navigates to the return portal
2. 2Enters their order number and email
3. 3System checks the order date against active policies
4. 4If order falls within a restricted range, return is blocked
5. 5Customer sees message: "This order is not eligible for return"
6. 6Optional: Custom message explaining the policy

Communicating the Policy to Customers

Display the policy clearly on product pages during the sale period

• Include policy details in order confirmation emails
• Add a banner on your website during restricted sale periods
• Update your return policy page with date-specific information
• Train customer service team to handle policy-related inquiries

Planning Your Policies

Set up policies at least 1 week before the sale starts

• Test the policy with a test order before going live
• Coordinate with marketing team on messaging
• Update website and email templates to reflect the policy
• Plan for customer service volume during restricted periods

Legal and Compliance Considerations

Ensure your policy complies with local consumer protection laws

• Some regions require minimum return periods regardless of sales
• Clearly disclose the no-return policy BEFORE purchase
• Consider offering exchanges or store credit as alternatives
• Document your policies for legal protection

Timing and Duration Tips

Keep restricted periods as short as necessary

• Consider customer goodwill - too many restrictions harm trust
• Align with industry norms for your sector
• Balance business protection with customer satisfaction
• Review policy effectiveness after each period

Common Issues and Solutions

Key points to understand:

• Policy not working: Check that policy is enabled and dates are correct
• Wrong orders blocked: Verify date range doesn't overlap unintended periods
• Customers confused: Improve policy communication on website
• Policy can't be deleted: Disable it first, then delete
• Dates overlap: Review all active policies and adjust as needed

Handling Exceptions

Sometimes you may need to manually override the policy for specific cases.

1. 1Customer has a legitimate complaint (defective product)
2. 2Contact customer service to review the case
3. 3Admin can manually process exceptions through backend
4. 4Document the exception for compliance records
5. 5Consider if the exception reveals a policy issue