Automatically process the return refund or credit when the selected event occurs, with an optional delay.
Where to find it
Settings > Returns > Automation, under Returns Automations.
[Screenshot: Automation tab — Automatically process return trigger dropdown with Delay field]
What this is
Issues the customer's resolution — refund, store credit, or exchange — when the selected shipping event occurs, without anyone opening the return and clicking Process.
Trigger | When it fires |
None (manual) | Never — you process each return yourself |
Label is created | As soon as the return label is generated — before the item has shipped |
Return is in transit | When the carrier picks up the package |
Return is delivered | When the package arrives at your return destination |
Delay — how many days to wait after the trigger before processing runs. A delay creates a window to inspect returned items before the resolution is issued.
Configuration | Trigger | Delay |
Process on arrival | Return is delivered | 0 days |
Inspection window after arrival | Return is delivered | 3 days |
Fastest resolution for the customer | Return is in transit | 0 days |
Considerations
Earlier triggers resolve the return faster for the customer; later triggers confirm more before money moves. Processing at label creation issues the resolution before the item has shipped; processing on delivery means the package is physically at your destination first.
Common exceptions
Low-value returns process at label creation; high-value ones wait for delivery plus a delay
Longer delay on categories that need inspection
Auto-process off for international returns
Caveats
Every trigger except None depends on shipment tracking, which comes from automatic labels. Returns using manually entered tracking numbers won't fire this automation — see Return label provider.