Automatically restock returned items back to inventory when the selected event occurs.
Where to find it
Settings > Returns > Automation, under Returns Automations.
[Screenshot: Automation tab — Automatically restock items dropdown with the Delay field visible below it]
What this is
Adds returned items back to your Shopify inventory when the selected event occurs.
Trigger | When it fires |
None (manual) | Never — you restock manually in Shopify |
Label is created | As soon as the label is generated |
Return is in transit | When the package is in transit |
Return is delivered | When the package arrives |
Return is processed | When the return is fully processed |
Delay
Pick any trigger other than None and a Delay field appears below it — "How long would you like to delay the action after the trigger occurs." Enter a whole number of days. Leave it at 0 to restock the moment the trigger fires.
The delay is the middle path between restocking too early and restocking too late: you can pick Return is delivered so the item is physically on site, then add a two-day delay to give your team a window to inspect it before the count moves.
Considerations
Triggers that fire before the package arrives put stock back in inventory before it's physically present, which can lead to overselling. Triggers that fire later keep counts accurate but delay restocking:
Return is delivered — the item is at your destination when the count updates. The most common choice.
Return is processed — the return has been fully resolved, which usually means it has been reviewed.
Label is created or in transit — fastest inventory turnover, at the cost of counting items that haven't arrived.
Caveats
Auto-restock doesn't assess condition. Items that arrive damaged, worn, or incomplete are counted as sellable stock unless someone intervenes. If a meaningful share of your returns are unsellable, use Return is processed, add a delay long enough to inspect, or restock those categories manually.
Every trigger except None and Return is processed depends on shipment tracking from automatic labels — see Return label provider.
Common exceptions
Restock apparel on delivery; hold electronics until after processing
Never auto-restock items tagged
discontinuedorfinal-saleDon't restock returns where the reason was damage
Exceptions can carry their own delay, so a rule can restock one product category on a different schedule from your default. See Using Exceptions in Returns Settings.
Related settings
Automatically process return trigger — has its own Delay field, on the same pattern