Articles on: Getting Started

Connect Your Shopify Store With AfterShip Returns

Plans: All plans Platforms: Shopify


Overview


AfterShip Returns is a fully automated, customizable, self-service returns portal that seamlessly integrates with your online store to help your customers submit returns without any interaction or assistance from your support team. It gives your brand your own branded returns portal equipped with flexible returns and exchange methods for a memorable and satisfying return experience.


For demonstration purposes, we will take the Shopify platform as an example and show you how to connect your store with AfterShip Returns platform in a few easy steps.


What you’ll learn


In this article, we will show you:



Install AfterShip Returns app through the Shopify app store


To install AfterShip Returns app for your store through the Shopify app store, follow these steps.




  1. Go to the Shopify app store and search for AfterShip Returns app
  2. Click Add app


  • Select the store you want to connect AfterShip Returns with
  • Click Install app to confirm the installation


  1. Verify your email by adding the code sent to your inbox
  2. Log in to your AfterShip Returns account


Your store is now successfully connected to AfterShip Returns.


Connect the Shopify store through AfterShip Returns admin portal


There are two ways you can connect your Shopify store with AfterShip Returns through its admin portal.


Method #1



  1. Click Getting started with Returns Center on AfterShip Returns admin home page.
  2. Select the first step of the setup process, Connect your store, and click Connect store.
  3. You will be directed to the AfterShip Returns Integration page, where customers can find all the eCommerce platforms AfterShip Returns support. Select the eCommerce platform your store is built on; in our case, it is Shopify.
  4. You will land on the Shopify and AfterShip Returns integration page. Click Install app.
  5. The AfterShip Return app page on the Shopify app store will display.
  6. Click Add app.


You will see the Open app option if your store is already connected.


  • Select the store you want to connect AfterShip Returns with
  • Click Install app to confirm the installation


  1. Verify your email by adding the code sent to your inbox
  2. Log in to your AfterShip Returns account again


Your store is now successfully connected to AfterShip Returns.


If you have any questions, please contact our support team for quick assistance.


Method #2



  1. Go to the Apps section in AfterShip Returns admin.
  2. Click View more apps, and you will be directed to the AfterShip Returns Integration page. Select the eCommerce platform your store is built on; in our case, it is Shopify.



  1. You will land on the Shopify and AfterShip Returns integration page. Click Install app.



  1. The AfterShip Return app page on the Shopify app store will display
  2. Click Add app


You will see the Open app option if your store is already connected.


  • Select the store you want to connect AfterShip Returns with
  • Click Install app to confirm the installation


  1. Verify your email by adding the code sent to your inbox
  2. Log in to your AfterShip Returns account again


Your store is now successfully connected to AfterShip Returns.


All successfully connected stores are listed under the ** Installed apps ** in Apps section.


Return status update on Shopify


Once your store is connected to AfterShip Returns, all your store's return requests initiated via the branded returns page will be synced to the Returns dashboard with all the relevant details for smooth return processing and resolution.


Effective from 25th April 2024, Shopify merchants can easily identify orders that have been returned right on the Shopify admin to retrieve accurate sales and tax data.


  • AfterShip Returns will automatically update the return status to Returned on Shopify's original order detail page once the RMA is resolved in the AfterShip Returns admin by integrating with Shopify's Return API. Shopify will also remove the original item value and tax from the Sales over time report.



  • AfterShip Returns will automatically update the return status to Return in progress on Shopify's original order detail page when the RMA is created in the AfterShip Returns admin.


The status will remain Return in progress until the RMA is marked as resolved in AfterShip Returns admin.




Important consideration


  • Shopify merchants need to get in touch with our support team to activate this new return status functionality.



Return status update on Shopify: Limitations


  • Unfulfilled items: Shopify only supports the return of fulfilled items. Though AfterShip Returns supports the return of unfulfilled items (RMA creation and resolution), the return status update to Shopify will not be possible for unfilled items.


  • Bundle items: AfterShip Returns supports bundle returns in two ways: Whole and Partial. If you allow customers to return the sub-items (accompanying items of the main item) from the bundle, the return status update to Shopify for those sub-items would not work under this condition. It is because the sub-items or child items do not link back to Shopify and don't have an SKU in your Shopify admin, hence no return status update.


Additional resources


Connect AfterShip Returns with eCommerce platforms like Magento 1, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Sqaurespace, and more. Get detailed tutorial for each **here.**


FAQs


1. Can multiple Shopify store connections be added to the same AfterShip Returns organization?


Yes, you can add multiple Shopify store connections to the same AfterShip Returns organization. To do this:


  1. Go to the AfterShip Returns admin portal.
  2. Navigate to Apps > Store connections.
  3. Click on Add connection.


You can connect an unlimited number of Shopify stores to a single AfterShip Tracking organization. However, the number of returns you can process is determined by your subscription plan and its associated returns quota. If you exceed your plan’s quota, you can either upgrade to a higher-tier plan or remain on your current plan and pay a surcharge for each additional return. For more details, refer to your current plan’s quota in our pricing plans.


For any further questions or help, please contact our chat support team or reach out to us at [email protected].

Updated on: 11/09/2025