Customize Return Label References
Overview
AfterShip Return's Label Reference Customization feature allows you to customize the information you want to display on the return labels reference fields to help warehouse personnel to process return packages more efficiently. Previously, by default, only RMA# and Order# were displayed on the return labels reference fields. With this new feature, you have the complete control over what RMA information to be displayed on the return labels.
What you'll learn
In this tutorial, we'll discuss:
How it works
AfterShip Returns allows merchants to customize the return label reference field when supported by the carrier.
- Some carriers offer a dedicated reference field in their
Create Label API. When available, AfterShip Returns will automatically send the reference value specified under Customize label reference to the carrier. - Merchants can choose from five different values to set as the label reference. These values are pulled directly from the return requests and are not carrier-specific.
Field | Description |
|---|---|
RMA ID | The unique identifier for a return request. |
Order Number | The identifier for the original order associated with the return. |
Product Title | The name of the returned item(s). |
Return Value | The total value of the returned items. |
Custom Text | A custom text string that the merchant can input as a reference. |
- These custom reference values will appear on the return label when supported by the responding carriers.
Set up return label references
- Go to Returns shipping in the AfterShip Returns admin.
- Move down to the Customize label references section under Returns labels.
- Choose the reference field from the set of supported fields from the dropdown and subsequently set the prefix of the field selected.
Value type | Example |
|---|---|
RMA ID | BEB74KJU |
Order number | 1001 |
Product title | Polo Shirt X 1 |
Return value | $400 |
Custom text | ABC Inc. |
- When reference barcode is supported by carrier, AfterShip Returns will use the value of the first reference field line to generate the barcode.
Here is how it will look like on some of the supported carrier labels:
UPS label barcode
FedEx label barcode
Canada post label barcode
DHL Express label barcode
- Create a test return request to generate a return label to verify if the label reference is showing up on the label as expected.
Implication on existing users
The existing users will get two-configured label preferences. If they wish to remove these pre-set label references, they can delete them, but this action will be irreversible and they cannot retrieve those references back.
- Reference 1: RMA# & Order# (combined)
- Reference 2: Item info
Label reference on different carrier's return labels
1. UPS
2. FedEx
3. Canada Post
4. Deutsche Post DHL
5. Australia Post
FAQs
1. How many reference fields can be added and why are some of the reference fields not showing up on my labels?
Only three reference fields can be configured on the Shipping settings page. The reference fields on a return label vary from carrier to carrier. Some carriers may only support one or two reference fields on return labels. You will have to generate a test label to verify if the outcome meets your expectations.
2. Can I customize the size and position of the reference field?
No, the reference fields on the return labels are fixed by the carrier. The customization of the reference fields on a return label is not possible.
3. Can I customize the value type to be added as a reference?
We currently only support reference value type customization for our Enterprise plan users.
For any further questions or help, please contact our chat support team or reach out to us at [email protected].
Updated on: 16/12/2025