Returns and exchange process automation

Purpose

1.1. Automate return and exchange requests for antique furniture orders, reducing manual intervention and errors.
1.2. Seamlessly collect, validate, and track customer return/exchange requests across sales channels.
1.3. Integrate inventory updates, automated notifications, courier coordination, and refunds/restocking.
1.4. Ensure compliance with refund policies, provide customer status updates, and facilitate reconciliation.

Trigger Conditions

2.1. Customer submits a return/exchange request via web form, app, email, or customer portal.
2.2. Order marked as “delivered” in inventory/order system.
2.3. Return window (e.g., 14 days post-delivery) is open.
2.4. Return reason meets eligibility (e.g., damaged, mismatch, change of mind).
2.5. Proof of condition (e.g., photo upload) provided by customer.

Platform Variants

3.1. Shopify
• Feature/Setting: “Return Requests API” — Listen for new return/exchange creation events.
• Sample: Webhook triggers flow on return creation.

3.2. WooCommerce
• Feature/Setting: "Order Status Change" webhook for returns/exchanges.
• Sample: Configure endpoint for “returned” status.

3.3. Salesforce Commerce Cloud
• Feature/Setting: B2C Commerce API “Order Return” POST event.
• Sample: Monitor Order API for return type events.

3.4. Magento
• Feature/Setting: REST API "Sales Order Returns" endpoint.
• Sample: Poll or webhook when returns are registered.

3.5. Netsuite
• Feature/Setting: SuiteScript on Sales Order Return Authorization.
• Sample: Script triggers flow on return authorization.

3.6. SAP Commerce Cloud
• Feature/Setting: "Order Return" events via OCC REST API.
• Sample: Configure push notification for returns.

3.7. HubSpot
• Feature/Setting: Workflow triggered by “Return Request” property.
• Sample: Automated workflow on form submission.

3.8. Zendesk
• Feature/Setting: Triggers on “Return” ticket type.
• Sample: Auto-route to fulfillment support queue.

3.9. Gorgias
• Feature/Setting: Custom rule for customer return tag.
• Sample: Auto-tag tickets with "return" to start automation.

3.10. Google Sheets
• Feature/Setting: Google Apps Script on form response insert (returns form).
• Sample: Script fires when new row with return data appears.

3.11. Trello
• Feature/Setting: Butler automation for new “Returns” card.
• Sample: Board automation adds actions for new cards in Returns list.

3.12. Microsoft Dynamics 365
• Feature/Setting: Power Automate trigger on “Return Order” creation.
• Sample: Run workflow for new Return Order records.

3.13. ShipStation
• Feature/Setting: Returns Portal webhook/API events.
• Sample: Receive notification when customer initiates return.

3.14. AfterShip
• Feature/Setting: Returns Center API callback.
• Sample: Listen for post-initiation callback.

3.15. Twilio SMS
• Feature/Setting: SMS Receive webhook in Messaging Service.
• Sample: Detect “return” keyword to trigger workflow.

3.16. SendGrid
• Feature/Setting: Inbound Parse Webhook on return/exchange email.
• Sample: Parse inbox, extract return request data.

3.17. Slack
• Feature/Setting: Incoming Webhook for #returns channel message.
• Sample: Message posts from return requests trigger further actions.

3.18. Dropbox
• Feature/Setting: Content webhook on “Returns” folder upload.
• Sample: Detect customer uploads (e.g., damaged item photos).

3.19. DocuSign
• Feature/Setting: Envelope completed webhook for signed return agreements.
• Sample: Triggers final refund and inventory update.

3.20. UPS/FedEx API
• Feature/Setting: Pickup scheduling endpoint for returns.
• Sample: Automated pickup requested once return approved.

3.21. QuickBooks Online
• Feature/Setting: SalesReceipt “refund” API trigger.
• Sample: Initiate refund on approved return completion.

3.22. Xero
• Feature/Setting: Credit Note API for return processing.
• Sample: Create and send credit note on return.

3.23. Zoho CRM
• Feature/Setting: Workflow rule for “Return Request” module.
• Sample: Automates notification and status tracking.

3.24. Monday.com
• Feature/Setting: Automation when status changes to “Returned.”
• Sample: Sends alerts to logistics and finance.

3.25. Asana
• Feature/Setting: Rule for new return project/task.
• Sample: Tasks auto-assigned on each new return.

Benefits

4.1. Eliminates repetitive manual data capture, speeding up resolution time.
4.2. Centralizes communication between customer, warehouse, logistics, and accounting.
4.3. Reduces costly errors in refund calculation and restocking.
4.4. Provides customers with transparent, real-time updates on returns status.
4.5. Increases overall efficiency and customer trust by ensuring policy compliance and traceability.