What’s a Return Workflow Shipping Method?
A Return Workflow Shipping Method defines how orders move through your operational flow during a return process—from their original destination back to their source—either directly or via one or more intermediate facilities.
Each order is assigned a return workflow shipping method, which determines how it is handled. Based on this assignment, the order is processed through shipments according to the shipping method’s type (e.g., direct return or multi-step flows such as pickup, transfer, and drop-off).
Important Note
Return Workflow Shipping Methods apply only to return workflow orders—used when orders or goods are moving back from their destination to their source or another facility.
They are configured and handled separately from forward (Standard and Internal) workflows.
Types of Return Workflow Shipping Methods
There are two types of return workflow shipping methods:
Return (On-Demand): The order is returned in a single step, moving directly from its current location back to the target location without intermediate stops.
Return (Standard): The order follows a multi-step return flow, passing through one or more facilities before reaching its final return destination.
Creating Return (On-Demand) Shipping Methods
On-Demand Return shipping methods are designed for simple return flows, where goods are picked up and sent back in a single step without passing through intermediate facilities.
This is commonly used for straightforward returns where items are sent directly back to a warehouse or origin location.
Creating Return (Standard) Shipping Methods
Standard Return shipping methods are designed for more complex return flows, where goods pass through one or more facilities before reaching their final return destination.
For example, items may be collected from a customer, sent to a sorting hub, and then routed back to a warehouse.
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