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Getting started

Most shops can accept the first self-service return in a few minutes. Install Returns, set the eligibility rules, and test a request from My Account.

  • WordPress 6.5 or newer
  • WooCommerce installed and active
  • PHP 8.1 or newer
  1. Install WooCommerce and make sure it is active.
  2. Install Returns from the plugin directory (when live on WordPress.org) or upload the returns folder to /wp-content/plugins/.
  3. Activate the plugin.

Open WooCommerce → Returns in wp-admin:

  • Eligible order statuses — which statuses can be returned (Completed and Processing by default).
  • Return window — the number of days after which a return can no longer be opened. Set it to 0 to remove the time limit.
  • Notification recipient — the email address that receives each request (the site admin email by default).

Each setting has inline help — use it when deciding eligibility and the window.

  1. Log in as a customer with an eligible order and open My Account → Orders.
  2. Use Request a return on the orders list or the single order view.
  3. In the form, pick items and quantities, choose a reason and add an optional note, then submit.
  4. Open My Account again — the return should appear in the customer’s status list as requested.
  1. In wp-admin, open WooCommerce → Return Requests.
  2. Move the request through the workflow — requested → approved / rejected → completed.
  3. The customer sees the current status in My Account at each step.

Returns records the request and tracks its status only. Process any refund in the standard WooCommerce order screen; the return record stays in sync with the status you set.

The free edition covers self-service requests, the item picker with reason and note, ownership checks, configurable eligibility and window, the merchant email, the private record and the admin status workflow.

Returns PRO (planned) adds refund actions tied to the order, return shipping labels, store credit and return-reason analytics.