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How to Do Returns in Dropshipping in 2025
Last modified: March 11, 2025
One of the many things that you have to consider when you’re running an ecommerce business is how you’re going to do the returns for your business. This is no more different than when you’re running a dropshipping business. While it is important that the merchant/manufacturer is responsible for the fulfillment, as the seller, it is still your responsibility to deal with customer complaints and returns. So in this article, we look at how to do returns in dropshipping.
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Syncee - Global Dropshipping
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Zopi - AliExpress Dropshipping by FireApps
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Dropified-Automate Your Dropshipping Business
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Importify
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Roxie
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KakaClo
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Fulfillbot: Dropshipping Agent
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The Setup for Returns
The first thing that you need to do is to establish how you’re going to deal with returns. The first recommendation is to set your website’s terms and conditions to state how long you’re going to accept returns on orders. The most used time is 14- or 30-days. However, there are some businesses that offer returns on items that are more than 60 or 90 days old.
Remember that some items cannot be returned or have a refund processed against them. This includes perishable or customized items. That is, unless there is a fault with them, like a food item is delivered that is out-of-date or a customized mug has a chip on it.
Then you need to consider your returns’ management app. These can be very powerful. You can do a lot with these, including getting the customers to manage the returns on their own, which can save you a lot of time.
Finally, it is highly recommended that you don’t spend the money from the customer until after the return date has passed. This can be more tricky, but you can be financially worse off if you don’t do this. As your business grows, you can set up a refund bank account where you place a proportion of your income into that account for dealing with refunds, but when you get started, it is better to be safe than sorry.
How to Do Returns on Shopify Dropshipping
Now you can learn how to do returns on Shopify dropshipping. This is really easy and all you need to do is to follow this simple line of events.
1. Customer requests that an item be returned due to an issue.
2. You request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number from the supplier of the item.
3. The customer then sends back the product to the supplier, they must include the RMA number within the address.
4. The supplier sends you the amount that you paid for the merchandise, this will be the wholesale price.
5. You pay the customer back for the item. You can learn how to do a refund in this blog article here.
Effective Return Management in Dropshipping
Developing a Clear Return Policy
Craft a well-defined return policy, taking into account the terms and conditions set forth by your suppliers.
Establishing a transparent framework sets clear expectations for your business and fosters customer’s trust, while also ensuring compliance with tax regulations related to pay tax on dropshipping.
Streamlining the Return Process
The process of returns can be efficient by implementing practical solutions, such as designating a dedicated PO box for the reception of returned items or establishing direct lines of communication with your suppliers.
Customer Satisfaction and Retention
Elevating customer satisfaction remains a paramount objective throughout the return process. To achieve this, consider offering customer-centric solutions such as returnless refunds or exchanges.
Strategic Approaches to Returns
Choosing Suppliers with Favorable Return Policies
Forge strategic partnerships with suppliers who offer favorable return policies, a move that can yield substantial benefits in streamlining the return process within your business.
Handling Returns Cost-Effectively
Managing returns while keeping costs in check is a multifaceted challenge.
One effective approach involves understanding the money you need to start dropshipping, handle return-related expenses when feasible, preserve customer satisfaction, and safeguard the reputation of your brand.
Utilizing Technology for Returns
Leverage cutting-edge technology platforms to introduce automation into the return process, yielding a dual advantage of saving time and enriching the overall customer experience.
Conclusion: How to Do Returns in Dropshipping
Above is the steps to how to do returns in dropshipping. It is relatively easy and with good policies, it won’t cost you much at all. This is all part of running an online business. Ready to take it to the next level? try our Dropshipping Profit Margin Calculator:
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What is a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number in dropshipping?
RMA number is a unique identifier assigned to a return or exchange request in dropshipping. It serves as a tracking code that allows you and your supplier to monitor the return process efficiently.
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Can I charge restocking fees for returns in dropshipping?
Yes, you can charge restocking fees for returns in dropshipping by communicating this policy to your customers upfront. Restocking fees are applied when a customer returns a non-defective item or changes their mind.
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What are the best practices for handling international returns in dropshipping?
Ultimately, transparency, clear communication, and a customer-centric approach are key to successful international returns in dropshipping, helping you maintain a positive reputation and customer loyalty.
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