Do you need a return and exchange app for Shopify?
With so much software designed to manage returns, choosing the best return app for can feel like a puzzle.
But it doesn’t have to be.
The key lies in focusing on those small differences that many overlook but are crucial for efficient management.
In this article, we’ll take a quick look at the most popular return apps on Shopify so you can find the right one.
What is a returns and exchanges app for Shopify?
Return apps for Shopify are tools designed to optimize the management of returns and exchanges within this platform.
Not only do they simplify tedious tasks, but they also allow you to customize the process to ensure a better return experience for your customers.
Moreover, these apps stand out for their native integration with Shopify, making their setup and use significantly easier.
In fact, if an app marketed as “for Shopify” doesn’t offer native integration, you should reconsider using it.
These apps will help you:
- Generate return labels
- Approve RMA requests on Shopify
- Update inventory after processing a return
- Create custom workflows for exchanges, returns, or refunds
- Notify your buyers of any updates
- Analyze return patterns
- Offer store credit bonuses
Types of tools to manage returns on Shopify
When choosing a tool for your store, it’s essential to focus on those that truly add value and dismiss the rest.
Our advice is to always look for the most comprehensive tools, as scalability is ultimately what will make the difference.
What types of Shopify tools are available?
- Return Apps: These specialize exclusively in managing returns. They offer self-service return portals and label generation, ideal for basic processes.
- Exchange Apps: These go a step further. In addition to handling returns, they allow you to manage exchanges and offer store credit bonuses, helping retain revenue.
- All-in-One Apps: These cover everything: returns, exchanges, shipping, notifications, and customer support. These solutions centralize the post-purchase experience and provide advanced tools for retention, logistics optimization, and comprehensive customer care. Perfect for those seeking total efficiency.
Pay attention to shipping integrations
Before choosing a return app, check if it includes native integrations with carriers. If not, you may need to pay for an additional connector, significantly increasing your operating costs.
When should you use a return app on Shopify?
Shopify’s built-in returns system covers the basics but may fall short as your business grows. Here are clear signs that you need to optimize your returns:
- Your inventory gets out of control with every return: If returns complicate your stock or you’re unsure which products are available, it’s time to automate the process to avoid issues with restocking and shipping.
- Customers complain about complicated or slow processes: Customers’ patience is limited. A PwC report indicates that 73% of consumers prioritize a good experience when deciding whether to shop again. A frustrating return process not only impacts the current sale but can also cost you their loyalty.
- Your team spends too much time on manual tasks: Creating labels, updating statuses, or managing one-on-one emails takes valuable time that could be spent on more strategic tasks.
- You lack data on your returns: Understanding the reasons behind returns is key to improving your strategy. An app can provide these returns insights and help you turn returns into sales opportunities.
If you notice any of these points, a specialized return app can make a significant difference for your operations and customer satisfaction.
11 Best returns apps for Shopify in 2025
1. Outvio
Specialization: All-in-one
Outvio is much more than a simple return app for Shopify. It is a comprehensive solution designed to optimize every stage of the post-purchase process, transform the customer experience, and, most importantly, increase your revenue.
With Outvio, you can automate returns and exchanges internationally, manage store credits, and facilitate higher-value exchanges, turning every interaction into an opportunity to boost sales.
Moreover, as an all-in-one solution, it centralizes all key eCommerce functions: from automating fulfillment and resolving shipping issues to sending personalized notifications and even integrating a customer support chat.
Key Features
- Automates the entire post-payment process in eCommerce
- Ideal for monetizing returns
- Features Shopify's most powerful returns portal
- Extensive customization options for order and return processes
- Integrated customer support system
- Store credit and exchange automation
- Instant product exchange and refund management
- Chat, fulfillment, and much more!
Price: Starting at €125/month
Free trial: Yes
Requires shipping integrator: No
2. Loop Returns
Specialization: exchanges and returns
Loop Returns enhances the customer experience with personalized solutions for returns and exchanges. It allows customers to manage returns autonomously and offers alternatives to refunds, such as store credits, through a comprehensive portal.
Designed specifically for Shopify, it focuses on return management. For functions like logistics, it requires integration with Easyship, as it does not include shipping or tracking tools.
Key Features
- Customizable portal
- Return notifications
- Smart rules
- Exchange automation
- Store credit generation
- Return analytics
Price: Starting at $155/month
Free trial: Yes
Requires shipping integrator: Yes
Recommend to read
Unlock latest strategies and insights about return management by reading our comprehensive guide.
3. Return Prime
Specialization: exchanges and returns
Return Prime is another app specialized in automating exchanges and returns within Shopify. It features a returns portal, generates labels, and allows refunds to be processed directly to the customer’s credit card. Additionally, it can be connected to other logistics providers or WMS systems.
Key Features
- Customizable portal
- Return labels
- Refund automation
- Multilingual support
Price: Starting at $19.99/month
Free trial: Yes
Requires shipping integrator: Yes
4. Return GO
Specialization: exchanges and returns
ReturnGO is a tool that optimizes and automates the return process, reducing the operational burden for merchants and providing detailed reports to improve the post-sale experience. Similar to Loop Returns but oriented toward the European market, its exclusive focus on returns is effective, though it may require additional integrations to manage logistics, potentially increasing complexity and costs.
Key Features
- Robust returns portal
- Extensive customization options
- Uses verification rules
- Offers discounts for store credit
Requires shipping integrator: Yes
Price: Starting at $121/month
Free trial: Yes
5. Aftership Returns
Specialization: returns
Aftership is a popular returns app for Shopify, known for its real-time tracking of shipments and returns, particularly in Asia. As part of a modular ecosystem, it may require additional integrations, which could increase costs and complexity.
Key features
- Modular system
- In-package return labels
- User guides and training resources
- Returns portal
- Strong presence in Asia
Price: Starting at $9/month
Free trial: Yes
Requires shipping integrator: No
6. Rich Returns
Specialization: returns
Rich Returns is a specialized solution for managing returns and exchanges for stores, designed to automate and simplify these processes while enhancing the experience for both merchants and customers.
The platform offers a customizable returns portal, Shopify synchronization, prepaid return labels, and automated notifications in multiple languages, ensuring effective communication throughout the entire return process.
Key features
- Returns portal
- Tracking notifications
- Return label generation
- RMA confirmation rules
Price: Starting at $19/month
Free trial: Yes
Requires shipping integrator: No
7. Happy Returns
Specialization: returns
Happy Returns, owned by PayPal, is popular in the U.S. for its network of physical drop-off points for returns, enhancing the customer experience and reducing reverse shipping costs. Although it has limited features, it complements other post-purchase tools well.
Key Features
- Effective manual return management
- Offers localization to other languages
- Physical drop-off and return point system (limited to the U.S.)
- Free plan available for businesses using PayPal
Price: Starting at $350/month
Free trial: Yes
Requires shipping integrator: No
8. Shippy Pro
Specialization: returns
ShippyPro simplifies the management of returns and shipping by offering tools to generate return shipping labels and flexible shipping options. This improvement boosts operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, making it a standout returns app for Italian merchants and Shopify stores.
Key Features
- Compatible with returns in Italy
- Prints labels and provides tracking
- Intuitive and highly customizable
- Constant updates
Price: Starting at €220/month
Free trial: Yes
Requires shipping integrator: No
9. Sendcloud
Specialization: shipping and returns
Sendcloud is a highly popular label printing software among small stores. Its free plan is especially appealing to entrepreneurs with limited resources. This plan provides access to the return form and the ability to arrange carrier pickups, even for international returns, making it an excellent choice for those just starting out.
Key Features
- Free plan available
- Returns app ideal for Shopify beginners
- Offers integration with other tools
- Includes shipping label printing
- Provides fast customer support
Price: Starting at €25/month
Free trial: Yes
Requires shipping integrator: No
10. Yanet
Specialization: Basic Returns
Yanet: Returns and Exchanges is an extremely simple app designed to manage returns and exchanges on Shopify. Primarily aimed at stores in their early stages, it offers basic features like a portal where customers can request returns and receive automated notifications about their request status.
While it allows for basic customization of portal text and colors, its capabilities are limited and targeted toward small businesses.
Key features
- Customer portal
- Automated notifications
- Basic customization
Price: Free
Free trial: Not needed
Requires shipping integrator: Yes
11. Narvar
Specialization: Exchanges and Returns
Narvar simplifies returns with an intuitive platform that benefits both merchants and customers. It stands out for its flexibility, real-time updates, and customizable options that turn returns into opportunities to build customer loyalty. However, its lack of pricing transparency can complicate financial planning and lead to unexpected expenses.
Key features
- Flexible return options
- Real-time updates
- Customizable return processes
- Loyalty-building opportunities through returns
Price: Not available
Free trial: No
Requires shipping integrator: Yes
How to Choose Wisely? 2 Key Factors
To make a truly informed choice when selecting the best returns app for Shopify, consider the following advice:
Hidden Costs
On Shopify, there are two types of returns apps: those capable of generating shipping labels independently and those requiring integration with third-party tools.
Opting for an app that demands integration may escalate costs, as you'll essentially be paying for two separate services. In contrast, a comprehensive, standalone app tends to be both more cost-effective and efficient.
Scalability
An app with limited functionalities carries a significant opportunity cost. If your business expands and the tool becomes inadequate, you may find yourself needing to migrate to a more suitable app.
Additionally, a lack of features can potentially deter customers from exploring beneficial options. For instance, choosing a tool without 100% automated exchanges, like Sendcloud, could encourage many customers to opt for direct refunds.
Getting started: Installing and configuring the returns portal on Shopify
After selecting the ideal returns app for your Shopify store, it’s time to set it up to fully leverage its features. Here are the key steps:
1. Install the App from the Shopify App Store
- Access the Shopify App Store and search for the selected app.
- Click "Add app" and log in to your Shopify account to confirm the integration.
- Review and accept the permissions requested to access order, inventory, and customer data.
Grant permissions only for essential functions to ensure the security of your store and customer data.
2. Sync your Shopify account and import data
Once installed, sync the app with your store:
- Orders and Customers: Ensure that all current and past order data transfers correctly to the app’s dashboard.
- Inventory: Enable automatic synchronization so returns adjust stock in real time.
- Resolve discrepancies: If issues arise, manually force a sync from the app’s settings panel.
Confirm in Settings > Apps that the app has access to the necessary data to operate properly.
3. Set up your Shopify returns portal and polic
Now it’s time to customize and configure the app according to your needs:
- Create Your Returns Portal: Design an intuitive and user-friendly portal where customers can manage returns autonomously. Include clear steps and options such as returns, exchanges, and store credits.
- Integrate the Portal into Your Store: Add a visible link on your homepage or footer so customers can easily access the portal.
- Define Your Returns Policy: Establish clear rules regarding timeframes, conditions, and available options. Ensure the policy is easy to find and understand in the portal and on your policies page.
- Automate Notifications: Set up personalized alerts to keep customers informed about the status of their return or exchange.
How much does the best returns app for Shopify cost?
| App | Specialization | Key Features | Starting Price | Free Trial | Requires Integrator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outvio | All-in-one | Automation, store credits, fulfillment | €125/month | Yes | No |
| Loop Returns | Returns & Exchanges | Customizable portal, exchange automation | $155/month | Yes | Yes |
| Return Prime | Returns & Exchanges | Customizable portal, return labels | $19.99/month | Yes | Yes |
| Return Go | Returns & Exchanges | Customization, rules, discounts | $121/month | Yes | Yes |
| Rich Returns | Returns | Custom portal, Shopify sync | $19/month | Yes | Yes |
| Narvar | Returns & Exchanges | Real-time updates, customization | Not available | No | Yes |
| Aftership | Returns | Real-time tracking, in-package labels | $9/month | Yes | No |
| Happy Returns | Returns | Physical drop-off points, language support | $350/month | Yes | No |
| Shippy Pro | Returns | Labels, tracking, customization | €220/month | Yes | No |
| Sendcloud | Shipping & Returns | Free plan, label printing | €25/month | Yes | No |
| Yanet | Basic Returns | Basic portal, automatic notifications | Free | Not needed | Yes |
Conclusion
Following this review, you can now determine which returns app aligns best with your Shopify store's needs. Remember to apply the tips mentioned above to ensure the selection of a truly valuable tool.
Taking into account these considerations and evaluating the optimization of various aspects, Outvio emerges as the best return app for Shopify in terms of the value it offers. It stands out for its completeness and complete independence, requiring no integration with external solutions.
