Navigating the vast selection of the returns apps in the Shopify app store can be a daunting task. In this guide, we offer a comprehensive comparison of the best returns apps available for Shopify. Additionally, we'll explain why Outvio stands out as the smartest choice among them all. Let's dive in and simplify your decision-making process.
What is a returns app for Shopify?
A return or RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) app for Shopify is a specialized software tool crafted to streamline and oversee the product return procedure for online stores operating on the Shopify eCommerce platform. These apps provide a range of features, including the ability to create and tailor returns policies, generate return labels, automate the handling of return requests, and track or process refunds and store credits.
Comparison of best returns apps for Shopify
List of key features of the best returns apps in Shopify:
| Outvio | Loop Returns | Return GO | Aftership | Happy Return | Shippy Pro | Sendcloud | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fully automatic exchanges | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Basic returns Portal | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Advanced portal Smart Actions | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Smart discounts for in-store credit | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Advanced cross-selling | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Customizable Return Reasons | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Intelligent validation rules | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Basic notifications | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fully customised notifications | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Multi language support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fulfillment functionalities | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Advanced Business Analitycs | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Shipment management | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Don´t rely on 3rd party integrations | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
List of the best returns apps for Shopify
Let’s review the best returns management software available for Shopify:
1. Outvio
Outvio stands out as the most comprehensive post-purchase application for Shopify stores. It goes beyond automating returns and exchange management, providing a fully tailored solution for all post-purchase requirements, including shipping and customer communication.
What sets Outvio apart is its self-sufficiency. It's a standalone, plug-and-play tool that doesn't necessitate integrating external solutions for additional needs. This makes it the most budget-friendly and cost-effective choice.
Advantages:
- Ideal for monetising returns
- The most potent Shopify return portal
- Offers high customization capabilities for order and return processes
- Automatically generates accurate shipping and return labels
- Utilizes intelligent rules for business process automation
- Boasts a powerful analytics dashboard
Unique features you'll only get with Outvio
A) HyperNotifications
HyperNotifications is a fully customizable notification system that allows you to send specific messages to your customers or carriers and create high-performing marketing campaigns.
B) Returns Portal with RevenuePlus
The RevenuePlus returns portal is designed to increase the revenue of online stores by promoting product exchanges with higher value. It allows customers to pay for new items instantly, unifying the purchase and return flows.
C) Incidents Manager
The incidents manager provides a global and real-time view of all shipments or returns and their possible incidents. This helps stores to quickly identify any irregularities and take immediate action to resolve them.
D) Automation Rules
Post-checkout automation rules are a system of smart rules and algorithms that allow online stores to automate logistical decisions and orient them towards maximum profitability. These rules can be used to select the lowest shipping or return rates, offer store credit discount coupons, or notify customers or carriers whenever necessary.
2. Loop Returns
Loop Returns prioritizes the customer experience by offering personalized solutions for exchanges and refunds. It empowers customers to independently initiate returns and gives retailers the chance to salvage sales through exchange alternatives before initiating a return.
Advantages:
- Notifies users about return statuses
- Offers customization options
- Helps exchange and return processes through automation
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3. Return GO
Return Go streamlines the return authorization and tracking process, alleviating the workload for retailers. It further enhances operational efficiency by providing in-depth reports on returns, facilitating process optimization.
Advantages:
- Robust return portal
- Extensive customization options
- Utilizes verification rules
4. Aftership Returns
Aftership provides real-time return tracking and automates status notifications to customers, promoting transparency and improved communication during the return process. It's worth noting that this application is part of the Aftership ecosystem, which means you may need to integrate other modules to access its full functionality.
Advantages:
- Modular system allows for the expansion of business capabilities
- Offers return labels within the package
- Allows the inclusion of corporate logos during the return process
5. Happy Returns
Happy Returns stands out with its extensive network of physical return locations, offering customers the convenience of in-person returns. This not only enhances the customer experience but also reduces reverse shipping costs for retailers.
Advantages:
- Effective manual returns handling
- Offers language localization
- Establishes partnerships for physical collection points (limited to the USA)
6. Shippy Pro
Shippy Pro empowers retailers by streamlining return and shipping management, offering tools for generating reverse shipping labels and flexible shipping choices. This enhancement boosts operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, making it a top-notch return app for Italian merchants and stores on Shopify.
Advantages:
- Seamless integration with the majority of Italian return options
- Capable of printing shipping labels and includes a tracking system
- An intuitive tool with a high degree of customization
7. Sendcloud
SendCloud is a highly popular label printing software among small stores. Its free plan is particularly appealing for entrepreneurs with limited resources. This plan offers access to the returns form and the ability to arrange carrier pick-ups, even for international returns, making it an excellent choice for those starting out.
Advantages:
- Free plan available
- Ideal return app for Shopify beginners
- Offers integration with other tools
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.
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.
