> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.jetpack3pl.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating a Return Order

> Submit return orders manually through the dashboard, automatically via integrations, or through the API to process customer returns and RTS shipments.

<div className="page-intro">
  When customers need to send products back to your fulfillment center—whether due to returns, exchanges, or Return to Sender (RTS) shipments—you can create return orders through the Jetpack dashboard, integration platforms, or API. Each method provides flexibility for managing incoming inventory while maintaining visibility throughout the return process.
</div>

## How to Create Return Orders

Jetpack offers three methods to create merchant-initiated returns, each designed for different workflow needs.

| Method                            | Description                                                                           | Best For                                                                                 |
| --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Manually**                      | Create returns directly from the Orders page or Returns page in the Jetpack dashboard | Individual returns, RTS shipments, or when you need complete control over return details |
| **Automatically via Integration** | Use a Jetpack-supported returns platform integration such as AfterShip or Loop        | High-volume returns with automated customer return portals                               |
| **Via API**                       | Utilize the Jetpack API to automate return order creation programmatically            | Custom workflows, automated return processing, or integration with your own systems      |

For most merchants, the manual dashboard method provides the quickest path to creating returns while maintaining full visibility and control.

***

## Return Order SLA

All return orders are processed according to Jetpack's standard service level agreement. [Click here to review the SLA for returns](/fulfillment/terms-and-slas/returns-sla).

***

## Creating a Return from the Order Details Page

Follow these steps to create a return order directly from any shipped order in your Jetpack dashboard:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access the Actions menu and select Create Return">
    From the **Order Details** page in the Jetpack dashboard, click the **Actions** button, then select **Create Return** from the drop-down list.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/jetpack/aG2z94zrjg7TPvRC/fulfillment/returns/images/create-return-actions-button.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=aG2z94zrjg7TPvRC&q=85&s=3a145dac9bfa4242e887d79180b03be9" alt="Order Details page showing Actions button and Create Return option in dropdown menu" className="screenshot" width="1397" height="641" data-path="fulfillment/returns/images/create-return-actions-button.png" />

    <Info title="Important">
      This option becomes available only once the order has shipped. If the order is not yet shipped, the option will be grayed out.
    </Info>

    The product(s) shipped in the original order will automatically populate under the **Select Item(s) you are returning** step.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Modify returned items">
    Adjust which products are being returned and specify the return action for each:

    * **Add Products** - Use the search bar and select additional products if needed
    * **Remove Products** - Click the **Remove** button next to any product not being returned
    * **Update Quantities** - Ensure the number under the **Return Quantity** column reflects the actual units being returned
    * **Return Action** - Use the drop-down menu to override the default Return Preference (applies to all units of a product)

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/jetpack/aG2z94zrjg7TPvRC/fulfillment/returns/images/create-return-dropdown.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=aG2z94zrjg7TPvRC&q=85&s=d657a9eec9a7c39833f89cbd1f8e5659" alt="Select items you are returning dialog showing product table with Return Action and Return Quantity columns" className="screenshot" width="1438" height="825" data-path="fulfillment/returns/images/create-return-dropdown.png" />

    Click **Done** to proceed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose destination fulfillment center">
    Choose the destination fulfillment center from the drop-down menu.

    <Tip>
      We recommend you select the fulfillment center closest to its destination, where the product is On-Hand.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Reference ID (RMA)">
    Enter the **Reference ID** (RMA): A unique alphanumeric Reference ID must be provided (minimum 8 characters; maximum 46).

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/jetpack/aG2z94zrjg7TPvRC/fulfillment/returns/images/create-return-select-items.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=aG2z94zrjg7TPvRC&q=85&s=e561e01e25b4889d95c5fa33c41e2df2" alt="Select Shipping Options step showing Reference ID (RMA) entry field with Generate one for me link" className="screenshot" width="793" height="325" data-path="fulfillment/returns/images/create-return-select-items.png" />

    <Warning title="Critical Requirement">
      The RMA must be written on the return order's outer packaging. If missing, the return order may be disposed of, and Jetpack is not liable for such losses.
    </Warning>

    **Alternatively**, click **Generate one for me** to have Jetpack create a unique ID.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select label type">
    After entering a valid RMA, select a label type:

    * **Prepaid Label** - Purchase a shipping label directly from a carrier. Provide the tracking number on the return order details page before the order arrives at the fulfillment center.

    * **Purchase ShipBob Optimized Label** - ShipBob selects the cheapest carrier at the time of return order creation. If you receive an error when trying to select this option, you can try the Purchase Carrier Specific Label option first, and if you continue to receive the error, select Prepaid Label.

    * **Purchase Carrier Specific Label** - You select the carrier that will ship the order.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/jetpack/aG2z94zrjg7TPvRC/fulfillment/returns/images/create-return-label-options.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=aG2z94zrjg7TPvRC&q=85&s=90b96687acc7f75f93a01610cebd5c8a" alt="Label selection options showing Prepaid Label, Purchase Carrier Specific Label, and Purchase ShipBob Optimized Label" className="screenshot" width="916" height="289" data-path="fulfillment/returns/images/create-return-label-options.png" />

    Click **Done** to continue.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review return order details">
    Review the return order details on the Return Order Form. The form shows all completed steps with green checkmarks and allows you to edit any section if changes are needed.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/jetpack/aG2z94zrjg7TPvRC/fulfillment/returns/images/create-return-form-overview.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=aG2z94zrjg7TPvRC&q=85&s=5ddd6aa426e55629199074f3488e6a39" alt="Return Order Form showing completed steps with Edit buttons for each section" className="screenshot" width="1545" height="699" data-path="fulfillment/returns/images/create-return-form-overview.png" />

    Click **Edit** next to any section if changes are needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit the return">
    Click **Submit Return** to create the return order in your Jetpack dashboard.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/jetpack/aG2z94zrjg7TPvRC/fulfillment/returns/images/create-return-review-summary.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=aG2z94zrjg7TPvRC&q=85&s=76bdab1503c39eb1a3f04b0793c46270" alt="Review step showing return order details including destination FC, shipment ID, reference RMA, and products summary" className="screenshot" width="1364" height="685" data-path="fulfillment/returns/images/create-return-review-summary.png" />

    Once submitted, you will be redirected to the return order created in your Jetpack dashboard.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Return Order Guidelines

Follow these guidelines when creating return orders to ensure proper processing and avoid product disposal.

| Guideline                                 | What You Need to Know                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| ----------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Inventory ID**                          | Always add the Inventory ID associated with the physical product being returned. For bundles, include the Inventory IDs of the individual products, not the bundle parent's ID.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| **DG/Hazmat Products**                    | Purchasing return labels for shipping back DG/hazmat products is not supported. If DG/hazmat products are returned, use the Prepaid Label option.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| **Lot Products**                          | <ul><li>Lot products can be returned, but Jetpack does not support restocking based on lot numbers and expiration dates.</li><li>For customer-returned lot products, choose **Quarantine** or **Dispose** as the Return Action.</li><li>For RTS returns of lot products, options include **Restock**, **Quarantine**, or **Dispose**.</li></ul>                                                                                                                                                                  |
| **Return Orders per Package**             | Create one return order per package (e.g., each box, bubble mailer, or poly mailer) being returned.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| **Reference ID/RMA and Tracking**         | When sending returns, create a unique Reference ID or RMA and include a tracking number in the Jetpack dashboard. **Important**: This information must be physically printed on the external packaging to avoid product disposal.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| **Ship in Own Container (SIOC) Products** | <ul><li>Shipping labels on SIOC products are not removed by Jetpack. Set Return/RTS Preferences to **Dispose** or **Quarantine** as appropriate.</li><li>**Important**: Quarantined products are stored separately and incur warehouse storage fees.</li><li>Search **Quarantine** in the Jetpack dashboard search bar on the Product Catalog page to locate quarantined product info.</li><li>Quarantine units can't be shipped to addresses outside the country of the FC in which they are located.</li></ul> |

***

## Additional Considerations

When creating return orders, keep these important details in mind:

* **Country restrictions** - Labels purchased through Jetpack can only be used for return orders within the same country.

* **Heavy shipments** - For returns over 10 pounds (up to 150 pounds or over 4.5 kilograms up to 68 kilograms), FedEx Ground is available as an option.

* **Label errors** - If an error occurs with the ShipBob Optimized Label option (e.g., due to limited carrier services, P.O. box returns, or military addresses), try the Carrier Specific Label option first, or select Prepaid Label if issues persist.

* **DG/Hazmat limitations** - For DG/Hazmat products, use the Prepaid Label option as Jetpack does not support ShipBob-purchased labels for these items.

***

## Let's Dive Deeper

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Our Approach to Returns" icon="rotate-left" href="/fulfillment/returns">
    Understand the complete returns process and workflow
  </Card>

  <Card title="Setting Returns Preferences" icon="sliders" href="/fulfillment/returns/setting-returns-preferences">
    Configure return and RTS actions for each product
  </Card>

  <Card title="Tracking Return Orders" icon="chart-line" href="/fulfillment/returns/tracking-return-orders">
    Track and manage returns as they arrive at fulfillment centers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Restocking Your Products" icon="box-check" href="/fulfillment/returns/restocking-products">
    Understand how returned products are restocked
  </Card>

  <Card title="Setting Product Preferences" icon="gear" href="/fulfillment/managing-products/setting-product-preferences">
    Configure all product-level settings including returns
  </Card>

  <Card title="Creating + Managing Lot Products" icon="calendar-days" href="/fulfillment/sending-inventory/best-practices/lot-products">
    Special handling for lot-tracked returns
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<div className="jetpack-callout">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/jetpack/2iejPNBTYKEx6ntF/images/jetpack-logomark-256.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=2iejPNBTYKEx6ntF&q=85&s=340604ced4add3864f2641341826e1c9" alt="Jetpack" className="jetpack-callout-icon" width="256" height="256" data-path="images/jetpack-logomark-256.png" />

  <div className="jetpack-callout-content">
    <h4 className="jetpack-callout-title">Questions? Contact Jetpack Care.</h4>
    <p className="jetpack-callout-text">If you have any questions or run into issues, you can always contact Jetpack Care for help. Our team is always here to assist via Slack, phone, or email!</p>
  </div>
</div>
