Tracking Return Shipments

Return Shipment Tracking

Stay on top of every return with comprehensive tracking, real-time notifications, and automated status workflows.

Tracking Dashboard Overview

Access all return shipments at Dashboard → Returns → Active Returns

At-a-Glance Metrics:

• Total returns in transit
• Returns awaiting drop-off
• Returns delivered today
• Overdue returns (past expected delivery)
• Pay-on-use labels unused

---

Return Status Lifecycle

Status-Based Actions

Label Created → Wait or send reminder
Awaiting Drop-off → Send reminder after 5 days
In Transit → No action needed
Delivered → Trigger inspection workflow
Processing → Quality check in progress
Completed → Refund processed

---

Setting Up Notifications

For Your Team

Navigate to Settings → Notifications → Returns

Recommended Alerts:

For Customers

Automatic notifications sent at key milestones:

1. Return Approved

   • Label/QR code attached
   • Drop-off instructions
   • Tracking link

2. Package Scanned

   • Confirmation of drop-off
   • Expected delivery date
   • Tracking link

3. Return Received

   • Confirmation of delivery
   • Processing timeline
   • Expected refund date

4. Refund Processed

   • Refund amount
   • Processing time (3-5 business days)
   • Thank you message

---

Real-Time Tracking Features

Carrier Integration

atoship provides unified tracking across all carriers:

• USPS — Real-time scan events
• UPS — Delivery notifications
• FedEx — GPS-based tracking
• Regional carriers — Where available

Webhook Events

Set up webhooks for real-time updates:

POST https://yourserver.com/webhooks/returns
{
  "event": "return.delivered",
  "return_id": "RET-67890",
  "tracking_number": "9400111899223456789012",
  "carrier": "usps",
  "delivered_at": "2024-01-15T14:30:00Z",
  "signed_by": "WAREHOUSE"
}

Available Events:

• return.created
• return.label_scanned
• return.in_transit
• return.out_for_delivery
• return.delivered
• return.exception
• return.completed

---

Handling Delivery Issues

Return Not Scanned (5+ Days)

Automated Workflow:

1. Day 5: Send reminder email with drop-off instructions
2. Day 10: Send final reminder
3. Day 14: Expire return request (configurable)

Manual Steps:

• Contact customer to confirm drop-off
• Check carrier tracking directly
• Verify correct QR code/label was used

Return Lost in Transit

1. Wait 2 business days past expected delivery
2. File carrier inquiry through atoship
3. Check carrier claims requirements
4. Issue refund based on your policy
5. Document for future reference

Delivery Exception

Common exceptions:

• Address issue — Contact warehouse, verify address
• Damaged package — File carrier claim
• Refused delivery — Investigate warehouse procedures

Wrong Item Returned

1. Photo document received item
2. Contact customer about discrepancy
3. Options:
   • Ship correct item back
   • Issue partial refund
   • Keep item, process refund anyway (green returns)

---

Bulk Return Management

For high-volume returns (100+ daily):

Export & Reporting

• Export return data to CSV
• Daily summary reports
• Exception-only alerts

API Integration

// Get all returns in transit
GET /v1/returns?status=in_transit

// Get returns delivered today
GET /v1/returns?status=delivered&delivered_date=today

// Get overdue returns
GET /v1/returns?status=awaiting_dropoff&created_before=7_days_ago

Automated Workflows

• Auto-close returns 30 days after delivery
• Auto-escalate stuck returns
• Auto-refund on delivery confirmation

---

Return Analytics

Key Tracking Metrics

Dashboard Reports

Navigate to Reports → Returns:

• Returns by status over time
• Average transit time by carrier
• Drop-off rate trends
• Exception rate analysis
• Refund processing time

---

Related Articles

• Creating Return Labels: Complete Guide
• Automating Your Return Process
• Return Analytics and Reporting