RMA & Returns

Generate RMA numbers to initiate returns, then check in returned shipments to trigger return profile logic such as refunds and cancellations.

The return process in Vrio has two steps: first generate an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number, then check in the return once the product is received. Checking in a return triggers any Return Profile logic you have configured, such as automatic refunds or subscription cancellations.

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Key Takeaways

  • Returns rely on Return Profiles to automate refund and cancellation logic
  • RMA numbers are automatically generated and associated with a shipment
  • Only one RMA is allowed per shipment
  • A Return is when a shipment has been checked in by the warehouse or provider — this is what triggers return profile logic
  • You can skip the RMA step and go directly to checking in a return if you don't require the product back
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Consider digital gift cards

Vrio can generate individual gift cards loaded with any amount, usable only on your store. This strategy can help deflect refunds and drive additional sales.


Common Return Flow

  1. Generate an RMA number — this is provided to the customer and the warehouse
  2. The customer sends the product back to the return address
  3. The warehouse or return provider receives the product
  4. The shipment is marked as Returned in Vrio
  5. Return Profile logic runs (refunds, cancellations, etc.)

Generate an RMA

Prerequisites

The RMA action is available when all of the following conditions are met:

ConditionDetails
Shipment is not Pending TransactionStatus must not be Pending Transaction
No existing RMAThe shipment must not already have an RMA number assigned
Shipment is not cancelledThe shipment has not been cancelled
Shipment is not skippedThe shipment has not been skipped

How to Generate an RMA

Step 1: Navigate to the Shipment

Find the shipment you want to generate an RMA for. The most common methods are:

From the Customer Page:

  1. Navigate to SearchCustomers tab and find the customer record
  2. On the customer detail page, scroll to the Sales section
  3. Hover over the Shipment Status to expand and show shipment details
  4. Click on the Shipment ID

From the Shipments List:

  1. Navigate to SearchShipments tab
  2. Use filters or browse to find the shipment
  3. Click on the Shipment to open the shipment detail page

Step 2: Open the RMA Form

On the shipment detail page, click RMA from the Shipment Actions.


Step 3: Complete the RMA Form

  1. RMA Number — Automatically populated. This is the number you provide to the customer and warehouse.
  2. Cancel Recurring — Checked by default. If unchecked, the subscription will remain active and will rely on Return Profile logic once the shipment is checked in as returned.
  3. Notes (optional) — Add any additional notes.
  4. Click Submit

What Happens After Submitting

  1. RMA assigned — The RMA number is recorded on the shipment

  2. Subscription cancelled — If "Cancel Recurring" is checked, the associated subscription is cancelled

  3. RMA responder sent — An RMA notification is sent to the customer, if configured at the offer or campaign level



Check in a Return

Once a customer has returned a package, mark the shipment as returned to trigger Return Profile logic.

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If you do not require the product to be returned

You can skip the RMA step and immediately check in a return. This marks the shipment as returned and runs the Return Profile logic.

Prerequisites

The Return action is available when all of the following conditions are met:

ConditionDetails
Shipment is completedThe shipment must have been shipped (has a completion date)
Shipment is not already returnedThe shipment has not already been marked as returned
Shipment is not cancelledThe shipment has not been cancelled
Shipment is not skippedThe shipment has not been skipped
Items available to returnAt least one item on the shipment has not already been returned

How to Check in a Return

Step 1: Navigate to the Shipment

Navigate to the shipment using the same methods described above (from the Customer Page or Shipments List).

Step 2: Open the Return Form

On the shipment detail page, click Return from the Shipment Actions.


Step 3: Complete the Return Form

  1. Date Returned (required) — Select the date the product was returned
  2. Items Returned (required) — Select which items and quantities are being returned
  3. Click Submit

What Happens After Submitting

  1. Items marked as returned — The selected items are marked as returned with the return date
  2. Return responder sent — A return notification is sent to the customer, if configured at the offer or campaign level
  3. Return Profile logic runs — Any automated refund or cancellation logic configured in your Return Profile is triggered
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If a shipment has an RMA but is never marked as a Return, the Return Profile logic will not run.


Other Ways to Manage Returns


FAQ

Q: Can I generate an RMA on a shipment that hasn't shipped yet?

A: Yes. An RMA number can be generated at any time as long as the shipment doesn't already have one and isn't cancelled or skipped. However, the Return (check-in) action requires the shipment to be in Shipped status.

Q: What if I don't use Return Profiles?

A: If you are not using a Return Profile, your support team will need to manually handle refunds and cancellations according to your policy after marking a shipment as returned.

Q: Can I return individual items from a multi-item shipment?

A: Yes. When checking in a return, you can select specific items and quantities. You don't have to return all items at once.