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Template · Return policy

Shopify Return Policy Template (Free)

A clear, specific return policy is one of the strongest trust signals on a Shopify store — and one of the most-cited reasons buyers abandon checkout when it's missing or vague. This is a real copy-pasteable template with placeholders for your specifics. Every section is annotated so you understand what to customize and why.

Last reviewed: May 12, 2026

When to use this template

Use this template if your Shopify store sells physical products, ships domestically (and optionally internationally), and accepts returns within a defined window. For digital products, services, or final-sale items, the template needs adaptation — relevant differences are flagged inline.

The full template

Copy the whole thing, then customize the {PLACEHOLDERS} with your store specifics. Each section is annotated below — read the annotations before publishing.

## Opening / scope

At {STORE_NAME}, we want you to love what you bought. If something isn't right, here's how returns work.

This policy applies to all orders placed on {STORE_URL} except {EXCEPTIONS — e.g., final-sale items, custom orders, digital downloads}.

## Return window

You have {RETURN_WINDOW_DAYS} days from the date you receive your order to request a return. Items must be in their original condition: {CONDITION_REQUIREMENTS — e.g., unworn, unwashed, with tags attached, in original packaging}.

## How to initiate a return

To start a return, email us at {SUPPORT_EMAIL} with your order number and the reason for the return. We'll reply within {RESPONSE_TIME — e.g., 1 business day} with a return shipping label and instructions.

Please do not send items back without contacting us first — we can't process returns we weren't expecting.

## Return shipping costs

{RETURN_SHIPPING_POLICY_CHOOSE_ONE}

Option A (buyer pays): You're responsible for return shipping costs. We recommend using a tracked service — we can't process refunds for items lost in transit.

Option B (we pay for defective items only): If the item is defective or we shipped the wrong product, we'll cover return shipping. For all other returns, you're responsible for shipping costs.

Option C (we always pay): We provide a prepaid return shipping label with every return.

## Refund timing and method

Once we receive and inspect your return (usually within {INSPECTION_DAYS — e.g., 2 business days} of delivery to our facility), we'll process your refund. Refunds go back to the original payment method and typically appear on your statement within {REFUND_DAYS — e.g., 5-10 business days}.

If more than {REFUND_DAYS + 5} days have passed since we confirmed your refund and you don't see it, contact your bank or credit card company first — they may need to release the funds — and then email us at {SUPPORT_EMAIL}.

## Restocking fees

{RESTOCKING_POLICY_CHOOSE_ONE}

Option A (no restocking fee — recommended for most stores): We don't charge restocking fees.

Option B (restocking fee on specific categories): A {RESTOCKING_PERCENT — e.g., 15%} restocking fee applies to returns of {CATEGORIES — e.g., opened electronics, custom-printed items}. This is deducted from your refund.

## Non-returnable items

We can't accept returns on the following: {NON_RETURNABLE_LIST}.

Examples include:
- Custom or personalized items (made-to-order)
- Perishable goods (food, plants, etc.)
- Intimate or sanitary goods after opening (for hygiene reasons)
- Digital downloads after delivery
- Gift cards
- Final-sale items marked as such at the time of purchase

## Damaged or defective items

If your item arrives damaged, defective, or different from what you ordered, contact us within {DAMAGE_WINDOW — e.g., 7 days} of delivery at {SUPPORT_EMAIL}. Include photos of the issue. We'll replace the item or issue a full refund (your choice) at no shipping cost to you.

## Exchanges

{EXCHANGE_POLICY_CHOOSE_ONE}

Option A (return and reorder): The fastest way to exchange an item is to return the original and place a new order for the replacement. This way you don't wait for the return to be processed before getting your new item.

Option B (we handle exchanges): We process exchanges manually. Email us at {SUPPORT_EMAIL} with your order number and the replacement item details. We'll arrange the swap once we receive your return.

## International returns

International orders follow the same return policy as domestic orders, with one difference: return shipping costs are always the buyer's responsibility. We can't issue prepaid international return labels.

For international returns, please ship to: {RETURN_ADDRESS}. Note that customs duties and import taxes on returns are not refundable.

## Questions

Have questions about a return? Email us at {SUPPORT_EMAIL} or use the contact form at {STORE_URL}/pages/contact. We typically reply within {RESPONSE_TIME — e.g., 1 business day}.

Placeholder reference

Quick reference for every {TOKEN} in the template — what to fill in and the recommended default.

Token
What it is
Recommended default
{STORE_NAME}
Your brand name as it appears in your Shopify settings
Use exact case from Settings → Store details
{STORE_URL}
Your store's primary domain
yourdomain.com (without https://)
{RETURN_WINDOW_DAYS}
Number of days buyer has to request a return after delivery
30 days (most common; 14 is tight; 60+ is generous)
{CONDITION_REQUIREMENTS}
What state the item needs to be in for a return to be accepted
Adjust to your category: unworn + tags attached for apparel; unopened original packaging for electronics; etc.
{SUPPORT_EMAIL}
Your support contact email
Use a domain-matched email (hello@yourdomain.com), not gmail.com — see /fixes/professional-email
{RESPONSE_TIME}
How quickly you'll respond to return requests
1 business day if you're solo; 4 hours if you have a team
{INSPECTION_DAYS}
How long after the return arrives until you process it
2 business days
{REFUND_DAYS}
How long until the refund appears on the buyer's statement
5-10 business days (standard credit card processing window)
{NON_RETURNABLE_LIST}
Specific categories your store doesn't accept returns on
Be specific to your inventory. If your store has zero non-returnable items, delete the entire section.
{DAMAGE_WINDOW}
How quickly buyer must report damage/defects
7 days from delivery
{RETURN_ADDRESS}
Physical address where international returns should be shipped
Use your fulfillment address; include full international format with country

Section-by-section guide

Opening / scope

At {STORE_NAME}, we want you to love what you bought. If something isn't right, here's how returns work.

This policy applies to all orders placed on {STORE_URL} except {EXCEPTIONS — e.g., final-sale items, custom orders, digital downloads}.

Lead with empathy + the scope. State your store name and URL explicitly — both reassure the buyer they're on the right policy page and create a clear reference for any disputes. Exceptions belong here, not buried in the middle of the policy.

Return window

You have {RETURN_WINDOW_DAYS} days from the date you receive your order to request a return. Items must be in their original condition: {CONDITION_REQUIREMENTS — e.g., unworn, unwashed, with tags attached, in original packaging}.

Specific number of days, not 'a reasonable time.' 30 days is the most common; 14 days reads tight; 60+ days reads generous. State the trigger date clearly — 'from the date you receive' is buyer-friendly; 'from the date of order' is seller-friendly but reads worse. Condition requirements need to be specific enough that disputes are clear.

Variations

  • Generous: "You have 60 days from delivery to request a return." (Common in fashion, soft goods)
  • Standard: "You have 30 days from delivery to request a return."
  • Conservative: "You have 14 days from delivery to request a return." (Common in higher-priced items where the seller wants tighter cycles)

How to initiate a return

To start a return, email us at {SUPPORT_EMAIL} with your order number and the reason for the return. We'll reply within {RESPONSE_TIME — e.g., 1 business day} with a return shipping label and instructions.

Please do not send items back without contacting us first — we can't process returns we weren't expecting.

Buyer-friendly process: one email, you handle the rest. The 'don't ship without contacting us' line is critical — without it, buyers ship back random items to wrong addresses and you're stuck. If you use Shopify's built-in returns flow (Admin → Orders → Return), you can link to that instead of email.

Return shipping costs

{RETURN_SHIPPING_POLICY_CHOOSE_ONE}

Option A (buyer pays): You're responsible for return shipping costs. We recommend using a tracked service — we can't process refunds for items lost in transit.

Option B (we pay for defective items only): If the item is defective or we shipped the wrong product, we'll cover return shipping. For all other returns, you're responsible for shipping costs.

Option C (we always pay): We provide a prepaid return shipping label with every return.

Pick ONE option and delete the others before publishing. Most small-to-mid Shopify stores use Option A or B. Free returns (Option C) is a premium positioning lever — only commit to it if your margins support it AND it's actually a differentiator. The most-honest framing for most stores is Option B — covers your own mistakes, buyer covers their own changes of mind.

Refund timing and method

Once we receive and inspect your return (usually within {INSPECTION_DAYS — e.g., 2 business days} of delivery to our facility), we'll process your refund. Refunds go back to the original payment method and typically appear on your statement within {REFUND_DAYS — e.g., 5-10 business days}.

If more than {REFUND_DAYS + 5} days have passed since we confirmed your refund and you don't see it, contact your bank or credit card company first — they may need to release the funds — and then email us at {SUPPORT_EMAIL}.

Specific days, in two windows: (1) how long until you process the refund, (2) how long until the buyer sees it. The 'contact your bank first' line saves you from chasing refund issues that aren't yours to solve.

Restocking fees

{RESTOCKING_POLICY_CHOOSE_ONE}

Option A (no restocking fee — recommended for most stores): We don't charge restocking fees.

Option B (restocking fee on specific categories): A {RESTOCKING_PERCENT — e.g., 15%} restocking fee applies to returns of {CATEGORIES — e.g., opened electronics, custom-printed items}. This is deducted from your refund.

Most stores should NOT charge restocking fees — buyers hate them and they generate disproportionate complaints relative to revenue. Only use Option B if there's a real business reason (electronics that lose value once opened, custom orders that can't be resold). If you do use it, disclose the percentage upfront in this section AND on the product page where applicable.

Non-returnable items

We can't accept returns on the following: {NON_RETURNABLE_LIST}.

Examples include:
- Custom or personalized items (made-to-order)
- Perishable goods (food, plants, etc.)
- Intimate or sanitary goods after opening (for hygiene reasons)
- Digital downloads after delivery
- Gift cards
- Final-sale items marked as such at the time of purchase

Be specific. Vague 'some items may not be returnable' is the opposite of trust-building. List the actual categories your store has. If you don't have any non-returnable items, delete this section entirely — having it with an empty list reads worse than not having it.

Damaged or defective items

If your item arrives damaged, defective, or different from what you ordered, contact us within {DAMAGE_WINDOW — e.g., 7 days} of delivery at {SUPPORT_EMAIL}. Include photos of the issue. We'll replace the item or issue a full refund (your choice) at no shipping cost to you.

This section is non-negotiable — without it, every damaged-on-arrival case becomes a fight. The 'photos of the issue' requirement protects you from fraud while staying buyer-friendly. The shorter time window (7 days vs 30) for damaged items is standard because damage is something you notice on unboxing.

Exchanges

{EXCHANGE_POLICY_CHOOSE_ONE}

Option A (return and reorder): The fastest way to exchange an item is to return the original and place a new order for the replacement. This way you don't wait for the return to be processed before getting your new item.

Option B (we handle exchanges): We process exchanges manually. Email us at {SUPPORT_EMAIL} with your order number and the replacement item details. We'll arrange the swap once we receive your return.

Option A is far easier operationally — you avoid building exchange flows. Option B is more buyer-friendly but creates support overhead. Most Shopify stores under 1,000 orders/month use Option A; larger stores can support Option B.

International returns

International orders follow the same return policy as domestic orders, with one difference: return shipping costs are always the buyer's responsibility. We can't issue prepaid international return labels.

For international returns, please ship to: {RETURN_ADDRESS}. Note that customs duties and import taxes on returns are not refundable.

Include only if you ship internationally. If you don't, delete this section — having an international-returns section on a domestic-only store creates confusion. Include the return address explicitly — international buyers shouldn't have to email to find out where to ship.

Questions

Have questions about a return? Email us at {SUPPORT_EMAIL} or use the contact form at {STORE_URL}/pages/contact. We typically reply within {RESPONSE_TIME — e.g., 1 business day}.

Always close with a reachable contact method. Match the response-time promise to what you can actually deliver — see /fixes/contact-info for response-time best practices.

Common mistakes

  • Using vague language like 'a reasonable amount of time' or 'we'll do our best.' Specific days build trust; vague language signals you'll dispute returns.
  • Hiding restocking fees in the middle of the policy. If you charge them, state them upfront in the heading section AND on relevant product pages.
  • Claiming 'free returns' in marketing copy when the policy says 'buyer pays return shipping.' Marketing-policy drift destroys trust faster than no marketing claim at all.
  • Forgetting to specify what 'original condition' means. Without specifics, every return becomes a judgment call. Apparel: unworn + tags attached. Electronics: unopened. Etc.
  • Treating damaged items the same as buyer's-remorse returns. Damaged-on-arrival should be free to the buyer; that's not a return, it's fixing your own shipping mistake.
  • Not including an actual contact email. 'Contact us' with no method makes the policy feel like theater.
  • Copying this template verbatim without customizing. Reading 'unworn, unwashed, with tags attached' on a kitchenware store reads as obviously-copied — match the language to your actual products.

Legal disclaimer

This template is provided as a starting point for Shopify merchants and is not legal advice. Consumer protection laws vary by jurisdiction (US states, EU member countries, UK, Canada, Australia all have different requirements). Before publishing as your final policy, review with a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction — especially if your store ships internationally, sells regulated categories (supplements, cosmetics, electronics), or operates in the EU (where additional consumer rights apply). StrangerProof and Mairis Lab make no warranty about the legal sufficiency of this template for any specific store or situation.

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