ReturnRequest

ReturnRequest is a data object used in e-commerce platforms to manage customer-initiated product returns. It captures the details needed to evaluate, authorize, and process a return, and it often serves as the linkage between a customer, an order, and subsequent actions such as refunds, exchanges, or store credits.

A ReturnRequest typically records identifiers such as id, order_id and customer_id, the items involved (line items or product ids), the stated reason for return, current status, and timestamps, as well as financial details like refund_amount, restocking_fee, currency, and any issued label or tracking information. It may also include fields for the approved action (refund, exchange, or credit) and references to internal handling notes or policy conformance.

Common statuses include pending, approved, rejected, processing, shipped, received, completed, and cancelled. The lifecycle generally begins with customer submission, proceeds through policy evaluation and approval, label generation, shipment of the item by the customer, receipt and inspection, and final disposition such as a refund, exchange, store credit, or return-to-sender.

ReturnRequests are closely related to and sometimes governed by a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Return policies specify eligibility conditions (time limits, item condition, exclusions for final sale or opened items) and may influence restocking fees and refund methods.

In software systems, ReturnRequest objects interface with order management, inventory, and payment modules, and may drive notifications, analytics, and fraud controls. Proper auditing and secure handling of personal data are essential to compliance and customer trust.

See also Return Merchandise Authorization, Refund, Exchange, Store Credit, Return Policy.