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Free Return & Refund Policy Generator for Shopify
Use this free return policy generator to create a complete returns, exchanges and refund policy for your Shopify store in about two minutes. Answer a few questions, watch your policy build itself, then copy it straight into Shopify. It covers exchanges, store credit, return shipping costs and, for Indian stores, Cash on Delivery (COD) and Return to Origin (RTO) rules.
- 16 policy sections
- India and global stores
- Copy as text or HTML
Return and refund policy generator
Fill in the form to generate your policy.
How to create your return and refund policy
- Answer the questions. Set your return window, exchange options, refund methods, return shipping costs and exclusions. Indian stores can add COD, RTO and grievance officer details.
- Check the live preview. Your policy updates as you type, organised into clear numbered sections your customers can scan.
- Add it to Shopify. Copy the policy, then paste it into Shopify admin under Settings, then Policies. Save, and link it in your store footer.
What your generated policy covers
A policy that answers every common question up front means fewer support emails and fewer disputes. Yours can include:
- Return window and eligibilityHow long customers have, when the clock starts and what condition items must be in.
- Items that can’t be returnedHygiene, customised, sale and other excluded items, stated clearly.
- How to start a returnSimple steps so customers know exactly what to do.
- Return shipping and feesWho pays for return shipping, plus any return or restocking fee.
- ExchangesSize, colour or product swaps, price differences and stock rules.
- RefundsRefund methods, including store credit, and realistic timelines.
- COD and RTOHow COD refunds are paid and what happens when orders return undelivered.
- Damaged or wrong itemsReporting window, photos or unboxing video, and how you’ll make it right.
- Cancellations, contact and grievancesCancellation rules, support details and a grievance officer for Indian stores.
What is a return and refund policy?
A return and refund policy tells customers how they can send back, exchange or get their money back for items they bought from your store. It sets out the time limit, the condition items must be in, who pays for return shipping and how and when refunds are paid.
A clear policy builds trust before someone buys, and it gives your support team one set of rules to follow after. Shopify lets you publish it from your admin, and it’s good practice to link it in your footer, product pages and order emails.
Return policy rules for Indian Shopify stores
If you sell in India, the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 require online sellers to show clear information on returns, refunds and exchanges, including the cost of return shipping, and to provide a way for customers to raise grievances. This generator includes return shipping costs and an optional grievance officer section for that reason.
Indian stores also need to cover Cash on Delivery. Because COD customers haven’t paid online, your policy should say how their refunds are paid, whether by bank transfer, UPI or store credit.
What is Return to Origin (RTO)?
Return to Origin (RTO) happens when an order comes back to you without being delivered. Common reasons are a customer refusing the parcel at the door, an incorrect or incomplete address, or the customer not being reachable. RTO adds shipping costs and ties up stock, so it helps to state in your policy how you handle it, for example by limiting future COD orders for customers with repeated RTOs.
Tips for a return policy that protects your margins
- Offer exchanges and store credit first. They keep the sale in your store, while a refund sends the money back to the customer.
- Be specific about condition. “Unused with tags attached” is easier to enforce than “good condition”.
- Put the damage window in writing. A short reporting window with photos, or an unboxing video, reduces disputed claims.
- Keep it easy to find. Link the policy in your footer and on product pages so customers read it before they buy.
Want a full template to read through first? See our guide to writing a Shopify returns policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is this return policy generator free?
Yes. The generator is completely free, with no sign-up. You can create, copy and download as many policies as you need.
How do I add a return policy in Shopify?
In Shopify admin, go to Settings, then Policies. Paste your policy into the Return and refund policy field and click Save. Shopify then shows it on your store, and you can link it in your footer menu.
Should I copy the policy as text or HTML?
Use Copy policy to paste plain text into Shopify’s policy editor and format it there. Use Copy as HTML if you want to keep the headings and lists and paste into an editor that accepts HTML.
What is a good return window?
It depends on what you sell. Windows such as 7, 14 or 30 days are all common choices. A longer window can build trust, while a shorter one suits seasonal or fast-moving products. Pick one you can support consistently.
Can I refuse refunds on COD orders?
You can choose how COD refunds are paid, such as by bank transfer, UPI or store credit, and state it clearly. Make sure your approach follows the consumer protection rules that apply to you.
Does this generator work for stores outside India?
Yes. Switch Cash on Delivery off if you don’t offer it, and leave the optional grievance officer step blank. Your policy only includes the sections that apply to your store.
Is the generated policy legal advice?
No. It’s a detailed starting template based on common Shopify store practices. Review it against the laws where you sell, and get legal advice if you’re unsure.
Now make your return policy run itself
QuickReturns turns your policy into a branded self-service returns portal on Shopify, with exchanges, store credit and automatic refunds.
See how the branded return portal and return automations work.
