Create Your Shopify Returns Policy in
60 Seconds
Free generator for Indian Shopify brands. Includes COD clause, RTO clause, exchange policy & refund timelines.
Create Your Custom Shopify Returns Policy
What Is a Shopify Returns Policy?
A Shopify returns policy is a formal document that explains how customers can return, exchange, or request refunds for products purchased from your store. It defines eligibility criteria, timelines, refund methods, and special conditions such as Cash on Delivery (COD) rules and Return to Origin (RTO) handling.
For Indian D2C brands, a returns policy is not just a legal requirement — it is an operational necessity. With increasing return rates and COD adoption, having a clear policy reduces disputes, improves customer trust, and protects your profit margins.
Why Indian Shopify Stores Need a COD & RTO Clause
India has one of the highest Cash on Delivery (COD) adoption rates in eCommerce. While COD increases conversions, it also increases Return to Origin (RTO) cases.
Without a structured COD and RTO clause, brands face:
- Unpaid shipping losses
- Repeat fake or fraudulent orders
- Higher return processing costs
- Margin erosion
A properly written COD and RTO policy allows brands to restrict repeat offenders, define refund conditions clearly, and protect operational costs.
What Is Return to Origin (RTO)?
Return to Origin (RTO) occurs when an order is returned back to the seller before successful delivery. This may happen due to:
- Customer refusal at doorstep
- Customer unavailability
- Incorrect address
- Fake or non-genuine orders
RTO increases logistics costs, blocks inventory, and impacts cash flow. A clear RTO clause in your Shopify returns policy helps reduce misuse and protect profitability.
What Should a Good Shopify Returns Policy Include?
1. Return Eligibility
Clearly define the return window (usually 7–14 days) and specify product condition requirements such as unused items, intact packaging, and valid proof of purchase.
2. Exchange Policy
Explain how exchanges work, including stock availability, reverse pickup process, and replacement dispatch timelines.
3. COD Refund Rules
Specify how refunds for COD orders will be processed — bank transfer, store credit, or not allowed. Define expected timelines clearly.
4. Refund Timeline
Mention inspection period, refund initiation timeline, and payment gateway settlement duration. Most brands use a total timeline of 7–10 working days.
5. RTO Clause
Define what happens in RTO cases, whether shipping charges are refundable, and whether future COD orders may be restricted.
How to Add a Returns Policy in Shopify
Follow these steps to add your generated policy:
- Login to Shopify Admin
- Go to Settings
- Click Policies
- Paste your return policy
- Click Save
Make sure your policy is linked in your website footer and checkout page for transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shopify provide a returns policy template?
Shopify provides a basic template, but it does not include India-specific COD or RTO clauses. Brands should customize their policy based on operational needs.
Can I refuse refunds for COD orders?
You can define refund methods clearly in your policy. However, ensure compliance with applicable consumer protection regulations.
What is the ideal return window for Indian D2C brands?
Most brands use a 7–10 day return window depending on product category.
Setup QuickReturns Free
Manually managing return emails and spreadsheets can slow down operations. So we you can setup QuickReturns help you automate your returns and replacement journey.