Order Returns & Exchanges App for Easy Clothes With Shopify Plus
Project Goal
Introduction
Easy Clothes is an online fashion destination offering a diverse selection of trendy and affordable women’s clothing. The website is user-friendly, allowing customers to easily browse through the latest arrivals, exclusive deals, and seasonal collections. With a focus on quality, comfort, and style, Easy Clothes aims to deliver an effortless shopping experience, making it the go-to choice for fashion-forward individuals.
Client Issue
They were facing challenges with their return, refund, and exchange processes with the orders placed on their shopify plus store. It was difficult to generate order return shipment labels with different carriers and issue refunds, store credit, and exchanges of orders, as the existing system was not integrated with Shopify’s official APIs. With a growing customer base, they needed a robust solution that could streamline these processes while enhancing the user experience.
Vision
The vision behind the development of the Custom Shopify Return App was to create a seamless, user-centric experience that not only addresses the immediate pain points of Easy Clothes but also sets a new standard for return processes in e-commerce. We aimed to design a solution that would empower businesses to handle returns, refunds, and exchanges with efficiency and ease, ultimately enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Tech Stack
Backend: Laravel 9 / PHP
Frontend: React Js (Shopify Polaris)
Database: MySQL
CMS: Shopify Plus
Extension: Shopify App
Solution
To address the client’s challenges, we developed a Custom Shopify Return App on Shopify Plus, designed to simplify the return, refund, and exchange processes. Our solution was built to be user-friendly while providing advanced functionality to meet the client’s needs.
In addition to the custom APIs, we integrated EasyPost’s API into the app to streamline the return shipping process. EasyPost allows real-time generation of shipping labels, tracking of returned packages, and seamless integration with multiple carriers.
By incorporating EasyPost’s API, we ensured that customers could effortlessly obtain shipping labels for their returns, reducing friction and enhancing the overall return experience.
Backend Development
We integrated several custom APIs into the application using Shopify’s GraphQL and REST APIs:
RefundCreate API
Implementation: We utilized the Shopify GraphQL API to create the RefundCreate API. This API allows the system to handle refund requests efficiently. By leveraging GraphQL, we ensured that the API could fetch only the necessary data, reducing the load on the server and improving response times.
Functionality: The RefundCreate API processes refund requests by validating the order details and the refund amount. It then updates the order status and triggers the refund process through the payment gateway. This ensures that refunds are processed quickly and accurately, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Integration: To protect sensitive financial information, we implemented robust security measures, including data encryption and secure authentication protocols. This ensures that all refund transactions are secure and compliant with industry standards.
ReturnCreate API
Implementation: The ReturnCreate API was developed using the Shopify GraphQL API. This API manages return requests by allowing customers to initiate returns directly from the returns portal. By using GraphQL, we ensured that the API could handle complex queries and mutations, providing a seamless user experience.
Functionality: The ReturnCreate API validates the return request by checking the order details and the items being returned. It then updates the order status and generates a return authorization. This streamlines the return process, making it easier for customers to return items and for the client to manage returns.
Integration: We integrated the ReturnCreate API with the Shopify backend, ensuring that all return requests are synchronized with the Shopify order management system. This integration allows the client to track returns in real-time and manage inventory more effectively.
Gift Card API
Implementation: The Gift Card API was created using Shopify REST APIs. This API facilitates the issuance of gift cards as a resolution method for returns. By using REST APIs, we ensured that the Gift Card API could handle a high volume of requests and provide a reliable service.
Functionality: The Gift Card API generates unique gift card codes and assigns them to the customer’s account. It also tracks the balance and usage of each gift card, ensuring that customers can easily redeem their gift cards for future purchases.
Integration: We customized the Gift Card API to allow the client to set specific terms and conditions for gift card issuance and usage. This flexibility ensures that the gift card program aligns with the client’s business policies and customer satisfaction goals.
Frontend Development
The frontend of the application was designed to be intuitive and closely aligned with the brand’s aesthetic. The flow of the return process was structured as follows:
Step 1 – Returns Request Page: Here users can enter their order number and email used for the order so the system can find their order.
Step 2 – Select Items for Return: Customers can select the items they wish to return from their order history.
Step 3 – Select General Reason for Return: Users select a general reason for the return, such as size issues or product defects.
Step 4 – Provide Specific Reason: Customers can then provide more detailed feedback regarding their return, helping the business understand common issues.
Step 5 – Review Selected Items: A review page allows customers to double-check the items they’re returning and add more if necessary.
Step 6 – Choose Resolution Method: Customers choose between store credit, a refund to the original payment method, or a replacement item. The website provides a single option to return items using a pre-generated shipping label.
Step 7 – Review Return Summary: The website displays a summary of the return request, including items, reasons, chosen resolution, and shipping details.
Step 8 – Completion: Once customers complete the process, a return label is generated. They can download the return label, and it will be ready for printing.
Final Words
The Custom Shopify Return App successfully addressed the client’s primary concern—streamlining the return process while enhancing customer satisfaction. The solution was integrated seamlessly into the existing Shopify Plus platform, leveraging Shopify’s APIs for efficient backend processing and a user-friendly frontend interface. The app not only reduced the time and effort required for returns but also provided valuable insights into return reasons, helping the client improve product quality and customer service.
Client’s Feedback
Partnering with Webzia Infotech has significantly improved our return process. The Custom Shopify Return App has made returns hassle-free for both our customers and our staff. The integration was flawless, and the support team was always available to assist. We highly endorse their services!
