Return Policy Template for Shopify
Shopify sellers post a return policy template to spell out refund windows, item condition rules, and fees before a customer completes checkout.
Customize & DownloadReturn Policy Template for Shopify Sample
Return and Refund Policy for [1. Store Name], a Shopify store operated by [2. Business Owner or Company Name]. By placing an order on [1. Store Name], customers agree to the terms outlined in this policy.
Return Window
Returns are accepted within [3. Return Window — e.g. 30 days] of the delivery date. Items received after this period will not be eligible for a return or refund. We recommend initiating the return process as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
Eligible Items
To qualify for a return, items must be unused, in their original condition, and in the original packaging. The following items are not eligible for return: [4. Non-Returnable Items — e.g. digital downloads, personalized products, perishable goods, or final sale items]. We reserve the right to refuse returns that do not meet these conditions upon inspection.
How to Initiate a Return
To start a return, contact us at [5. Customer Support Email] with your order number and the reason for the return. Our team will respond within [6. Response Timeframe — e.g. 2 business days] with instructions. Do not ship items back without receiving confirmation from us first.
Return Shipping
Return shipping costs are the responsibility of [7. Who Pays Return Shipping — e.g. the customer, or the store for defective items]. In cases where an item was received damaged or defective, [1. Store Name] will cover the cost of return shipping in full.
Refunds
Once the returned item is received and inspected, a refund will be issued within [8. Refund Processing Time — e.g. 3 to 5 business days] to the original payment method. Depending on your bank or card provider, it may take additional time for the funds to appear. Store credit may be offered as an alternative at the customer’s discretion.
Exchanges
If you wish to exchange an item for a different size or variant, please indicate this when initiating your return. Exchanges are subject to product availability. Where possible, we encourage exchanges over refunds as a faster resolution for both parties.
Questions
For any questions about this policy, contact us at [5. Customer Support Email].
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What's Included
6 provisionsThis template is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice on state or federal consumer protection law.
How to Use
Anchoring the policy in current return law
The generator accounts for state disclosure rules and default refund windows that trip up sellers who never post a formal policy.
Configuring your store's terms
Enter your store name, return window, fees, and item conditions, and each field updates to match your actual policy.
Making it publish ready
Preview the finished policy, then download it as a Word or PDF file, or copy it directly onto your Shopify policy page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I legally have to offer returns on my Shopify store?
No federal law requires retailers to accept returns, but several states including California and New York default to a mandatory 30 day full refund window if no policy is posted. Posting a clear policy is what allows a Shopify seller to set their own terms instead of falling under that default rule.
Can I charge a restocking fee on Shopify returns?
Yes in most states, but the fee amount must be disclosed to the customer before they complete the purchase, not added as a surprise during the return process. A few states cap or restrict restocking fees entirely, so it's worth checking local rules if a large share of your customers are in one state.
Does a Shopify return policy need to be visible before checkout?
Some states specifically require the policy to be shown at or before the point of sale rather than buried on a separate page a customer might not visit. Placing a link in the checkout flow, not just the site footer, better satisfies these disclosure requirements.
Who pays for return shipping on a Shopify order?
This is set entirely by the seller's own policy, since no law dictates who covers the cost. Common approaches include charging the customer, offering a prepaid label with the cost deducted from the refund, or covering it for defective and incorrect items.
