Tooling
Loop Returns is the most common DTC-first returns platform; Aftership Returns and ReturnGo are competitive alternatives. The right choice depends on integration with your WMS, support for exchanges and store credit, and pricing structure (per-return vs. SaaS).
Putaway workflow
Returns that hit the warehouse need a defined putaway process: inspect, grade (sellable / refurbish / dispose), restock, and reconcile inventory. WMS support for returns putaway is uneven — Manhattan and Logiwa handle it well, ShipStation does not.
Plan the workflow during WMS setup, not after a returns spike.
Finance reconciliation
Returns generate refunds, store credits, and gift cards. The ERP needs to know about each. The most common failure mode is store credit that exists in Shopify but not in the ERP, leading to mis-stated revenue.
Make sure your Celigo (or equivalent) flow handles store credit explicitly.
Reducing return rates
Operational improvements (better packaging, accurate product photos, sizing guides) usually move return rates more than tooling changes. Pair the operational tooling with merchandising and CX changes for compounding effect.
Talk to a specialist
If you are facing this decision now, a free scoping conversation with a vetted Shop Operations Experts specialist usually saves weeks of back-and-forth. Tell us the situation and we will route you to someone who has shipped the work for a comparable brand.
No sales pitch, no lead-volume games — just a scoped recommendation within one business day.