This article covers additional configuration options for specific use cases — gift returns, returns on exchange orders, regional restrictions, and more.
Navigate to Returns > Settings and find the Advanced Settings section.
Gift Returns
When enabled, customers can return a gift they received — even if they aren't the original purchaser.
How Gift Returns Work
On the return portal, the customer clicks "Returning a gift?"
They enter the order number and the email or zip code associated with the gift recipient.
If they don't have the order number, they can look up the gift order using an alternative lookup flow.
The return process proceeds normally, but with some differences:
Refunds are not available for gift returns — the recipient can only choose store credit or an exchange.
The store credit or exchange is issued to the recipient (the person returning the gift), not the original purchaser.
On the merchant dashboard, gift returns show both the recipient information and the purchaser information so you have full visibility.
Enabling Gift Returns
Toggle Gift returns on under Advanced Settings. When enabled, a "Returning a gift?" link appears on the customer return portal.
Allow Returns of Exchange and Shop Now Orders
When a customer receives an exchange or Shop Now order, they may want to return those items too. This setting controls whether that's allowed.
Enabled: Customers can return items from exchange and Shop Now orders. The resolution is limited to store credit only (no refund to original payment).
Disabled: Items from exchange and Shop Now orders are shown as ineligible for return on the portal.
When to enable: If you want to provide maximum flexibility to customers and reduce friction.
When to disable: If you want to limit return cycles and prevent customers from repeatedly exchanging and returning.
Allow Returns of Replacement Orders
Replacement orders are created when an insurance claim is resolved with a reorder (replacement shipment). This setting controls whether customers can return items received through a claim replacement.
Enabled: Customers can return items from replacement orders. Resolution is limited to store credit only.
Disabled: Replacement order items are shown as ineligible for return.
Allow Returns by Region
This setting lets you control which geographic regions you accept returns from. By default, returns are accepted from the United States (all 50 states).
Managing Regions
Click Manage Regions under the Advanced Settings section.
Select or deselect countries and regions.
Save your changes.
Important notes:
In regions where ShipSidekick doesn't have a supported carrier, return labels must be created manually (even if your label provider is set to ShipSidekick).
If a customer's shipping address is in a region you don't accept returns from, they won't be able to submit a return through the portal.