How to set up Shopify metafields as return conditions

Create highly personalized return policies based on unique product or order attributes – like custom sizing, perishability, warranty status, or limited-edition tags – stored in Shopify metafields.

Use Case

Reduce Return Costs
Workflow Automation
Automation
Return Operations

Common Vertical

Fashion
Consumer Electronics
B2B

Trigger unique return experiences tailored to your policies

Introduction: Create highly personalized return policies based on unique product or order attributes – like custom sizing, perishability, warranty status, or limited-edition tags—stored in Shopify metafields.

Challenges: Standard return logic doesn’t account for product-specific rules. Merchants often manage exceptions manually or offer overly broad policies that increase return costs and customer confusion.

Common Mistakes:
- Applying the same return policy to all products regardless of conditions
- Managing exceptions manually using spreadsheets or notes
- Not leveraging data already stored in Shopify metafields

Missed Opportunities: Without metafield-based logic, you miss the ability to automate workflows tied to nuanced product attributes – like final sale items, fragile goods, fabric, or seasonal merchandise.

Solution: Use Shopify product and order metafields to drive return logic in WeSupply. Examples:
- Product metafield – if fragile_product=true: Apply manual review before accepting returns
- Order metafield – custom_order=true: Apply manual review before accepting returns

Importance (ROI): Merchants using custom data fields to automate workflows see improved accuracy and consistency. With 96% of customers more likely to return after a smooth return experience, clear, rule-based exceptions can boost satisfaction while reducing operational costs .

Setup in Backend - How We Achieve It?

Navigate to Return Logic → Add New Condition
Select Shopify Metafield (Product or Order)
Define logic (e.g., if fragile_product=true,
return requires manual authorization)
Combine with other conditions if needed (e.g., item length, return reason)

The Customer Experience - What We Will Achieve

Tailored Transparency: Returns are accepted or blocked based on pre-defined attributes, visible to customers before submission.

Operational Efficiency: Your support team no longer needs to manually check metafields – rules are automatically enforced.

Clear Communication: The portal clearly communicates why a return is or isn’t eligible based on metafield logic, reducing disputes.

FAQ

Q1: Can we apply different return fees by product type using metafields?

A1: Yes! Store return fees in a metafield like restocking_fee=15 and have WeSupply apply them automatically.

Q2: Can we restrict returns for limited-edition or personalized products?

A2: Absolutely. Tag them with a metafield like returnable=false and WeSupply will block returns for those SKUs.

Q3: Can this logic work for B2B or wholesale orders?

A3: Yes. Use order metafields (e.g., customer_type=wholesale) to apply special return rules per customer segment.

See what WeSupply Labs can do for you!

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