How to set tiered restocking fees based on days after delivery

Encourage faster returns and better operational control. Reduce return-related losses by applying time-based restocking fees.

Use Case

Common Vertical

Reduce return-related losses by applying time-based restocking fees

Introduction: Reduce return-related losses by applying time-based restocking fees that reflect product loss and condition over time. Encourage faster returns and better operational control.

Challenges: A uniform return policy doesn’t account for depreciation or decline in resale value. Products returned late often require more refurbishment and cost more to resell.

Common Mistakes: Applying a flat restocking fee regardless of return timing; Allowing unrestricted returns long after delivery; Forcing merchants to manually track delivery dates.

Missed Opportunities: Without time-based rules, merchants can’t incentivize on-time returns or recover appropriate value. Manual management leads to errors and inefficiencies.

Solution: Configure tiered restocking rules in WeSupply.
- Days After Delivery: 0–10 days | Restocking Fee $0.00
- Days After Delivery: 11–20 days | Restocking Fee $10.00
- Days After Delivery: 21-30 days | Restocking Fee $15.00

Importance (ROI): Return-related costs hover around 7% of gross sales, while return rates average 20%. Tiered fees help recoup value loss and deter delayed returns—protecting margins with minimal overhead.

Setup in Backend - How We Achieve It?

1. Go to

2. Edit or Create a Return Logic

- Click the return logic you’d like to update
- Or click “Create Return Logic” to start from scratch

3. Scroll to the Restocking Fee Section

4. Enable Dynamic Rules

5. Set Up the Fee Rules

- Choose the restocking fee amount
- Define how many days after the return window start the fee will apply (e.g., “Applies for returns up to 10 days”)

6. Add Additional Rules (if needed)

- Click “+ Add Rule” to define additional fee tiers for longer return period
- Make sure all days in your return window are covered

Example Configuration (for a 30-day return window)

- Days After Delivery: 0–10 days | Restocking Fee $0.00
- Days After Delivery: 11–20 days | Restocking Fee $10.00
- Days After Delivery: 21-30 days | Restocking Fee $15.00

The Customer Experience - What We Will Achieve

Clarity Up Front: Customers see the declining fee structure in the returns portal before submitting a request—fewer surprises, fewer disputes.

Balanced Incentives: Lower fees for earlier returns encourage timely returns; higher fees later help deter warehouse strain and logistics inefficiencies.

Customer Perception: A tiered schedule feels fairer than a flat penalty. Clear communication sets expectations and reinforces trust.

FAQ

Q1: What happens if the return arrives late but we choose to process anyway?

A1: The system flags it for review. You can override the fee or deny the return during manual processing.

Q2: Can different SKUs have different window tiers?

A2: Yes. Combine Return Window condition with SKU or product-type logic for hyper-custom rules.

Q3: Are customers notified of the fee amount?

A3: Absolutely. The returns portal displays the calculated restocking fee and revised refund before confirmation.

See what WeSupply Labs can do for you!

Our shipping and returns experts will guide you through the product and analyze how WeSupply best fits your eCommerce needs.