Go-live checklist
The final pass before you point real customers at your returns portal.
What it is
A short, ordered list of everything worth checking before your portal goes in front of real customers. Each item takes a minute or two to confirm.
Why it matters
Launching returns is not risky in the way launching a store is. Nothing breaks if you miss something; a shopper just hits a dead end and emails you, which is the thing you are trying to stop. Working down this list once means the portal quietly does its job from day one.
The checklist
Policy is set and correct
Under Return Rules → Policies, check your return window, eligible products and any fees. Make sure the default policy is the one you actually want applied when no other rule matches.
Carrier is connected with live credentials
Under Settings → Shipping, confirm your carrier account is connected and not running on test credentials. A label generated in a sandbox will not get a parcel home.
Stripe is connected, if you offer paid exchanges
If shoppers can exchange for a pricier item, connect Stripe under Settings → Integrations so the difference is collected in the portal at the moment of the swap.
Branding looks right on mobile
Open the portal on your phone. Most shoppers will. Logo, colours and hero image are under Portal → Customise.
The portal is linked where shoppers look
Footer navigation and the order confirmation email are the two spots that matter most. See adding the portal to your store.
Notifications say what you want them to
Check the email templates under Settings → Emails. Send yourself a test return (see test a return before you launch) and read every message a customer would get.
A plan is chosen
Trials last 14 days. Pick a plan under Settings → Account before it lapses so the portal never pauses.
Notes
- You can run through this list in under half an hour if the test return is already done.
- After launch, keep an eye on Returns for the first few days. Early requests tell you quickly if a policy setting needs a tweak.
- Rules and AI behaviors can start switched off and be layered in later. A simple launch that works beats a clever one that does not.