1) What is a Returns Plugin for WooCommerce
A returns plugin is a software program that enhances the website's functionality to offer a returns management solution for WordPress WooCommerce store owners and customers.
A returns plugin is a Return Merchandise Authorization tool with an entire system built to support refund requests. Essentially it works by approving or rejecting the requests, creating returns labels and making repayments or exchanges, providing store credits, and communicating with customers via emails or customer support channels.
2) How WordPress’ WooCommerce Process Returns and Refunds
WooCommerce has two channels for refunds: automatic and manual.
In the automatic refund process, the refund process is structured to work with the original payment gateway. Brands can select this option in their admin dashboard to automate the refund process.
In the manual refund process, store owners can manage individual requests from WooCommerce order pages to initiate a full or partial refund amount by manually issuing the refund from their payment methods.
3) Why do you need Returns Plugins for WooCommerce?
With growing sales, there comes a time when return requests start to trickle in with increasing numbers. A WooCommerce returns plugin offers an effortless and convenient solution to tackle Return Merchandise Authorization.
A plugin specifically designed to cover the regulations and build an interface for managing return and exchange requests, configuring with payment gateways to enable refunds or instant refunds, and a wallet system are essential components to ensure an excellent return experience for customers.
4) What to look for in a WordPress WooCommerce Returns Plugin
Every eCommerce retailer knows how impactful each of their decision is for the brand. Regarding returns, one must be extra careful when choosing a suitable returns plugin. This is why we have made a list of eight points that serve as a weighing scale for merchants to find the best WooCommerce returns plugin.
4.1) Installation
The optimal plugin allows easy installation in the WooCommerce dashboard and does not strain the system with added configurations that might confuse the store owner. It is also essential to note the plugin's source before installing it.
There are nulled versions of plugins circulating that are malicious and can gather customer information without the owner's knowledge. So, it is best to check the plugin's background and download it from the WooCommerce Extension Store.
4.2) Wallet System
Over the years, store wallets have become a popular refund method with customers and brands. So, selecting a plugin that enables the wallet option and configures a store refund policy with the wallet system is an effective arsenal in WooComerce’s competitive environment.
4.3) Warranty
It is best to choose an RMA-optimized plugin that offers good service on product warranty generation, modifications, and customization with store policies. Warranties are an essential aspect of a WooCommerce refund request; therefore, plugins that allow automatic or manual handling of warranties will be helpful to WooCommerce store owners.
4.4) Stock Management
A good plugin also monitors stock and automatically counts inventory when an order is completed or a product is returned. Lifting the manual burden to supervise stock levels signifies the WooCommerce returns plugin.
4.5) Return labels
The return process is incomplete without return labels that ultimately enable customers to ship back the item to store owners and wait for a refund. Thus, it is best to select a plugin that automatically generates returns labels and allows store owners to send them to the customers either on the order details page or as an attachment with the email.
4.6) Page Speed
Plugin performance is interconnected with the loading speed of your WooCommerce store page. With a slow page speed, many customers abandon the store. Selecting a plugin that does not bog down the page speed is recommended for better website performance. Many online applications are available to determine how fast your page works.
4.7) Price
Though many plugins come with a free version to try, they also offer premium services for added advantages. Before choosing a plugin, it is wise to consider the store's budget and the price quoted for the extension before deciding on the final installation.
4.8) Plugin Version
Keeping a note of the plugin version is critical before and after installing the plugin. Selecting a stable version such as those above the 1.0 mark is an excellent way to ensure the safety and secure functionality of the plugin.
5) The Best WordPress WooCommerce Returns Plugins and their Features
Returns plugins are the core of returns for all WooCommerce brands. Selecting the best plugin can be a confusing and tedious process, especially when the market is flooded with hundreds of plugins vying for attention. To ease the search, we have curated the following returns plugins best suited for WooCommerce websites.
5.1) YITH
YITH is a popular WooCommerce refund system plugin that offers a secure and fast refund system for high customer satisfaction. Starting with a refund interface allows customers to return a product or an entire order. The plugin also allows customers to state their return reasons. However, it considers the brand policies allowing them to set the period customers can seek a refund.
YITH automates the refund requests process where brands can configure their refund policies for automatic approval or manually select the requests. Similarly, the payment gateways can be automated where refunds are returned to the source or manually supervised.
Brands can manage the quantities to be refunded. They can offer coupons and set an expiration date on their validity. Added features include an automated email system for notifying customers.
5.2) Return, Refund, and Exchange for WooCommerce
This plugin concentrates on a solid email notification system to allow WooCommerce customers an easy way to file returns, exchange or cancel orders. A brand can manage return requests and add multiple reasons for a refund.
This RMA plugin is manageable by customizing the refund option, monitoring stock, adding a deadline for a refund request, and tracking customers with order IDs.
Another exciting feature of this plugin is that it allows brands to enable taxes on products or simultaneously disable them. It also supports over forty languages in cases translations are needed.
5.3) WooCommerce Smart Refunder
This plugin allows instant refunds with a refund request form that supports customers to file for a refund quickly. Storeowners can either automate the refund process or manually process them in cases where instant refunds are not supported. They can also issue store credits and fulfill partial refunds.
Storeowners can also prefigure the number of days customers can request a refund, auto-approve the requests in bulk, or manually approve and reject them.
The plugin also seamlessly changes the order status of the products. An email notification system is available for efficient communication between the customer and the store owner.
5.4) WooCommerce Refund and Exchange with RMA
Refund and Exchange RMA is another well-known refund system plugin amongst WooCommerce entrepreneurs. The plugin is an advanced RMA management system that features a refund button on customers' dashboards. Customers have the option to choose if they want a refund or to exchange the product with another.
The Woocommerce plugin allows brands to set an automatic refund system via PayPal or manually trigger refunds. They also have the choice to set up store wallets for customers and repay in-store credit to entice them with further engagement.
Other features include setting a time for requesting a refund, setting certain items as non-refundable, and placing an order limit for allowing refunds.
5.5) WooCommerce Returns and Warranty Requests
The Returns and Warranty Requests is another popular returns plugin choice. With this, brands can manually process refund requests, and once they approve, the customers can return their products.
Different warranty options are available for brands, including adding lifetime or limited warranties to products.
Brands can include shipping labels for customers in the customer’s order details and track the shipment with a tracking number. They can also issue coupons after the warranty status is completed. Brands can also manage warranties in bulk and customize the product pages.
5.6) WooCommerce Returns and Warranty Management
This plugin manages fast returns and refunds with customizable warranty filters for different product categories. It also allows brands to set conditions for their return policy. With this plugin, brands can swiftly make refunds, set a product warranty cost, replace orders manually, and create refund forms.
The plugin allows guest users to sync return requests with their accounts. Users can integrate with WooCommerce PDF invoices and Packing Slips.
Moreover, they can also offer refunds as store credits and communicate with customers. The plugin has both a free and premium version.
6) Conclusion
Keeping up with the changing dynamics of returns, WooCommerce store owners have to deal with multiple reasons for returns and refund payment requests. The lack of a proper returns management system can hamper customer relations with the brand. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to use a returns plugin for WooCommerce and select one that optimizes the customer returns experience.