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Prerequisites

  1. Install the app on your store:
  2. Have a few test orders ready — you’ll need fulfilled orders to test returns against

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Step 1: Complete the Onboarding Form

Fill out the onboarding form for your platform so we can configure your account: This form covers your return policy preferences, return reasons, and basic configuration. Completing it before your first call with our team speeds up the setup process significantly.

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Step 2: Set Up a Shipping Zone

A shipping zone tells the returns portal where to ship returns and which carrier/method to use. You need at least one shipping zone to process a return.

How to set up shipping zones

Full walkthrough on the Frate help center.
  1. In the Frate dashboard, go to Settings → Shipping
  2. Click Add Shipping Zone
  3. Configure the zone name, return type, destination address, and carrier settings
  4. To test Happy Returns drop-off, create a separate zone with the Return Type set to “Happy Returns”

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Step 3: Connect Your Shipping Account

Frate uses EasyPost Forge to connect your carrier accounts and generate return shipping labels.
  1. In the Frate dashboard, go to Settings → Shipping → Setup Account
  2. Follow the prompts to create or connect an EasyPost Forge account
  3. Upload your carrier account credentials (your own direct accounts, or accounts provided by your 3PL)
Billing: If you are using your own carrier accounts through Forge, label costs are billed directly to your carrier. You do not need to add funds to an EasyPost wallet. Wallet funds are only needed if you are using EasyPost’s default carrier accounts.
Alternative shipping connections: If you’d like to use a shipping provider other than EasyPost, contact us directly to discuss your options.

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Step 4: Create Test Orders

You need real orders to test returns against.
  1. Go to Shopify Admin → Orders → Create order
  2. Add a product and set the customer email to your own email
  3. Mark the order as paid and fulfilled
  4. Repeat 2–3 times with different products
Unfulfilled orders will not appear as eligible for returns in the portal.

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Step 5: Process a Test Return

Now you’re ready to test a return end-to-end:
1

Access the returns portal

Find your portal URL in the Frate dashboard under Settings → Portal.
2

Look up an order

Enter the order number and email from one of your test orders.
3

Initiate a return

Select items, choose a return reason, and select a return method.
4

Review and submit

Confirm the return details.
5

Check your email

You should receive a return confirmation email with the shipping label.
6

Check the dashboard

The return will appear in your Frate Returns dashboard with status “Label Sent”.

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What to Evaluate

Once you’ve processed a test return, here are some things to explore:

Return Policies

Configure return windows, restocking fees, and item eligibility under Settings → Policies.

Workflows

Set up automation rules (e.g., auto-approve returns under a certain value) under Settings → Workflows.

Exchanges

If enabled, test exchanging an item for a different size or product. See the Exchange API lifecycle guide for details.

Portal Customization

Customize all customer-facing text under Settings → Translate & Adapt.

WMS Integrations

Frate integrates with 90+ warehouse management systems via Trackstar. Check how returns data flows to your OMS/WMS.

API

For custom integrations, explore the Frate API documentation.

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Common Questions

No. Stripe is only required for exchanges and is configured during onboarding. Basic returns testing does not require Stripe.
Yes. Returns can be enabled alongside Protect on the same store.
Make sure your test orders are (a) fulfilled, (b) within the return window, and (c) not excluded by any return policy rules or workflows.
Go to Settings → Translate & Adapt in the Frate dashboard. Click “Adapt” on the English translation to customize all headings, labels, and instructions.
Reach out to your implementation contact. We’re happy to hop on a call to walk through setup together.