> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.frate.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started with Frate Returns

> Set up your store, connect shipping, and process your first test return in under 30 minutes.

## Prerequisites

1. **Install the app** on your store:
   * **Shopify**: [Install the Route app](https://www.route.com/shopify-installation), then contact us to enable returns
   * **BigCommerce**: Install the [Frate Returns app](https://www.bigcommerce.com/apps/frate-returns/) from the BigCommerce marketplace
2. **Have a few test orders ready** — you'll need fulfilled orders to test returns against

## Step 1: Complete the Onboarding Form

Fill out the onboarding form for your platform so we can configure your account:

* **Shopify**: [Onboarding Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLMMuFroMyAnhx_AGN4GVsioo5MKGNbPjgElWLT2rHs1NhzA/viewform?usp=header)
* **BigCommerce**: [Onboarding Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRBY_SR8QEdjvRl5V3b5r1VWpq7EdryER8vOwUw6heCqv_bA/viewform)

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.

## 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.

<Card title="How to set up shipping zones" icon="truck" href="https://help.frate.com/articles/8291100519-how-to-set-up-shipping-zones-in-frate-returns">
  Full walkthrough on the Frate help center.
</Card>

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"

## 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)

<Note>
  **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.
</Note>

<Note>
  **Alternative shipping connections**: If you'd like to use a shipping provider other than EasyPost, contact us directly to discuss your options.
</Note>

## Step 4: Create Test Orders

You need real orders to test returns against.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Shopify">
    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
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="BigCommerce">
    1. Place test orders through your storefront or create them in the admin panel
    2. Ensure the orders are marked as shipped/fulfilled
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Warning>
  Unfulfilled orders will not appear as eligible for returns in the portal.
</Warning>

## Step 5: Process a Test Return

Now you're ready to test a return end-to-end:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access the returns portal">
    Find your portal URL in the Frate dashboard under **Settings → Portal**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Look up an order">
    Enter the order number and email from one of your test orders.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Initiate a return">
    Select items, choose a return reason, and select a return method.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and submit">
    Confirm the return details.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check your email">
    You should receive a return confirmation email with the shipping label.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check the dashboard">
    The return will appear in your Frate Returns dashboard with status "Label Sent".
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What to Evaluate

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

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Return Policies" icon="scale-balanced">
    Configure return windows, restocking fees, and item eligibility under **Settings → Policies**.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Workflows" icon="gear">
    Set up automation rules (e.g., auto-approve returns under a certain value) under **Settings → Workflows**.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Exchanges" icon="arrows-rotate">
    If enabled, test exchanging an item for a different size or product. See the [Exchange API lifecycle guide](/guides/return-lifecycle/exchange-api) for details.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Portal Customization" icon="paintbrush">
    Customize all customer-facing text under **Settings → Translate & Adapt**.
  </Card>

  <Card title="WMS Integrations" icon="warehouse">
    Frate integrates with 90+ warehouse management systems via [Trackstar](https://trackstarhq.com/). Check how returns data flows to your OMS/WMS.
  </Card>

  <Card title="API" icon="code">
    For custom integrations, explore the [Frate API documentation](/api-reference/overview/basic-usage).
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Common Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I need Stripe connected to test returns?">
    No. Stripe is only required for exchanges and is configured during onboarding. Basic returns testing does not require Stripe.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I test on a store that already uses Route Protect?">
    Yes. Returns can be enabled alongside Protect on the same store.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The portal shows no eligible orders — what's wrong?">
    Make sure your test orders are (a) fulfilled, (b) within the return window, and (c) not excluded by any return policy rules or workflows.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I customize the portal text?">
    Go to **Settings → Translate & Adapt** in the Frate dashboard. Click "Adapt" on the English translation to customize all headings, labels, and instructions.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I have questions or need help getting set up.">
    Reach out to your implementation contact. We're happy to hop on a call to walk through setup together.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>