Users are seeking a built-in method to process returns to suppliers within Shopify, which currently only handles customer returns. This is a frequent need for brick-and-mortar retailers dealing with faulty or incorrect inventory.
Current Workaround:
Key Limitation:
Neither Shopify nor Stocky offers a dedicated “Return to Supplier” feature that would:
One user reported returning 45 faulty boots to a supplier with no adequate way to document the transaction. Multiple participants express frustration that this basic wholesale retail function is missing despite Shopify’s premium pricing, particularly for POS users.
Status: The discussion remains unresolved, with no official solution announced.
Hello everyone,
I’m wondering how you handle the return of products to a supplier? Shopify only seems to consider returns as it pertains to customers returning products. However as a bricks and mortar shop this is something that happens frequently (faulty or incorrect products) and really surprised that Shopify doesn’t have a process for this. Help said they would get back to me with a work-around but never did.
Cheers
Hi, @Thewalkinghub
I understand you are looking for a solution to handle returns to your suppliers. I would like to help you here with a workaround, however, I would like to hear more about what sort of solution would work for you.
Can you describe your ideal process for returns?
Hi Rein, thanks for responding. Ideally the transfer (either on Shopify or pref Stocky) could include an option to transfer or return and an option to select a supplier and then adjust inventory to reflect that the products have now gone. Stocky allows me to track products all the way through the system through purchase invoices and sales but doesn’t allow for the return of these products to the supplier. As an example I just sent almost my entire inventory (45 boots) back to a supplier because they were faulty and I really needed a way to track these out of my system. I ended up just adjusting inventory thinking it would give me a reason code but it didn’t even do that, so basically they have just disappeared! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
We need exactly the same thing!! Hoping someone replies with a solution!
Was there ever a solution to this?
Hi, @HiddenacresGC !
Thanks for joining the thread.
When adjusting your inventory, you can now select a reason for the adjustment. For instance, you can select Damage, Theft or lose, Return Restock, etc. This will help keep track of these instances. You can head over to Products > Inventory to make these adjustments.
Hi Mac,
Thanks for this response. Can you explain how you ‘adjust’ inventory. I just went to Products>Inventory and changed availability to zero. I thought when I saved it might give the reason for changing but it didn’t.
Cheers,
Ali at The Walking Hub
Hi, @Thewalkinghub !
Thanks for your response.
When you navigate to the Products > Inventory section in the Shopify Admin, hover over the available column of the product you wish to edit. An icon will pop up, enabling you to adjust the inventory and provide a reason. If you modify the inventory without clicking on the icon, you won’t be able to provide the reason.
I hope this information is helpful!
Yes 100% why on earth does Shopify and/or Stocky have an option to do an official “Return to Supplier” we pay a huge amount a month, espeicially for Shopify POS and this is not even an option available when this is a stock standard procedure in wholesale retail. Please can Shopify get on this
Hi! Did someone find a way to figure it out? 
Thank you!!