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↩️ Returns & RMA

Guest-initiated return requests, an RMA status graph, and inventory restocking

Documentation

Returns & RMA

RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) is a separate document tracking the lifecycle of a product return, independent of the order's own status. This section applies to the retail vertical β€” an online product storefront.

A guest requests a return from their account, and the venue processes it in the admin panel through a strict status graph β€” from the initial request all the way to the actual refund.


How it works for the guest

On the customer account page, under the "Orders" tab, a delivered/paid order shows a "Request a return" button. The guest picks:

  • which line items to return and in what quantity;
  • a reason for the return (optional);
  • the condition of the item (optional).

After submitting, the request enters the "Requested" (requested) status, and a return-status badge appears in the guest's order history β€” so the guest can track progress without contacting the venue directly.


How the venue processes a return

Open Admin Panel β†’ Returns (admin.menio.ru/returns). The list shows all RMA requests for the current location, filterable by status.

Clicking a request opens a detail drawer with:

  • the order the return belongs to and its order number;
  • line items, quantity, the guest's stated reason and item condition;
  • the full status transition history (who changed what, and when);
  • available actions β€” only the transitions allowed by the status graph (see below).

A typical flow: approve the request β†’ wait for the guest to ship the item back ("In transit") β†’ mark "Received" (with an option to restock inventory) β†’ process the refund β†’ close the request.

A request can also be rejected at any stage before the item is received, if the return doesn't meet your conditions.


The RMA status graph

Status Meaning
requested Request created by the guest, awaiting a decision from the venue
approved Return approved, waiting for the item to come back
rejected Return rejected
in_transit Item is on its way back to the venue
received Item received (optionally restocking inventory)
refunded Money refunded to the guest
closed Request closed

Transitions strictly follow the graph β€” you can't, for example, close a request without first receiving the item. This guarantees no return falls through the cracks between stages.

⚠️ The refunded status in the admin panel records the fact that money was refunded on the RMA document. It does not replace the actual operation on the payment gateway β€” the guest is refunded through the same payment method the order was paid with (see Payments); contact your payment provider if you need a refund on a specific transaction.


Returns in the orders list

In the Orders section, orders with an active RMA show a return-status badge β€” no need to open a separate section to see that a return is in progress for an order.


Related sections

  • Orders β€” order statuses and where the return badge appears
  • POS Receipts & Refunds β€” returns and exchanges at the register for in-person sales
  • Payments β€” guest payment methods and refunds
  • Collections β€” managing the storefront catalog

FAQ

Does returns only work for the online store?

Yes, the RMA section applies to the retail vertical (product storefront). For in-person sales at the register, use a separate mechanism β€” see POS Receipts & Refunds.

Can a guest cancel their own return request?

No, status is managed by the venue through the Returns section β€” the guest only creates the request and sees its current status.

Does the refund happen automatically?

Moving a request to the "Refund" status records the fact of the refund on the document, but the actual charge/refund on the payment gateway is performed separately, according to your payment provider.

Can I restock a returned item?

Yes, the "Received" step has a restock option β€” the item goes back into inventory.