Automate a return initiation for an eligible order

Steps

1. Check return eligibility: query your order tracker for the delivery date and compare against the merchant's return window (typically 14–90 days); also check item-level non-returnable flags (e.g., perishables, digital goods, personalized items).
2. Authenticate to the merchant's return portal API or self-service returns endpoint using the order ID and the email address associated with the order.
3. Submit the return request with required fields: order ID, line item IDs to return, return reason code (from the merchant's enumerated reason list), and quantity.
4. Capture the return authorization number (RA number) and prepaid shipping label URL returned by the merchant; store these in the order record.
5. If the merchant's API does not support automated returns and only offers a web portal, emit a HITL event with the return portal URL and pre-filled context so a human can complete the return in minimal steps.
6. After the return shipment is received by the merchant (detectable via carrier tracking or a refund event), update the order record to 'returned' and log the refund amount when it appears.