# Return Periods

## Overview

Return periods define the time period within which items may be returned. Return periods can be calculated from the order date, dispatch date or shipping delivered date, with an additional grace period to overcome the lead times. 

The following return periods can be configured:

* Trial period – standard return period
* Warranty period – return period for warranty cases
* Grace period – days added to the trial and warranty periods to account for shipping time
* Special return periods – return periods configured for peak shopping and gifting periods (for example: around Black Friday or Christmas) or for specific customer groups

Special return periods can also be configured restrict certain return compensation methods (for example: allowing only exchanges instead of refunds after a defined number of days) as seen in the following example.

<figure><img src="https://1156682959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LPf1Lv1YUuLYva6LrXQ%2Fuploads%2F25gr8Zl6AiKkutkBHcUj%2FparcelFashion%20RP_Restricted%20return%20reasons.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f94c8c8b-f140-444d-9989-b32f4ed55183" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Returns Portal displaying restricted selection of return reasons after the configured standard return period of 14 days.</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Key Benefits

Configuring return periods supports customer trust as you can steer their returns experience by providing clear expectations on the compensation methods available during and after a defined time period.

Customers can view directly in the <code class="expression">space.vars.Product\_ReturnsPortal</code> if their ordered items are still eligible for return, and if you have a warranty period, your customers can still use the Returns Portal to register a purchased item for exchange or repair.

## Configuring the Return Periods Feature

The following sections describe the configuration required for the Return Periods feature.

The return period is calculated from the parcel's delivered date. If the delivered date is not available, the dispatch date or order date is used with a grace period configured to accommodate lead times.&#x20;

### Customer Requirements

For the feature to work, you need to provide the following information:

* The duration for each return period to be configured in days (that is: trial, warranty or grace period)
* The start date and end date for special return periods

### Implementation Process

To activate this feature, please contact your parcelLab representative with the information specified under the [Customer Requirements](#customer-requirements) section.&#x20;


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