> This page is for version Experimental.
> For other versions, use one of these documentation indexes:
> - 2026-07 (default): https://developer-stage.shipbob.dev/2026-07/llms.txt
> - 2026-01: https://developer-stage.shipbob.dev/2026-01/llms.txt
> - 2025-07: https://developer-stage.shipbob.dev/2025-07/llms.txt
> - v2.0: https://developer-stage.shipbob.dev/v2.0/llms.txt
> - v1.0: https://developer-stage.shipbob.dev/v1.0/llms.txt
> - Experimental: https://developer-stage.shipbob.dev/experimental/llms.txt

> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://developer-stage.shipbob.dev/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://developer-stage.shipbob.dev/_mcp/server.

# Create Return Order


POST https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return
Content-Type: application/json

Creates a new return order for a previously shipped order. Specify the original shipment, inventory items to return, and requested return actions. If purchase_label is true, also purchases a return shipping label using origin_address, falling back to the original_shipment_id address when no origin_address is provided; when both are supplied, origin_address takes precedence. tracking_number is not allowed when purchase_label is true. Each inventory item can be identified by `id` (inventory ID) or `sku`; when both are supplied, `id` takes precedence.


Reference: https://developer-stage.shipbob.dev/api/returns/create-return-order

## Authentication

- `Authorization` header (bearer token, required) — Authentication using Personal Access Token (PAT) token
- `Authorization` header (bearer token, required) — OAuth2 authentication using JWT tokens

## Request

### Query parameters

- `api-version` (string, optional, default: 1.0) — The requested API version

### Headers

- `shipbob_channel_id` (string, required) — Retrieve your channel ID from the [GET /channel](/api/channels/get-channels) endpoint. Use the channel ID that has write scopes.

### Body (application/json)

This endpoint expects a Returns.CreateReturnRequest.

- `fulfillment_center` (Returns.Facility, required) — A Facility to process Returns.
- `inventory` (list of Returns.ReturnInventory, required) — Array of inventory items being returned
- `reference_id` (string, required) — Client-defined external unique identifier for the return order. If tracking id is not provided, this value must appear on the box label as RMA
- `label_format` (enum, optional, nullable) — Optional label file format. Accepted values: PDF, PNG. If not provided, carrier default format is used. Only used when purchase_label is true
  - Allowed values: `PDF`, `PNG`
- `origin_address` (Returns.ReturnLabelAddress, optional) — Address the return is shipped from, used as the origin (from) address on the label. Takes precedence over original_shipment_id when both are provided. Required when purchase_label is true and original_shipment_id is not provided. Ignored when purchase_label is false.
- `original_shipment_id` (integer, optional, nullable) — Shipment from which the items in the return originated. Either original_shipment_id or origin_address is required when purchase_label is true. Used for the label's origin address only when origin_address is not provided
- `purchase_label` (boolean, optional, nullable, default: false) — If true, purchases a return shipping label after creating the return order. Requires either original_shipment_id or origin_address, and tracking_number is not allowed when purchase_label is true
- `shipping_service` (string, optional, nullable) — Ship option name (e.g. "ReturnsStandard") for label purchase. Only used when purchase_label is true. Resolved against available return ship options for the merchant. Falls back to cheapest if not matched
- `tracking_number` (string, optional, nullable) — Tracking number for the return shipment. Not allowed when purchase_label is true

## Response

### 201

Return order created successfully. When purchase_label is true and the label purchase succeeds, both return and label are populated. When purchase_label is false, only return is populated. When purchase_label is true but the label purchase fails, return is populated, label is null, and label_error explains the failure.

- `label` (Returns.CreateReturnLabelResponse, optional, nullable) — Return shipping label details. Populated only when purchase_label is true and the label purchase succeeded. Null when purchase_label is false or the label purchase failed (in which case label_error explains why).
- `label_error` (string, optional, nullable) — Human-readable error message if label purchase was requested but failed. The return is still created in this case — only the label step failed.
- `return` (Returns.PublicReturnDto, optional) — The created return order details

## Errors

### 400 Bad Request Error

Bad Request

- `detail` (string, optional, nullable) — Human-readable explanation specific to this occurrence of the problem.
- `instance` (string, optional, nullable) — URI reference identifying the specific occurrence.
- `status` (integer, optional, nullable) — HTTP status code.
- `title` (string, optional, nullable) — Short, human-readable summary of the problem.
- `type` (string, optional, nullable) — URI reference identifying the problem type.

### 401 Unauthorized Error

Authorization missing or invalid

- `any`

### 403 Forbidden Error

The provided credentials are not authorized to access this resource

- `any`

### 422 Unprocessable Entity Error

Validation failed

- `detail` (string, optional, nullable) — Human-readable explanation specific to this occurrence of the problem.
- `instance` (string, optional, nullable) — URI reference identifying the specific occurrence.
- `status` (integer, optional, nullable) — HTTP status code.
- `title` (string, optional, nullable) — Short, human-readable summary of the problem.
- `type` (string, optional, nullable) — URI reference identifying the problem type.

## Types

### Returns.Facility

A Facility to process Returns.

- `id` (integer, optional) — Unique identifier of the facility
- `name` (string, optional, nullable) — Name of the facility (It is optional because public API integrations do not pass this)

### Returns.ReturnInventory

An inventory item being returned. Supply either `id` or `sku` to identify the item; `id` takes precedence when both are provided.

- `quantity` (integer, required) — Quantity of the returned inventory item in the return.
- `requested_action` (enum, required)
  - Allowed values: `Default`, `Restock`, `Quarantine`, `Dispose`, `Donation`
- `id` (integer, optional, nullable) — ID of the inventory item to return. Required when `sku` is not provided. When both `id` and `sku` are supplied, `id` takes precedence and `sku` is ignored.
- `lot_date` (datetime, optional, nullable) — Lot date associated with the inventory item, if applicable.
- `lot_number` (string, optional, nullable) — Lot number associated with the inventory item, if applicable.
- `sku` (string, optional, nullable) — SKU of the inventory item to return. Used to resolve `id` when not provided. Required when `id` is not provided. When both `id` and `sku` are supplied, `id` takes precedence.

### Returns.ReturnLabelAddress

Customer address used as the origin (from) address on the return shipping label.

- `city` (string, required) — City name
- `country` (string, required) — ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code (e.g. US, CA, GB)
- `name` (string, required) — Full name of the person at the return origin address
- `street1` (string, required) — Primary street address line
- `zip_code` (string, required) — Postal or ZIP code. Required because it determines the rate zone used to price the return label.
- `company` (string, optional, nullable) — Company or business name
- `email` (string, optional, nullable) — Contact email address
- `phone` (string, optional, nullable) — Contact phone number
- `state` (string, optional, nullable) — State or province code (e.g. IL, NY, VIC). Not required by this API, but carriers in countries that use states - such as US and AU - will reject the label without it.
- `street2` (string, optional, nullable) — Secondary street address line (apartment, suite, unit, etc.)

### Returns.CreateReturnLabelResponse

Return shipping label details including tracking number, label URL, carrier information, and rate.

- `barcode` (list of string, optional, nullable) — Carrier barcode values from label purchase. Currently null in V1
- `carrier` (string, optional) — Name of the shipping carrier (e.g. USPS, UPS, FedEx)
- `carrier_service` (string, optional) — Specific carrier service used (e.g. Ground Advantage, Priority Mail)
- `label_request_id` (long, optional, nullable) — Unique identifier for this label purchase.
- `label_url` (string, optional) — URL to download the shipping label image. Format follows the label_format request parameter (PDF or PNG) when the carrier supports it; otherwise the carrier's default format is returned.
- `label_zpl_url` (string, optional, nullable) — URL to download the shipping label in ZPL format for thermal printers
- `purchase_date` (datetime, optional) — Date and time when the label was purchased
- `qrcode_url` (string, optional, nullable) — QR code image URL for label-less returns. Currently null in V1
- `rate` (list of Returns.RateInfo, optional) — Shipping rate details including amount and currency
- `return_id` (integer, optional) — The ID of the return order this label was purchased for
- `shipment_rate_id` (long, optional) — Unique identifier for the shipment rate from the labeling service
- `tracking_number` (string, optional) — Carrier tracking number for the return shipment
- `tracking_url` (string, optional, nullable) — URL to track the return shipment on the carrier website

### Returns.PublicReturnDto

The details of a public return order, including the transactions and inventory items

- `arrived_date` (datetime, optional, nullable) — The date and time when the return arrived at the fulfillment center
- `awaiting_arrival_date` (datetime, optional, nullable) — The date and time when the return entered Awaiting Arrival status
- `cancelled_date` (datetime, optional, nullable) — The date and time when the return was cancelled, if applicable
- `channel` (Returns.ChannelDto, optional) — The details of a Channel
- `completed_date` (datetime, optional, nullable) — The date and time for when the return order was completely processed
- `customer_name` (string, optional, nullable) — Name of merchant that return belongs to
- `fulfillment_center` (Returns.FulfillmentCenterDto, optional) — The details of a Fulfillment Center
- `id` (integer, optional) — Unique id of the return order
- `insert_date` (datetime, optional) — The date and time for when the return order was created
- `inventory` (list of Returns.InventoryItemDto, optional, nullable) — List of inventory items in return order
- `invoice` (Returns.InvoiceDto, optional, nullable) — The invoice amount and curency
- `original_shipment_id` (integer, optional, nullable) — ShipmentId for which return was created
- `processing_date` (datetime, optional, nullable) — The date and time when the return started processing
- `reference_id` (string, optional, nullable) — Unique reference id of the return order. Created by merchant if a regular return.
- `return_type` (string, optional, nullable) — Type of the return, i.e. Regular, RTS
- `shipment_tracking_number` (string, optional, nullable) — The tracking number of the original shipment
- `status` (string, optional, nullable) — Status of the return order, i.e. `Awaiting Arrival`, `Arrived`, `Processing`, `Completed` `Cancelled`
- `status_history` (list of Returns.StatusHistoryDto, optional, nullable) — List of status history in return order
- `store_order_id` (string, optional, nullable) — Reference to external order id
- `tracking_number` (string, optional, nullable) — The tracking number of the return shipping label
- `transactions` (list of Returns.TransactionDto, optional, nullable) — List of transactions that make up the billable amount to invoice a merchant

### Returns.RateInfo

Shipping rate amount and currency details.

- `amount` (long, optional, nullable) — Shipping rate amount in cents (e.g. 850 = $8.50). Null when the merchant-facing rate is not known for the return.
- `currency_code` (string, optional, nullable) — ISO 4217 currency code (e.g. USD). Null when the merchant-facing rate is not known for the return.

### Returns.ChannelDto

The details of a Channel

- `id` (integer, optional) — Unique Id of the channel
- `name` (string, optional, nullable) — Name given to the channel

### Returns.FulfillmentCenterDto

The details of a Fulfillment Center

- `id` (integer, optional) — Unique id of the fulfillment center
- `name` (string, optional, nullable) — Name give to the fulfillment center

### Returns.InventoryItemDto

The details of the inventory in the return order

- `action_requested` (Returns.ActionRequestedDto, optional) — The details of the action requested for inventory
- `action_taken` (list of Returns.ActionTakenDto, optional, nullable) — List of actions taken
- `barcodes` (list of string, optional, nullable) — List of barcodes associated with the inventory item
- `bundle_parent_sku` (string, optional, nullable) — SKU of the parent bundle if this item was expanded from a bundle. Null for non-bundle items
- `id` (integer, optional) — Unique id of the inventory
- `lot_information` (Returns.LotInformationDto, optional, nullable) — Lot information associated with a specific inventory item.
- `name` (string, optional, nullable) — Name of the product
- `quantity` (integer, optional) — Number of inventory that is being returned
- `sku` (string, optional, nullable) — Stock keeping unit identifier for the inventory item

### Returns.InvoiceDto

The invoice amount and curency

- `amount` (double, optional, nullable) — Amount being charged
- `currency_code` (string, optional, nullable) — Currency code of amount

### Returns.StatusHistoryDto

Status history

- `status` (string, optional, nullable) — Status to change
- `timestamp` (datetime, optional) — Date change status

### Returns.TransactionDto

The details of a transaction charged to the return order

- `amount` (double, optional) — The amount charged for this transaction
- `transaction_type` (string, optional, nullable) — The type of transaction

### Returns.ActionRequestedDto

The details of the action requested for inventory

- `action` (string, optional, nullable) — The action to take
- `action_type` (string, optional, nullable) — The source of the action to take, i.e. Inventory Default or Overriden by Merchant at creation
- `instructions` (string, optional, nullable) — The instructions for how to take the action given by inventory owning Merchant

### Returns.ActionTakenDto

The details of an action taken for inventory item in the return

- `action` (string, optional, nullable) — The return action taken
- `action_reason` (string, optional, nullable) — The reason the action was taken
- `image_url` (string, optional, nullable) — Image of inventory processed with this action.
- `quantity_processed` (integer, optional) — The quantity of inventory items processed with this reason and action

### Returns.LotInformationDto

Lot information associated with a specific inventory item.

- `expiration` (datetime, optional, nullable) — The expiration date for this lot.
- `minimumShelfLife` (integer, optional, nullable) — A minimum amount of time in days this product can be safely returned to the shelf without expiring.
- `number` (string, optional, nullable) — An alphanumeric string uniquely identifying this lot of produced inventory.

## Examples

### default

**Request**

```json
{
  "fulfillment_center": {
    "id": 10,
    "name": "Cicero (CHI3)"
  },
  "inventory": [
    {
      "quantity": 2,
      "requested_action": "Restock",
      "id": 1279396,
      "lot_date": null,
      "lot_number": null
    }
  ],
  "reference_id": "RMA-2026-00123",
  "original_shipment_id": 98765,
  "purchase_label": true,
  "shipping_service": "ReturnsStandard"
}
```

**Response**

```json
{
  "label": {
    "barcode": null,
    "carrier": "UPS",
    "carrier_service": "Ground",
    "label_request_id": 999,
    "label_url": "https://easypost-files.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/files/postage_label/label.png",
    "label_zpl_url": "https://easypost-files.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/files/postage_label/label.zpl",
    "purchase_date": "2026-04-13T12:00:00+00:00",
    "qrcode_url": null,
    "rate": [
      {
        "amount": 1025,
        "currency_code": "USD"
      }
    ],
    "return_id": 12345,
    "shipment_rate_id": 999,
    "tracking_number": "1Z999AA10123456784",
    "tracking_url": "https://www.ups.com/track?tracknum=1Z999AA10123456784"
  },
  "label_error": null,
  "return": {
    "arrived_date": null,
    "awaiting_arrival_date": "2026-04-13T12:00:00+00:00",
    "cancelled_date": null,
    "channel": {
      "id": 1,
      "name": "ShipBob Default"
    },
    "completed_date": null,
    "customer_name": "Jane Doe",
    "fulfillment_center": {
      "id": 8,
      "name": "Cicero (IL)"
    },
    "id": 12345,
    "insert_date": "2026-04-13T12:00:00+00:00",
    "inventory": [
      {
        "action_requested": {
          "action": "Restock",
          "action_type": "InventoryDefault",
          "instructions": ""
        },
        "action_taken": [],
        "barcodes": [
          "BC-100"
        ],
        "id": 100,
        "lot_information": null,
        "name": "Test Product",
        "quantity": 1,
        "sku": "SKU-100"
      }
    ],
    "invoice": null,
    "original_shipment_id": 98765,
    "processing_date": null,
    "reference_id": "REF-12345",
    "return_type": "Customer Generated",
    "shipment_tracking_number": null,
    "status": "Awaiting Arrival",
    "status_history": [
      {
        "status": "Awaiting Arrival",
        "timestamp": "2026-04-13T12:00:00+00:00"
      }
    ],
    "store_order_id": "SO-12345",
    "tracking_number": null,
    "transactions": []
  }
}
```

**SDK Code**

```python default
import requests

url = "https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return"

querystring = {"api-version":"1"}

payload = {
    "fulfillment_center": {
        "id": 10,
        "name": "Cicero (CHI3)"
    },
    "inventory": [
        {
            "quantity": 2,
            "requested_action": "Restock",
            "id": 1279396,
            "lot_date": None,
            "lot_number": None
        }
    ],
    "reference_id": "RMA-2026-00123",
    "original_shipment_id": 98765,
    "purchase_label": True,
    "shipping_service": "ReturnsStandard"
}
headers = {
    "shipbob_channel_id": "shipbob_channel_id",
    "Authorization": "Bearer <token>",
    "Content-Type": "application/json"
}

response = requests.post(url, json=payload, headers=headers, params=querystring)

print(response.json())
```

```javascript default
const url = 'https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1';
const options = {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    shipbob_channel_id: 'shipbob_channel_id',
    Authorization: 'Bearer <token>',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
  },
  body: '{"fulfillment_center":{"id":10,"name":"Cicero (CHI3)"},"inventory":[{"quantity":2,"requested_action":"Restock","id":1279396,"lot_date":null,"lot_number":null}],"reference_id":"RMA-2026-00123","original_shipment_id":98765,"purchase_label":true,"shipping_service":"ReturnsStandard"}'
};

try {
  const response = await fetch(url, options);
  const data = await response.json();
  console.log(data);
} catch (error) {
  console.error(error);
}
```

```go default
package main

import (
	"fmt"
	"strings"
	"net/http"
	"io"
)

func main() {

	url := "https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1"

	payload := strings.NewReader("{\n  \"fulfillment_center\": {\n    \"id\": 10,\n    \"name\": \"Cicero (CHI3)\"\n  },\n  \"inventory\": [\n    {\n      \"quantity\": 2,\n      \"requested_action\": \"Restock\",\n      \"id\": 1279396,\n      \"lot_date\": null,\n      \"lot_number\": null\n    }\n  ],\n  \"reference_id\": \"RMA-2026-00123\",\n  \"original_shipment_id\": 98765,\n  \"purchase_label\": true,\n  \"shipping_service\": \"ReturnsStandard\"\n}")

	req, _ := http.NewRequest("POST", url, payload)

	req.Header.Add("shipbob_channel_id", "shipbob_channel_id")
	req.Header.Add("Authorization", "Bearer <token>")
	req.Header.Add("Content-Type", "application/json")

	res, _ := http.DefaultClient.Do(req)

	defer res.Body.Close()
	body, _ := io.ReadAll(res.Body)

	fmt.Println(res)
	fmt.Println(string(body))

}
```

```ruby default
require 'uri'
require 'net/http'

url = URI("https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1")

http = Net::HTTP.new(url.host, url.port)
http.use_ssl = true

request = Net::HTTP::Post.new(url)
request["shipbob_channel_id"] = 'shipbob_channel_id'
request["Authorization"] = 'Bearer <token>'
request["Content-Type"] = 'application/json'
request.body = "{\n  \"fulfillment_center\": {\n    \"id\": 10,\n    \"name\": \"Cicero (CHI3)\"\n  },\n  \"inventory\": [\n    {\n      \"quantity\": 2,\n      \"requested_action\": \"Restock\",\n      \"id\": 1279396,\n      \"lot_date\": null,\n      \"lot_number\": null\n    }\n  ],\n  \"reference_id\": \"RMA-2026-00123\",\n  \"original_shipment_id\": 98765,\n  \"purchase_label\": true,\n  \"shipping_service\": \"ReturnsStandard\"\n}"

response = http.request(request)
puts response.read_body
```

```java default
import com.mashape.unirest.http.HttpResponse;
import com.mashape.unirest.http.Unirest;

HttpResponse<String> response = Unirest.post("https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1")
  .header("shipbob_channel_id", "shipbob_channel_id")
  .header("Authorization", "Bearer <token>")
  .header("Content-Type", "application/json")
  .body("{\n  \"fulfillment_center\": {\n    \"id\": 10,\n    \"name\": \"Cicero (CHI3)\"\n  },\n  \"inventory\": [\n    {\n      \"quantity\": 2,\n      \"requested_action\": \"Restock\",\n      \"id\": 1279396,\n      \"lot_date\": null,\n      \"lot_number\": null\n    }\n  ],\n  \"reference_id\": \"RMA-2026-00123\",\n  \"original_shipment_id\": 98765,\n  \"purchase_label\": true,\n  \"shipping_service\": \"ReturnsStandard\"\n}")
  .asString();
```

```php default
<?php
require_once('vendor/autoload.php');

$client = new \GuzzleHttp\Client();

$response = $client->request('POST', 'https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1', [
  'body' => '{
  "fulfillment_center": {
    "id": 10,
    "name": "Cicero (CHI3)"
  },
  "inventory": [
    {
      "quantity": 2,
      "requested_action": "Restock",
      "id": 1279396,
      "lot_date": null,
      "lot_number": null
    }
  ],
  "reference_id": "RMA-2026-00123",
  "original_shipment_id": 98765,
  "purchase_label": true,
  "shipping_service": "ReturnsStandard"
}',
  'headers' => [
    'Authorization' => 'Bearer <token>',
    'Content-Type' => 'application/json',
    'shipbob_channel_id' => 'shipbob_channel_id',
  ],
]);

echo $response->getBody();
```

```csharp default
using RestSharp;

var client = new RestClient("https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1");
var request = new RestRequest(Method.POST);
request.AddHeader("shipbob_channel_id", "shipbob_channel_id");
request.AddHeader("Authorization", "Bearer <token>");
request.AddHeader("Content-Type", "application/json");
request.AddParameter("application/json", "{\n  \"fulfillment_center\": {\n    \"id\": 10,\n    \"name\": \"Cicero (CHI3)\"\n  },\n  \"inventory\": [\n    {\n      \"quantity\": 2,\n      \"requested_action\": \"Restock\",\n      \"id\": 1279396,\n      \"lot_date\": null,\n      \"lot_number\": null\n    }\n  ],\n  \"reference_id\": \"RMA-2026-00123\",\n  \"original_shipment_id\": 98765,\n  \"purchase_label\": true,\n  \"shipping_service\": \"ReturnsStandard\"\n}", ParameterType.RequestBody);
IRestResponse response = client.Execute(request);
```

```swift default
import Foundation

let headers = [
  "shipbob_channel_id": "shipbob_channel_id",
  "Authorization": "Bearer <token>",
  "Content-Type": "application/json"
]
let parameters = [
  "fulfillment_center": [
    "id": 10,
    "name": "Cicero (CHI3)"
  ],
  "inventory": [
    [
      "quantity": 2,
      "requested_action": "Restock",
      "id": 1279396,
      "lot_date": ,
      "lot_number": 
    ]
  ],
  "reference_id": "RMA-2026-00123",
  "original_shipment_id": 98765,
  "purchase_label": true,
  "shipping_service": "ReturnsStandard"
] as [String : Any]

let postData = JSONSerialization.data(withJSONObject: parameters, options: [])

let request = NSMutableURLRequest(url: NSURL(string: "https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1")! as URL,
                                        cachePolicy: .useProtocolCachePolicy,
                                    timeoutInterval: 10.0)
request.httpMethod = "POST"
request.allHTTPHeaderFields = headers
request.httpBody = postData as Data

let session = URLSession.shared
let dataTask = session.dataTask(with: request as URLRequest, completionHandler: { (data, response, error) -> Void in
  if (error != nil) {
    print(error as Any)
  } else {
    let httpResponse = response as? HTTPURLResponse
    print(httpResponse)
  }
})

dataTask.resume()
```

### origin-address

**Request**

```json
{
  "fulfillment_center": {
    "id": 10,
    "name": "Cicero (CHI3)"
  },
  "inventory": [
    {
      "quantity": 1,
      "requested_action": "Restock",
      "sku": "MY-PRODUCT-SKU"
    }
  ],
  "reference_id": "RMA-2026-00789",
  "origin_address": {
    "city": "Chicago",
    "country": "US",
    "name": "Jane Doe",
    "street1": "123 Main St",
    "zip_code": "60601",
    "state": "IL",
    "street2": "Apt 4B"
  },
  "purchase_label": true,
  "shipping_service": "ReturnsStandard"
}
```

**Response**

```json
{
  "label": {
    "barcode": null,
    "carrier": "UPS",
    "carrier_service": "Ground",
    "label_request_id": 999,
    "label_url": "https://easypost-files.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/files/postage_label/label.png",
    "label_zpl_url": "https://easypost-files.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/files/postage_label/label.zpl",
    "purchase_date": "2026-04-13T12:00:00+00:00",
    "qrcode_url": null,
    "rate": [
      {
        "amount": 1025,
        "currency_code": "USD"
      }
    ],
    "return_id": 12345,
    "shipment_rate_id": 999,
    "tracking_number": "1Z999AA10123456784",
    "tracking_url": "https://www.ups.com/track?tracknum=1Z999AA10123456784"
  },
  "label_error": null,
  "return": {
    "arrived_date": null,
    "awaiting_arrival_date": "2026-04-13T12:00:00+00:00",
    "cancelled_date": null,
    "channel": {
      "id": 1,
      "name": "ShipBob Default"
    },
    "completed_date": null,
    "customer_name": "Jane Doe",
    "fulfillment_center": {
      "id": 8,
      "name": "Cicero (IL)"
    },
    "id": 12345,
    "insert_date": "2026-04-13T12:00:00+00:00",
    "inventory": [
      {
        "action_requested": {
          "action": "Restock",
          "action_type": "InventoryDefault",
          "instructions": ""
        },
        "action_taken": [],
        "barcodes": [
          "BC-100"
        ],
        "id": 100,
        "lot_information": null,
        "name": "Test Product",
        "quantity": 1,
        "sku": "SKU-100"
      }
    ],
    "invoice": null,
    "original_shipment_id": 98765,
    "processing_date": null,
    "reference_id": "REF-12345",
    "return_type": "Customer Generated",
    "shipment_tracking_number": null,
    "status": "Awaiting Arrival",
    "status_history": [
      {
        "status": "Awaiting Arrival",
        "timestamp": "2026-04-13T12:00:00+00:00"
      }
    ],
    "store_order_id": "SO-12345",
    "tracking_number": null,
    "transactions": []
  }
}
```

**SDK Code**

```python origin-address
import requests

url = "https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return"

querystring = {"api-version":"1"}

payload = {
    "fulfillment_center": {
        "id": 10,
        "name": "Cicero (CHI3)"
    },
    "inventory": [
        {
            "quantity": 1,
            "requested_action": "Restock",
            "sku": "MY-PRODUCT-SKU"
        }
    ],
    "reference_id": "RMA-2026-00789",
    "origin_address": {
        "city": "Chicago",
        "country": "US",
        "name": "Jane Doe",
        "street1": "123 Main St",
        "zip_code": "60601",
        "state": "IL",
        "street2": "Apt 4B"
    },
    "purchase_label": True,
    "shipping_service": "ReturnsStandard"
}
headers = {
    "shipbob_channel_id": "shipbob_channel_id",
    "Authorization": "Bearer <token>",
    "Content-Type": "application/json"
}

response = requests.post(url, json=payload, headers=headers, params=querystring)

print(response.json())
```

```javascript origin-address
const url = 'https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1';
const options = {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    shipbob_channel_id: 'shipbob_channel_id',
    Authorization: 'Bearer <token>',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
  },
  body: '{"fulfillment_center":{"id":10,"name":"Cicero (CHI3)"},"inventory":[{"quantity":1,"requested_action":"Restock","sku":"MY-PRODUCT-SKU"}],"reference_id":"RMA-2026-00789","origin_address":{"city":"Chicago","country":"US","name":"Jane Doe","street1":"123 Main St","zip_code":"60601","state":"IL","street2":"Apt 4B"},"purchase_label":true,"shipping_service":"ReturnsStandard"}'
};

try {
  const response = await fetch(url, options);
  const data = await response.json();
  console.log(data);
} catch (error) {
  console.error(error);
}
```

```go origin-address
package main

import (
	"fmt"
	"strings"
	"net/http"
	"io"
)

func main() {

	url := "https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1"

	payload := strings.NewReader("{\n  \"fulfillment_center\": {\n    \"id\": 10,\n    \"name\": \"Cicero (CHI3)\"\n  },\n  \"inventory\": [\n    {\n      \"quantity\": 1,\n      \"requested_action\": \"Restock\",\n      \"sku\": \"MY-PRODUCT-SKU\"\n    }\n  ],\n  \"reference_id\": \"RMA-2026-00789\",\n  \"origin_address\": {\n    \"city\": \"Chicago\",\n    \"country\": \"US\",\n    \"name\": \"Jane Doe\",\n    \"street1\": \"123 Main St\",\n    \"zip_code\": \"60601\",\n    \"state\": \"IL\",\n    \"street2\": \"Apt 4B\"\n  },\n  \"purchase_label\": true,\n  \"shipping_service\": \"ReturnsStandard\"\n}")

	req, _ := http.NewRequest("POST", url, payload)

	req.Header.Add("shipbob_channel_id", "shipbob_channel_id")
	req.Header.Add("Authorization", "Bearer <token>")
	req.Header.Add("Content-Type", "application/json")

	res, _ := http.DefaultClient.Do(req)

	defer res.Body.Close()
	body, _ := io.ReadAll(res.Body)

	fmt.Println(res)
	fmt.Println(string(body))

}
```

```ruby origin-address
require 'uri'
require 'net/http'

url = URI("https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1")

http = Net::HTTP.new(url.host, url.port)
http.use_ssl = true

request = Net::HTTP::Post.new(url)
request["shipbob_channel_id"] = 'shipbob_channel_id'
request["Authorization"] = 'Bearer <token>'
request["Content-Type"] = 'application/json'
request.body = "{\n  \"fulfillment_center\": {\n    \"id\": 10,\n    \"name\": \"Cicero (CHI3)\"\n  },\n  \"inventory\": [\n    {\n      \"quantity\": 1,\n      \"requested_action\": \"Restock\",\n      \"sku\": \"MY-PRODUCT-SKU\"\n    }\n  ],\n  \"reference_id\": \"RMA-2026-00789\",\n  \"origin_address\": {\n    \"city\": \"Chicago\",\n    \"country\": \"US\",\n    \"name\": \"Jane Doe\",\n    \"street1\": \"123 Main St\",\n    \"zip_code\": \"60601\",\n    \"state\": \"IL\",\n    \"street2\": \"Apt 4B\"\n  },\n  \"purchase_label\": true,\n  \"shipping_service\": \"ReturnsStandard\"\n}"

response = http.request(request)
puts response.read_body
```

```java origin-address
import com.mashape.unirest.http.HttpResponse;
import com.mashape.unirest.http.Unirest;

HttpResponse<String> response = Unirest.post("https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1")
  .header("shipbob_channel_id", "shipbob_channel_id")
  .header("Authorization", "Bearer <token>")
  .header("Content-Type", "application/json")
  .body("{\n  \"fulfillment_center\": {\n    \"id\": 10,\n    \"name\": \"Cicero (CHI3)\"\n  },\n  \"inventory\": [\n    {\n      \"quantity\": 1,\n      \"requested_action\": \"Restock\",\n      \"sku\": \"MY-PRODUCT-SKU\"\n    }\n  ],\n  \"reference_id\": \"RMA-2026-00789\",\n  \"origin_address\": {\n    \"city\": \"Chicago\",\n    \"country\": \"US\",\n    \"name\": \"Jane Doe\",\n    \"street1\": \"123 Main St\",\n    \"zip_code\": \"60601\",\n    \"state\": \"IL\",\n    \"street2\": \"Apt 4B\"\n  },\n  \"purchase_label\": true,\n  \"shipping_service\": \"ReturnsStandard\"\n}")
  .asString();
```

```php origin-address
<?php
require_once('vendor/autoload.php');

$client = new \GuzzleHttp\Client();

$response = $client->request('POST', 'https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1', [
  'body' => '{
  "fulfillment_center": {
    "id": 10,
    "name": "Cicero (CHI3)"
  },
  "inventory": [
    {
      "quantity": 1,
      "requested_action": "Restock",
      "sku": "MY-PRODUCT-SKU"
    }
  ],
  "reference_id": "RMA-2026-00789",
  "origin_address": {
    "city": "Chicago",
    "country": "US",
    "name": "Jane Doe",
    "street1": "123 Main St",
    "zip_code": "60601",
    "state": "IL",
    "street2": "Apt 4B"
  },
  "purchase_label": true,
  "shipping_service": "ReturnsStandard"
}',
  'headers' => [
    'Authorization' => 'Bearer <token>',
    'Content-Type' => 'application/json',
    'shipbob_channel_id' => 'shipbob_channel_id',
  ],
]);

echo $response->getBody();
```

```csharp origin-address
using RestSharp;

var client = new RestClient("https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1");
var request = new RestRequest(Method.POST);
request.AddHeader("shipbob_channel_id", "shipbob_channel_id");
request.AddHeader("Authorization", "Bearer <token>");
request.AddHeader("Content-Type", "application/json");
request.AddParameter("application/json", "{\n  \"fulfillment_center\": {\n    \"id\": 10,\n    \"name\": \"Cicero (CHI3)\"\n  },\n  \"inventory\": [\n    {\n      \"quantity\": 1,\n      \"requested_action\": \"Restock\",\n      \"sku\": \"MY-PRODUCT-SKU\"\n    }\n  ],\n  \"reference_id\": \"RMA-2026-00789\",\n  \"origin_address\": {\n    \"city\": \"Chicago\",\n    \"country\": \"US\",\n    \"name\": \"Jane Doe\",\n    \"street1\": \"123 Main St\",\n    \"zip_code\": \"60601\",\n    \"state\": \"IL\",\n    \"street2\": \"Apt 4B\"\n  },\n  \"purchase_label\": true,\n  \"shipping_service\": \"ReturnsStandard\"\n}", ParameterType.RequestBody);
IRestResponse response = client.Execute(request);
```

```swift origin-address
import Foundation

let headers = [
  "shipbob_channel_id": "shipbob_channel_id",
  "Authorization": "Bearer <token>",
  "Content-Type": "application/json"
]
let parameters = [
  "fulfillment_center": [
    "id": 10,
    "name": "Cicero (CHI3)"
  ],
  "inventory": [
    [
      "quantity": 1,
      "requested_action": "Restock",
      "sku": "MY-PRODUCT-SKU"
    ]
  ],
  "reference_id": "RMA-2026-00789",
  "origin_address": [
    "city": "Chicago",
    "country": "US",
    "name": "Jane Doe",
    "street1": "123 Main St",
    "zip_code": "60601",
    "state": "IL",
    "street2": "Apt 4B"
  ],
  "purchase_label": true,
  "shipping_service": "ReturnsStandard"
] as [String : Any]

let postData = JSONSerialization.data(withJSONObject: parameters, options: [])

let request = NSMutableURLRequest(url: NSURL(string: "https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1")! as URL,
                                        cachePolicy: .useProtocolCachePolicy,
                                    timeoutInterval: 10.0)
request.httpMethod = "POST"
request.allHTTPHeaderFields = headers
request.httpBody = postData as Data

let session = URLSession.shared
let dataTask = session.dataTask(with: request as URLRequest, completionHandler: { (data, response, error) -> Void in
  if (error != nil) {
    print(error as Any)
  } else {
    let httpResponse = response as? HTTPURLResponse
    print(httpResponse)
  }
})

dataTask.resume()
```

### sku-based

**Request**

```json
{
  "fulfillment_center": {
    "id": 10,
    "name": "Cicero (CHI3)"
  },
  "inventory": [
    {
      "quantity": 1,
      "requested_action": "Restock",
      "lot_date": null,
      "lot_number": null,
      "sku": "MY-PRODUCT-SKU"
    }
  ],
  "reference_id": "RMA-2026-00456",
  "original_shipment_id": 98765,
  "purchase_label": true,
  "shipping_service": "ReturnsStandard"
}
```

**Response**

```json
{
  "label": {
    "barcode": null,
    "carrier": "UPS",
    "carrier_service": "Ground",
    "label_request_id": 999,
    "label_url": "https://easypost-files.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/files/postage_label/label.png",
    "label_zpl_url": "https://easypost-files.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/files/postage_label/label.zpl",
    "purchase_date": "2026-04-13T12:00:00+00:00",
    "qrcode_url": null,
    "rate": [
      {
        "amount": 1025,
        "currency_code": "USD"
      }
    ],
    "return_id": 12345,
    "shipment_rate_id": 999,
    "tracking_number": "1Z999AA10123456784",
    "tracking_url": "https://www.ups.com/track?tracknum=1Z999AA10123456784"
  },
  "label_error": null,
  "return": {
    "arrived_date": null,
    "awaiting_arrival_date": "2026-04-13T12:00:00+00:00",
    "cancelled_date": null,
    "channel": {
      "id": 1,
      "name": "ShipBob Default"
    },
    "completed_date": null,
    "customer_name": "Jane Doe",
    "fulfillment_center": {
      "id": 8,
      "name": "Cicero (IL)"
    },
    "id": 12345,
    "insert_date": "2026-04-13T12:00:00+00:00",
    "inventory": [
      {
        "action_requested": {
          "action": "Restock",
          "action_type": "InventoryDefault",
          "instructions": ""
        },
        "action_taken": [],
        "barcodes": [
          "BC-100"
        ],
        "id": 100,
        "lot_information": null,
        "name": "Test Product",
        "quantity": 1,
        "sku": "SKU-100"
      }
    ],
    "invoice": null,
    "original_shipment_id": 98765,
    "processing_date": null,
    "reference_id": "REF-12345",
    "return_type": "Customer Generated",
    "shipment_tracking_number": null,
    "status": "Awaiting Arrival",
    "status_history": [
      {
        "status": "Awaiting Arrival",
        "timestamp": "2026-04-13T12:00:00+00:00"
      }
    ],
    "store_order_id": "SO-12345",
    "tracking_number": null,
    "transactions": []
  }
}
```

**SDK Code**

```python sku-based
import requests

url = "https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return"

querystring = {"api-version":"1"}

payload = {
    "fulfillment_center": {
        "id": 10,
        "name": "Cicero (CHI3)"
    },
    "inventory": [
        {
            "quantity": 1,
            "requested_action": "Restock",
            "lot_date": None,
            "lot_number": None,
            "sku": "MY-PRODUCT-SKU"
        }
    ],
    "reference_id": "RMA-2026-00456",
    "original_shipment_id": 98765,
    "purchase_label": True,
    "shipping_service": "ReturnsStandard"
}
headers = {
    "shipbob_channel_id": "shipbob_channel_id",
    "Authorization": "Bearer <token>",
    "Content-Type": "application/json"
}

response = requests.post(url, json=payload, headers=headers, params=querystring)

print(response.json())
```

```javascript sku-based
const url = 'https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1';
const options = {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    shipbob_channel_id: 'shipbob_channel_id',
    Authorization: 'Bearer <token>',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
  },
  body: '{"fulfillment_center":{"id":10,"name":"Cicero (CHI3)"},"inventory":[{"quantity":1,"requested_action":"Restock","lot_date":null,"lot_number":null,"sku":"MY-PRODUCT-SKU"}],"reference_id":"RMA-2026-00456","original_shipment_id":98765,"purchase_label":true,"shipping_service":"ReturnsStandard"}'
};

try {
  const response = await fetch(url, options);
  const data = await response.json();
  console.log(data);
} catch (error) {
  console.error(error);
}
```

```go sku-based
package main

import (
	"fmt"
	"strings"
	"net/http"
	"io"
)

func main() {

	url := "https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1"

	payload := strings.NewReader("{\n  \"fulfillment_center\": {\n    \"id\": 10,\n    \"name\": \"Cicero (CHI3)\"\n  },\n  \"inventory\": [\n    {\n      \"quantity\": 1,\n      \"requested_action\": \"Restock\",\n      \"lot_date\": null,\n      \"lot_number\": null,\n      \"sku\": \"MY-PRODUCT-SKU\"\n    }\n  ],\n  \"reference_id\": \"RMA-2026-00456\",\n  \"original_shipment_id\": 98765,\n  \"purchase_label\": true,\n  \"shipping_service\": \"ReturnsStandard\"\n}")

	req, _ := http.NewRequest("POST", url, payload)

	req.Header.Add("shipbob_channel_id", "shipbob_channel_id")
	req.Header.Add("Authorization", "Bearer <token>")
	req.Header.Add("Content-Type", "application/json")

	res, _ := http.DefaultClient.Do(req)

	defer res.Body.Close()
	body, _ := io.ReadAll(res.Body)

	fmt.Println(res)
	fmt.Println(string(body))

}
```

```ruby sku-based
require 'uri'
require 'net/http'

url = URI("https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1")

http = Net::HTTP.new(url.host, url.port)
http.use_ssl = true

request = Net::HTTP::Post.new(url)
request["shipbob_channel_id"] = 'shipbob_channel_id'
request["Authorization"] = 'Bearer <token>'
request["Content-Type"] = 'application/json'
request.body = "{\n  \"fulfillment_center\": {\n    \"id\": 10,\n    \"name\": \"Cicero (CHI3)\"\n  },\n  \"inventory\": [\n    {\n      \"quantity\": 1,\n      \"requested_action\": \"Restock\",\n      \"lot_date\": null,\n      \"lot_number\": null,\n      \"sku\": \"MY-PRODUCT-SKU\"\n    }\n  ],\n  \"reference_id\": \"RMA-2026-00456\",\n  \"original_shipment_id\": 98765,\n  \"purchase_label\": true,\n  \"shipping_service\": \"ReturnsStandard\"\n}"

response = http.request(request)
puts response.read_body
```

```java sku-based
import com.mashape.unirest.http.HttpResponse;
import com.mashape.unirest.http.Unirest;

HttpResponse<String> response = Unirest.post("https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1")
  .header("shipbob_channel_id", "shipbob_channel_id")
  .header("Authorization", "Bearer <token>")
  .header("Content-Type", "application/json")
  .body("{\n  \"fulfillment_center\": {\n    \"id\": 10,\n    \"name\": \"Cicero (CHI3)\"\n  },\n  \"inventory\": [\n    {\n      \"quantity\": 1,\n      \"requested_action\": \"Restock\",\n      \"lot_date\": null,\n      \"lot_number\": null,\n      \"sku\": \"MY-PRODUCT-SKU\"\n    }\n  ],\n  \"reference_id\": \"RMA-2026-00456\",\n  \"original_shipment_id\": 98765,\n  \"purchase_label\": true,\n  \"shipping_service\": \"ReturnsStandard\"\n}")
  .asString();
```

```php sku-based
<?php
require_once('vendor/autoload.php');

$client = new \GuzzleHttp\Client();

$response = $client->request('POST', 'https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1', [
  'body' => '{
  "fulfillment_center": {
    "id": 10,
    "name": "Cicero (CHI3)"
  },
  "inventory": [
    {
      "quantity": 1,
      "requested_action": "Restock",
      "lot_date": null,
      "lot_number": null,
      "sku": "MY-PRODUCT-SKU"
    }
  ],
  "reference_id": "RMA-2026-00456",
  "original_shipment_id": 98765,
  "purchase_label": true,
  "shipping_service": "ReturnsStandard"
}',
  'headers' => [
    'Authorization' => 'Bearer <token>',
    'Content-Type' => 'application/json',
    'shipbob_channel_id' => 'shipbob_channel_id',
  ],
]);

echo $response->getBody();
```

```csharp sku-based
using RestSharp;

var client = new RestClient("https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1");
var request = new RestRequest(Method.POST);
request.AddHeader("shipbob_channel_id", "shipbob_channel_id");
request.AddHeader("Authorization", "Bearer <token>");
request.AddHeader("Content-Type", "application/json");
request.AddParameter("application/json", "{\n  \"fulfillment_center\": {\n    \"id\": 10,\n    \"name\": \"Cicero (CHI3)\"\n  },\n  \"inventory\": [\n    {\n      \"quantity\": 1,\n      \"requested_action\": \"Restock\",\n      \"lot_date\": null,\n      \"lot_number\": null,\n      \"sku\": \"MY-PRODUCT-SKU\"\n    }\n  ],\n  \"reference_id\": \"RMA-2026-00456\",\n  \"original_shipment_id\": 98765,\n  \"purchase_label\": true,\n  \"shipping_service\": \"ReturnsStandard\"\n}", ParameterType.RequestBody);
IRestResponse response = client.Execute(request);
```

```swift sku-based
import Foundation

let headers = [
  "shipbob_channel_id": "shipbob_channel_id",
  "Authorization": "Bearer <token>",
  "Content-Type": "application/json"
]
let parameters = [
  "fulfillment_center": [
    "id": 10,
    "name": "Cicero (CHI3)"
  ],
  "inventory": [
    [
      "quantity": 1,
      "requested_action": "Restock",
      "lot_date": ,
      "lot_number": ,
      "sku": "MY-PRODUCT-SKU"
    ]
  ],
  "reference_id": "RMA-2026-00456",
  "original_shipment_id": 98765,
  "purchase_label": true,
  "shipping_service": "ReturnsStandard"
] as [String : Any]

let postData = JSONSerialization.data(withJSONObject: parameters, options: [])

let request = NSMutableURLRequest(url: NSURL(string: "https://sandbox-api.shipbob.com/Experimental/return?api-version=1")! as URL,
                                        cachePolicy: .useProtocolCachePolicy,
                                    timeoutInterval: 10.0)
request.httpMethod = "POST"
request.allHTTPHeaderFields = headers
request.httpBody = postData as Data

let session = URLSession.shared
let dataTask = session.dataTask(with: request as URLRequest, completionHandler: { (data, response, error) -> Void in
  if (error != nil) {
    print(error as Any)
  } else {
    let httpResponse = response as? HTTPURLResponse
    print(httpResponse)
  }
})

dataTask.resume()
```