Guest returns setup
Add a Shopify guest return portal without account sign-in
Give guest shoppers a direct return and exchange link, then let them find the order with the order number and checkout email they already have. No customer-account creation is required.
What changes for the customer
| Step | Shopify native | Opus guest portal |
|---|---|---|
| Identify the customer | Email plus a six-digit verification code in Shopify customer accounts | Order number plus checkout email |
| Request an exchange | Not available in the native customer request | Choose a different size or product in the request |
| Find the entry point | Customer-accounts page | Shipping email, storefront, or customer account |
Sources: Shopify's self-serve returns setup and customer-account feature comparison.
Put the return link where the buyer will find it
Add this Liquid link to the Shopify shipping confirmation notification. It points to the store's signed Opus app-proxy route, not an internal hosting URL:
<a href="{{ shop.url }}/apps/resolve">Start a return or exchange</a>
- Install Opus and save the store's return settings.
- Open Shopify Admin, then Settings, then Notifications.
- Edit the shipping confirmation notification.
- Paste the link below the shipment or tracking details.
- Save and send a test notification.
- Open the link and verify a fulfilled test order with its order number and checkout email.
Shopify documents shop.url, name, and email as Liquid variables available in order notification templates. Keep the link generic so customers enter their own order details on the secure portal.
Keep continuity if the workflow changes later
- Export request and item history from Opus as CSV
- Keep approved refund, credit, and exchange outcomes in Shopify
- Test with synthetic orders before publishing the customer link
- Remove the notification link if the store returns to native only
Shopify guest return portal questions
Can a Shopify customer start a return without signing in to customer accounts?
Shopify self-serve returns use the customer-accounts experience, where the customer enters an email address and a six-digit verification code. Opus adds a separate guest portal where the customer can look up an eligible order with the order number and checkout email.
Can a guest customer request an exchange on Shopify?
Shopify's current self-serve return request does not let customers request an exchange. Opus lets an eligible customer request another size, variant, or product, while the merchant keeps the final approval and resolution in Shopify.
Is the Opus guest return portal free?
Yes. Every current Opus feature is free, with no card or trial. A merchant can test the guest lookup and exchange workflow before adding the portal link to the storefront, customer account, or shipping email.
Guest-friendly exchange requests
Let a guest shopper start without creating an account.
Opus adds guest order lookup and customer-requested exchanges while keeping the merchant's final decision in Shopify. Every current feature is free.