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Return Tracking Basics

Your set of emails that keep customers informed about their returns

Updated this week

Overview

Return Tracking Emails allow you to create dynamic and personalized email flows that automatically respond to specific return conditions. By setting up custom return emails, you can ensure customers receive clear, relevant information throughout the return process.

Benefits:

  • Improve customer experience with timely, relevant communication

  • Reduce inbound support volume

  • Speed up resolution times

  • Build customer trust through proactive updates


Setting Up Custom Return Emails

Custom return emails allow you to send different messages based on specific conditions—such as the type of return, product characteristics, or customer location.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open the flow

    • Navigate to MarketingAutomationsReturn Tracking Emails

    • Open an existing flow (such as Return Shipment Reminder or Return Request Approved) or create a new one

  2. Add a branch

    • Drag a Branch Rule onto a "+" node in the flow

    • This creates two paths: "Yes" and "No"

  3. Set the condition

    • Choose the trigger's data source

    • Select a Variable (examples: Request Type, In-store Return, Green return items)

    • Define the value that should trigger the "Yes" path

    • Click Save

  4. Attach emails

    • Drag Send Email onto each path as needed

    • Configure each email with:

      • Name (for internal reference)

      • Subject line

      • Preview text

      • Body content

    • Click Save

  5. Clean up and publish

    • Delete any unused steps

    • Review all paths to ensure correct logic

    • Click Save

    • Send a test email to confirm the correct email fires for each condition


Creating and Activating Return Email Automations

Automations allow you to automatically send emails when specific events occur in the return process, such as delivery failures or return approvals. This helps you proactively notify customers and reduce support inquiries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Start a new automation

    • Go to MarketingAutomations

    • Click Create an Automation

  2. Name the automation

    • Give it a clear, descriptive title

    • Example: "Return Shipment Failure"

  3. Select a trigger

    • Choose a trigger from the list that defines when the automation should run

    • Example: Delivery Failure to notify customers when their return shipment fails

  4. Add an action

    • After selecting the trigger, click Send Email

    • Configure the email content as needed

  5. Activate the automation

    • Click the three dots (⋮) next to the automation name

    • Select Activate

    • Important: Only activated automations will send emails

  6. Monitor performance

    • Once active, track key metrics from the automation dashboard:

      • Sends

      • Opens

      • Clicks

    • Use this data to optimize your messaging over time


Customizing Return Emails and Templates

Customize the content, layout, and design of your return emails to match your brand and provide a personalized experience for customers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open an email in a flow

    • Navigate to a return flow (such as Return Shipment Reminder)

    • Click Edit on the email step

  2. Edit email content

    • Use the editor to modify:

      • Subject line

      • Preview text

      • Email body

  3. Drag and drop content blocks

    • From the left panel, choose from available elements:

      • Text blocks

      • Images

      • Dividers

      • Other layout elements

    • Drag them into the email body to build your design

  4. Insert dynamic variables

    • Click the Variables tab

    • Select dynamic fields to personalize emails:

      • Customer First Name

      • Store Name

      • Order details

      • And more

    • Insert them into text areas where needed

  5. Edit style settings

    • Select any block to reveal the right-hand panel

    • Adjust styling options:

      • Font and text size

      • Colors

      • Links

      • Spacing and alignment

  6. Make links clickable

    • Highlight the text you want to link (such as your store name)

    • Enter the destination URL

    • The text will now be clickable in the email

  7. Reorder or remove blocks

    • Drag blocks up or down to reorder them

    • Click the delete icon to remove blocks you don't need

  8. Save your work

    • Click Save to apply your changes to this email

    • Or click Save as Template to reuse this design in future emails

  9. Create new templates

    • Go to Email and SMSEmail Library

    • Click Create Template

    • All the same editing options are available when building templates from scratch


Tips for Success

Best Practices

  • Test before activating: Always send test emails to yourself before activating an automation

  • Use clear subject lines: Help customers immediately understand the purpose of the email

  • Personalize with variables: Use dynamic fields like customer name to create a more personal experience

  • Keep it concise: Customers appreciate clear, brief updates about their return status

  • Monitor and optimize: Review your email performance metrics regularly and adjust your messaging based on what works

Common Use Cases

  • Return approved: Confirm the return has been approved and provide next steps

  • Shipment reminder: Remind customers to ship their return within the deadline

  • Delivery updates: Keep customers informed as their return package moves through transit

  • Pickup reminders: Notify customers to schedule or complete their pickup

  • Processing complete: Confirm when the return has been processed and refund issued


Need Help?

If you have questions about setting up Return Tracking Emails or need assistance with customization, please contact your Redo support team.

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