RM

Bulk Actions

Process multiple returns efficiently with bulk actions in ReturnMate.

5 min read
Last updated 31 December 2024

Bulk actions allow you to process multiple returns simultaneously, improving efficiency for high-volume operations.

Available Bulk Actions

ActionDescription
Bulk ApproveApprove multiple pending returns
Bulk Generate LabelsCreate labels for approved returns
Bulk Mark ReceivedMark multiple returns as received
Bulk Process RefundsIssue refunds for inspected returns
Bulk ExportDownload return data as CSV
Bulk TagAdd tags to multiple RMAs

Using Bulk Actions

Selecting Returns

  1. Navigate to the relevant return list (e.g., Returns → All Returns)
  2. Use filters to narrow the list
  3. Select returns using checkboxes:
    • Individual checkboxes for specific returns
    • Header checkbox to select all on page
  4. Selected count appears in the action bar
📷
Bulk Selection Interface
(Screenshot placeholder)
Select multiple returns for bulk processing

Performing the Action

  1. With returns selected, click Bulk Actions
  2. Choose the action from the dropdown
  3. Review the confirmation dialog
  4. Confirm to execute
Irreversible Actions

Some bulk actions (like refunds) cannot be undone. Always review your selection carefully before confirming.

Bulk Approve

Approve multiple pending returns at once:

  1. Go to Returns → Pending Approval
  2. Filter by criteria (date, reason, value)
  3. Select returns to approve
  4. Click Bulk Actions → Approve
  5. Confirm approval

Best for:

  • Approving all returns under a certain value
  • Processing overnight queues
  • Catching up after delays

Bulk Generate Labels

Create shipping labels for multiple approved returns:

  1. Go to Returns → Approved (or filter for label-pending)
  2. Select returns needing labels
  3. Click Bulk Actions → Generate Labels
  4. Select carrier and service (applies to all)
  5. Confirm generation

Notes:

  • All selected returns use the same carrier/service
  • For different carriers, run separate batches
  • Failed labels are flagged for review

Bulk Mark Received

Mark multiple returns as received:

  1. Go to Returns → In Transit
  2. Select returns that have arrived
  3. Click Bulk Actions → Mark Received
  4. Confirm receipt

Best for:

  • Processing a day's delivery manifest
  • Quick receiving without detailed inspection

For detailed inspection with photos and condition notes, use individual receiving workflow.

Bulk Process Refunds

Issue refunds for multiple returns:

  1. Go to Returns → Inspected (or filter for refund-pending)
  2. Select returns ready for refund
  3. Click Bulk Actions → Process Refunds
  4. Review refund summary
  5. Confirm processing

Checks performed:

  • All returns have passed inspection
  • No deductions or adjustments needed
  • Payment methods support batch refunds

Bulk Export

Export return data for analysis:

  1. Select returns to export (or export all matching filters)
  2. Click Bulk Actions → Export
  3. Choose format (CSV, Excel)
  4. Select fields to include
  5. Download file

Common export uses:

  • Financial reconciliation
  • Return analysis
  • Reporting to stakeholders
  • Integration with other systems

Bulk Tagging

Add tags to multiple returns:

  1. Select returns to tag
  2. Click Bulk Actions → Add Tag
  3. Select existing tag or create new
  4. Apply

Tag examples:

  • high-priority
  • fraud-review
  • holiday-returns
  • vip-customer

Filtering for Bulk Actions

Effective filtering is key to bulk processing:

Quick Filters

  • Status: Pending, Approved, In Transit, etc.
  • Date Range: Created, received, or processed date
  • Carrier: Filter by shipping carrier
  • Reason: Return reason category

Advanced Filters

  • Customer: Email or name
  • Order Value: Greater/less than amount
  • Product: Specific SKUs or categories
  • Tags: Custom tags applied
  • SLA Status: On track, at risk, breached

Saved Filters

Save frequently used filter combinations:

  1. Configure your filters
  2. Click Save Filter
  3. Name the filter
  4. Access from Saved Filters dropdown

Bulk Action Limits

Performance Considerations

ActionRecommended LimitMaximum
Approve100 at once500
Labels50 at once200
Refunds50 at once100
Export1,000 rows10,000
Large Volumes

For very large batches, consider running multiple smaller batches to avoid timeouts.

Background Processing

Large bulk actions run in the background:

  1. Action is queued
  2. Progress indicator shows status
  3. Notification when complete
  4. Review results in activity log

Bulk Action Audit Trail

All bulk actions are logged:

  • User who performed action
  • Date and time
  • Number of items affected
  • Action type
  • Success/failure count

View in Settings → Audit Log → Bulk Actions.

Automation Alternatives

Consider automation for regular bulk tasks:

  • Scheduled approvals: Auto-approve at set times
  • Triggered labels: Generate on approval
  • Automated refunds: Process after inspection

See automation settings in Settings → Returns → Automation.

Best Practices

  • Always review selection before confirming
  • Use filters to target specific returns
  • Save frequently used filter combinations
  • Process in manageable batches
  • Check audit log after bulk actions
  • Consider automation for routine bulk tasks
Was this helpful?
Contact Support