Master Store / Hub Routing
Set up centralised return processing with the master store configuration.
The Master Store feature allows you to centralise return processing from multiple Shopify stores into a single hub location. This is ideal for businesses that want unified operations while maintaining separate storefronts.
What is Master Store?
Master Store creates a hub-and-spoke model:
- Hub (Master): Central location receiving all returns
- Spokes (Satellites): Connected stores that originate returns
Store A ─┐
Store B ──┼─→ Master Warehouse ──→ Process & Resolve
Store C ─┘
Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Centralised Operations | One team processes all returns |
| Consistent Handling | Uniform quality and procedures |
| Simplified Logistics | Single destination for carriers |
| Unified Reporting | Complete visibility across stores |
| Cost Efficiency | Consolidated resources and staff |
Setting Up Master Store
Prerequisites
- Multiple Shopify stores connected
- One designated master location
- Return routing plan
Configuration Steps
Designate Master
Go to Settings → Multi-Store → Master Store
Select which store/location serves as the hub.
Configure Routing
For each satellite store:
- Enable "Route to Master"
- Set conditions (all returns or specific types)
Set Up Labels
Configure shipping labels to show master address:
- Return address = Master warehouse
- Include store identifier on label
Test Configuration
Create test returns from each satellite store to verify routing.
Routing Options
Route All Returns
All returns from all stores go to master:
Any Return → Master Warehouse
Selective Routing
Only certain returns go to master:
Warranty Claims → Master
Standard Returns → Local Store
High-Value → Master
Regular → Local
Geographic Routing
Route based on customer location:
West Coast Customers → Perth Hub
East Coast Customers → Sydney Hub
Store Identification
Tracking Origin Store
Returns at the master warehouse show:
- Original store name
- Store-specific order number
- Customer account link
Labelling
Configure labels to include:
- Store identifier code
- Store-specific barcode prefix
- Visual store indicator (colour/icon)
Processing at Master
Receiving Multi-Store Returns
When receiving at the master warehouse:
- Scan/enter RMA number
- System identifies origin store
- Apply store-specific processing rules
- Complete receiving
Store-Specific Rules
Even at the master, you can apply store-specific:
- Inspection requirements
- Refund policies
- Communication templates
Refunds and Resolutions
Refund Processing
Refunds are processed to the correct store:
- ReturnMate identifies origin store
- Processes refund through correct Shopify store
- Customer sees refund from the store they purchased from
Inventory Updates
Inventory updates flow to the correct store:
- Returned items credit correct store's inventory
- Exchange allocations pull from correct store
- Cross-store transfers handled separately
Reporting
Master View
The master store can see:
- Aggregate returns from all stores
- Breakdown by origin store
- Comparative performance
Store-Specific Views
Individual stores still see:
- Their own returns only
- Local performance metrics
- Store-specific analytics
Team Permissions
Master Staff
Staff at master location may need:
- Access to all store data
- Permission to process any store's returns
- Visibility into store-specific policies
Store Staff
Satellite store staff may be limited to:
- View their store's returns
- Initiate returns for their customers
- Limited processing capabilities
Considerations
Consider these factors before enabling master store:
- Shipping costs (all returns go to one location)
- Processing capacity at master
- Store-specific requirements
- Customer expectations
When Master Store Works Best
- Centralised warehouse operations
- Consistent processing needed
- Single operations team
- Cost-effective shipping to hub
When It May Not Be Ideal
- Stores in different countries
- Significant shipping cost differences
- Store-specific processing requirements
- Decentralised teams