AfterShip Returns - Configure for Automated Sales Order Returns

DropStream connects AfterShip Returns to your warehouse management system so returns created in AfterShip flow automatically to the warehouse — with no manual re-keying and no logging into AfterShip to move returns along.

What this integration does

• Imports return requests from AfterShip’s Returns API for the store you connect.
• Links each return to its original order using the order’s ID from the source sales channel, and matches the returned line items by SKU.
• Forwards returns to your warehouse management system so the warehouse can receive and process them.

This is a returns-only integration. It imports returns in one direction — from AfterShip into DropStream — and does not import new orders, inventory, or products, and does not send return status back to AfterShip.

What you’ll need

• An AfterShip account with Returns enabled.
• An AfterShip API Key — see AfterShip Returns - Gather API Credentials.
• A DropStream account. If you don’t have one yet, contact your DropStream administrator or fulfillment provider.

Setup at a glance

The setup involves work on two sides — AfterShip, then DropStream — in this order:

1. Gather your API credentials (in AfterShip) — generate the API key DropStream uses to read your returns.
2. Enable API access (in DropStream) — add the connection through the Add Connection wizard, enter your API key, and optionally filter which return statuses import.

Who does what

• If you manage your own DropStream account, you’ll do both steps yourself.
• If a third-party fulfillment provider configures DropStream for you, you only need Gather your API credentials. Send the resulting API key to your provider; they handle the rest.

Notes and limitations

• Returns only, one-way. DropStream reads returns from AfterShip and forwards them to the warehouse. It does not write return status, receipts, or refunds back to AfterShip.
• Returns link to orders by the original order ID. A return connects to its sales order using the order’s ID from the originating channel, and line items match by SKU. If the original order wasn’t imported into the same DropStream account, the return still imports but may not link to an order.
• AfterShip serves the last 365 days of returns. Returns older than that can’t be imported.
• Each return is imported once.