Overview
AvantLink provides an automated reversal process for merchants using the AvantLink Affiliate Marketing app for Shopify. This feature applies returns that are entered into Shopify to orders tracked in AvantLink, allowing for the reversal of commissions owed to affiliates. Merchants have the option to participate in return processing or opt-out if they prefer to use custom return logic or avoid processing returns altogether. It is recommended Merchants review Limiting Reversals May Positively Impact Affiliate Programs before deciding on a return processing solution. For those opting for custom return logic, batch return files can be submitted.
Shopify Return Logic Details
When a merchant refunds an order in Shopify that event will automatically be sent to AvantLink within a few minutes. AvantLink will reverse the commission for any refunded order in Shopify. In the event an order is partially refunded, AvantLink will process the corresponding partial refund amount.
AvantLink processes each product sku in an order as it's own line item. For example, if there were two products in an order that was canceled, merchants will see two rows (one for each product) associated to the cancelled order on the Sales Commission Details report. This is done to accurately remove commissions for products that have an Item Based Commission.
AvantLink identifies several types of reversal reasons and the naming convention map between Shopify and AvantLink is below:
| Shopify Naming Convention | AvantLink Naming Convention |
| All Shopify cancellations reasons with the exception of fraud | Canceled |
| Shopify cancellations>fraud | Fraud |
| Return | Return |
| Refund | Refund |
Merchant returns will be subject to the terms outlined in the merchants contract. This applies in two ways:
- Reversals are subject to a "Reversal Period." Reversal must be applied to orders that occurred within a predetermined number of days from when the order was placed.
- Reversals cannot exceed the "Reversal Limit." The reversal limit is a predetermined percentage that is calculated by the number of reversals divided by the number of orders within a 30 day period.
Shopify Return Logic Customization
By default, AvantLink processes all reversal types: Canceled, Fraud, Return, and Refund. Merchants can customize which types are processed—for example, enabling Fraud and Cancellations but excluding Returns and Refunds. To request custom settings, contact support@avantlink.com.
Note: AvantLink aligns with Shopify's reversal logic as closely as possible, but slight inconsistencies may occur. For instance, if a return is immediately refunded in Shopify, it's recorded as a return in AvantLink. However, if a return is entered into Shopify and configured to be returned at a later date, it's treated as a refund in AvantLink on the date it was entered into Shopify.
Return Reporting
Merchants can monitor return processing through various AvantLink Classic Reports. In these reports, returns are labeled as "Adjustments." The Sales Commission Detail report offers detailed, transactional-style reporting, with each transaction listed as a separate line item.