Prefilled Return Links & QR Codes

Provide a seamless return experience by automatically filling in order details for your customers. By using URL parameters, you can bypass the manual lookup step and send customers directly to their specific return request.

Why use prefilled links?

Normally, a customer must manually enter their order number and verification (email or zip code). Prefilled links eliminate this friction, reducing support tickets and typos.

Common use cases include:

• A "Start Return" button in the customer’s "My Account" dashboard.
• A direct link in an Order Delivered email.
• A QR code printed on the packing slip inside the box.

How to structure a prefilled link

A prefilled link is created by adding specific parameters to your base Returnless URL.

The standard format is:

https://<your-form-url>/<locale>?order_number=<value>&email=<value>

Available Parameters

You can use any combination of the following variables:

Example Link:https://travelshop.returnless.com/en?order_number=ORD000123&email=your-customer@gmail.com

Generating QR Codes

QR codes are the most effective way to bridge the gap between a physical package and your digital return form.

1. Using a Library

If you have a custom-built shop, your developers can use standard QR libraries (available for PHP, Node.js, Python, etc.) to generate these images locally.

2. Using the Google Chart API

For a quick, "on-the-fly" solution, you can use the Google Chart API to generate a QR code dynamically. Use the snippet below in your packing slip template:

API URL Format:https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?chs=200x200&cht=qr&choe=UTF-8&chl=<your-prefilled-link>

HTML Implementation:

<img src="https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?chs=200x200&cht=qr&choe=UTF-8&chl=https://travelshop.returnless.com/en?order_number=ORD000123&email=your-customer@gmail.com" alt="Scan to Start Return">

Embedding a Lookup Form on Your Site

If you prefer to host the "Order Lookup" step on your own website rather than sending users directly to Returnless, you can use a simple HTML form.

When the user clicks "Find Order," the form will redirect them to your Returnless page with the parameters already attached.

Code Snippet: Replace <return_form_url>  and <locale>  (e.g., en ) with your specific details.

<form action="https://<return_form_url>/<locale>" method="GET">  <label for="order_number">Order Number</label><br>  <input type="text" required id="order_number" name="order_number" placeholder="e.g. ORD-123" /><br><br>   <label for="email">Email Address</label><br>  <input type="email" required id="email" name="email" placeholder="e.g. name@email.com" /><br><br>   <button type="submit">Find My Order</button>
</form>