AfterShip Returns Center

Overview

AfterShip Returns Center provides e-commerce retailers with a self-service returns portal that customers can access directly from the merchant's website. Rather than requiring customers to email support or fill out manual forms, the portal automates the returns workflow: initiating returns, generating shipping labels, tracking return shipments, and processing refunds or exchanges. The platform integrates with major e-commerce platforms including Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce.

What This Script Does

AfterShip Returns Center's scripts embed a self-service returns interface on the merchant's website. The scripts are loaded from AfterShip's domains to render the portal.

Returns Portal Interface

The embedded portal provides a multi-step workflow:

1. Order lookup: Customer enters their order number and email/zip code to locate the order
2. Item selection: Customer selects which items to return and specifies the reason
3. Resolution selection: Customer chooses between refund, exchange, or store credit
4. Shipping label: If applicable, a prepaid return shipping label is generated
5. Tracking: Customer can track the status of their return through resolution

Cookies and Session Management

• aftership_session — session cookie authenticating the customer's return request session
• as_return_token — token cookie maintaining state across the multi-step return flow

Data Collected

The script collects information necessary for processing the return:

• Order number and associated email address
• Items being returned and return reasons
• Resolution preference (refund method, exchange item)
• Shipping tracking events for the return package

Scripts communicate with AfterShip's API at api.aftership.com. The data collected is strictly limited to returns processing. No browsing behavior tracking, advertising cookies, or cross-site identification is performed.

Consent & Compliance

AfterShip Returns Center is classified as functional. The returns portal provides a service that customers explicitly request when they initiate a product return. All data collection is directly related to processing the return transaction.

Under GDPR, the session cookies maintaining the return flow state are functionally necessary for a service the customer has requested. The data processing is justified under contract performance (GDPR Article 6(1)(b)) — processing a return is part of the sales contract.

Under the ePrivacy Directive, cookies strictly necessary for the returns service are exempt from consent requirements. The customer has explicitly engaged with the returns portal.

Under CCPA/CPRA, AfterShip processes return data as a service provider for the business purpose of order management. Return transaction data is not sold or shared for advertising.

Should You Block This Without Consent?

No. AfterShip Returns Center scripts provide a functional self-service returns portal. Blocking them would prevent customers from initiating and tracking product returns. These scripts are functionally necessary for the returns service and do not perform marketing or advertising activities.