# Set up branded returns portal
URL: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/4414146875279-set-up-branded-returns-portal
Canonical: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/4414146875279-set-up-branded-returns-portal
Markdown: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/4414146875279-set-up-branded-returns-portal.md
Updated: 2026-06-14

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.starshipit.com/llms.txt).

> Set up a branded self-service returns portal and generate the customer-facing returns URL.

Set up a branded self-service returns portal so customers can submit return requests based on your returns policy.

## Before you begin

Make sure you have:

- Access to **Manage account** in Starshipit.
- Returns courier configuration in your account.
- Returns policy and terms ready for your portal content.

:::warning
For Starter and Professional plans, Advanced Returns is a paid add-on. Enabling this feature can affect your billing.
:::

## Add Advanced Returns to your account

1. Click the **account name drop-down** in the top right corner of the dashboard.
2. Click **Manage account**.
3. Scroll to **Manage Add-ons**.
4. Tick **Advanced Returns**.
5. Click **Save**.

After saving, Advanced Returns is enabled for your account.

## Enable the returns portal

1. Go to **Settings > Returns**.
2. Tick **Enable**.
3. Optional: Enter a subdomain to customise the returns portal URL.
4. Click **Save**.

When **Enable** is ticked and saved, your returns portal is active and Starshipit generates a unique portal URL.

For example, if your subdomain is `BobsBuildings`, the portal URL is `bobsbuildings.returns.starshipit.com`.

## Configure return couriers

If you have not used Starshipit for returns before, configure courier accounts for return shipments before customers start submitting returns.

For return label setup, see [Returns with Starshipit](/articles/212423546-returns-with-starshipit).

## Configure child accounts

Return addresses and returns rules must be set up at child-account level. Parent account configuration does not automatically apply to child accounts.

:::important
For child accounts, create or select pickup addresses in **Settings > Pickup Address > Multiple shipping locations** and configure return rules in **Settings > Returns > Rules**.
:::

## Verify the portal

1. Open the generated returns portal URL.
2. Check that the portal loads with your account details.
3. Submit a test return that matches your policy.
4. Confirm the return appears in Starshipit and uses the expected courier settings.

## Customise the portal

After the portal is active, configure the content, rules, branding, notifications, and display method that match your returns policy.

## Related articles

- [Configure branded returns portal rules](/articles/90200000000133-configure-branded-returns-portal-rules)
- [Customise branded returns portal branding and notifications](/articles/90200000000134-customise-branded-returns-portal-branding-and-notifications)
- [Configure branded returns charges and validation](/articles/90200000000135-configure-branded-returns-charges-and-validation)
- [Display the branded returns portal to customers](/articles/90200000000136-display-the-branded-returns-portal-to-customers)
- [Returns with Starshipit FAQs](/articles/4414370792591-returns-with-starshipit-faqs)