A return can be physically received and still be unsafe to restock. StoreFulfil needs a supported client and order/return identity, one unambiguous inventory row, a current mapped location, and the required Shopify permission before a good item can move back into stock.
Identify the failure
If The parcel or item cannot be linked confidently
Keep it in the received/unidentified state and attach the observed evidence to the Admin hand-off.
Owner: Warehouse Operator or Warehouse Admin
If More than one inventory row could match
Do not choose one. Resolve the SKU, variant, client, and mapped location ambiguity first.
Owner: Warehouse Admin
If The location or inventory reconciliation is stale
Refresh and review the returned result before attempting restock.
Owner: Warehouse Admin
If The item is damaged or writeoff
Record the disposition explicitly and do not treat it as good stock.
Owner: Warehouse Admin
Allowed dispositions
| State | What it means | Safe next step |
|---|---|---|
| Good | The item passed warehouse inspection and has an unambiguous inventory target. | Restock only after all mapping, recency, and permission checks pass. |
| Damaged | The item is received but cannot return to normal sellable stock. | Record damaged and keep it out of sellable inventory. |
| Writeoff | The item is not being returned to stock. | Record writeoff and preserve the return evidence. |
| Blocked | Identity, mapping, inventory, or Shopify authority is not safe to complete. | Leave the item blocked and escalate the named missing proof. |
What this is and when to use it
Use this Admin guide when a returned item cannot be identified, matched, inspected, or restocked safely.
Choose the safe outcome
- Keep an unidentified parcel in the received state.
- Compare client, order, SKU, variant, and mapped location before choosing a stock row.
- Record good, damaged, or writeoff from the physical inspection.
- Refresh the relevant stock view before retrying a permitted good-line restock.
Questions and hand-off
If Two inventory rows look possible
Do not choose one by guesswork; resolve the client, SKU, variant, and location first.
If The item is damaged or writeoff
Keep it out of sellable stock and record the condition.
If Restock still fails
Keep the return evidence and visible error and hand it to the Operations Admin.
What happens next
The return is either restocked through the permitted matching row or remains an explicit exception.