How to change the Return Window start date to a selected Order Status

By default, the Returns & Exchanges plugin calculates the return eligibility window based on the Order Date.

For stores using backorders, pre-orders, delayed fulfillment, or custom delivery workflows, the order may be delivered long after it was originally placed. In such cases, the return window may expire before the customer even receives the product.

This feature allows merchants to calculate the return window starting from a selected order status (e.g. Completed, Delivered, Shipped, or any custom status) instead of the original order date.

1. Open your theme’s functions.php file

Navigate to your child theme directory and locate the functions.php file.

If it doesn’t exist, create one.

2. Insert the following code snippet

Copy and paste the code below into your functions.php file:

/*
 * Change the Return Window Start Status
 * Default: Order Date
 * Example below: Start return window from "processing" status
 */

add_filter( 'zorem_return_window_start_status', 'change_return_window_start_status', 10, 1 );

function change_return_window_start_status( $status ) {

    // Example: Start return window when order reaches "processing"
    return 'processing';

}

3. Save the file

Save your changes to the functions.php file.

By following these steps, you’ve successfully changed the order status from which the return window calculation begins.
This allows merchants to align return eligibility with their fulfillment workflow, delivery confirmation process, or custom order status logic ensuring customers receive a fair and accurate return period.