New return authorization mod, need some help here!

[yellow1912]

The current available RMA mod gives the users a form to fill out, I want to a more convenient way to do that, so let me know what you think about this process:

1. First step:
Since some users can make payment thru Google Checkout/Paypal express and do not have accounts, we will not require login.
Users need to enter:
a. email used when purchased
b. zip code
c. order number (optional)


2. Second step:
If the email and zip code entered are correct, retrieve the orders. Also if order number is provided, attempt to retrieve that specific order.
If either:
a. email is wrong but zip + order num are correct
b. email is correct but zip is wrong
-->send an email to this user (with the email address recored in database) to confirm the request


3. Only check orders that can be returned (within X days). If more than 1 order found, let customer choose, otherwise display the items in that order.
If no order found, let customer knows that no order is eligible for return, and show them the link to "Contact Us" for further help.

4. Otherwise, let customer mark the checkbox next to each product they want to return, and simply hit submit.
A confirmation email will be sent to to customer with a tracking number to track the status (pending/approve/deny). If the customer did NOT have to confirm the request in step 2, he/she will be asked to confirm the request this time.

In addition, if a customer has a pending unconfirmed request, he/she can not submit another return request. He/she can request to have the confirmation re-sent to either confirm or cancel that request though (this is to prevent someone pretends to be that user and submit numerous requests).


This request will the show up in admin panel, and admin(s) can approve the request, an email will be sent to notify customer, a note can also be left. Customer will be notified when the status is update.

[yellow1912]

Just thinking out loud here.. In the initial step below. I am initially worried about the security and privacy protection of users accounts and orders. People could easily guess anothers email address and zip code. This would make it easy for people to hack. Have you already thought this through? I am I missing the point completely? I hope this helps for stage 1.

You do not gain access to users' accounts at all. The worst thing is that the purchased items can be viewed by others. But let make it even safer:

No zip code is needed now, you enter your email account, a confirmation email will be sent to that email, and you have to confirm it. Then we will retrieve ONLY orders associated with that email.

In case it's a gift from someone else, then you need: order number + exact total amount as appeared on packing slip.

What if you dont even have those info? You will be presented a form to contact the help desk.

[HeathenMagic]

Just wanted to say that your ideas sound great. PM'ed you aswell. I like the idea of entering details to retrieve orders and ticking items that they want to return. Can't think of any suggestions to make, it sounds good enough to me. As my site has checkout without account, entering address details etc fits in quite well and is a great idea.

[Coop1979]

Just wanted to throw my support in for this mod - let me know if there needs to be any financial committment.

[yellow1912]

Just want to let you all know that this mod is still be developed (half way thru), I'm currently working on another mod (Simple SEO URL) so the development of this one is delayed a bit.
@Coop1979: thank you for your support, any financial help is always welcome.

[DivaVocals]

I like this, but I wanted to know will there be an option to only make this form available only to registered users.. Many of my clients have strict return policies, and require all of their customers to register. Will this new contrib work with existing CAPTCHA contribs??

[DivaVocals]

Hate to bump such an old post yellow, but I did not see this on your site so I was wondering if this is still on your to-do list??

[khopek]

As am I...