Returns (Admin)
Returns can be processed from both the POS register (via Report Product Issue / Process Return from the gear-icon settings panel) and the admin panel's Returns section. This page covers the admin-side workflow.
Returns Overview
Brother POS supports the following return concepts.
Return Reasons
The Return model supports recording why items are being returned:
- Defective
- Damaged
- Wrong Item
- Changed Mind
- Expired
- Other
Refund Methods
Returns can be associated with different refund methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Cash | Cash refund deducted from the current drawer session. |
| Debit | Card refund recorded in Brother POS (actual refund processed separately on the terminal). |
| Store Credit | Credit added to the customer's account for future purchases. |
| Exchange | Returned items are exchanged for different products. Refund amount may differ from the return total for partial exchanges. |
Restocking
The Return model tracks whether returned items should be added back to inventory. This allows handling of cases where restocking is not appropriate (damaged items, compliance-regulated products, etc.).
Processing Returns from the Admin Panel
The admin Returns section supports full return processing. To access it:
- Navigate to the Returns section in the admin panel.
- Click New Return to start a new return against an existing sale.
- Look up the sale by receipt number, select items to return, choose a refund method, and submit.
- From the returns list, you can also view existing returns or use Complete / Reject actions on pending returns.
You can also process returns directly from the POS register via the Report Product Issue / Process Return modal (see POS Returns), which is useful when a customer is at the counter.
Return Impact on Reports
When returns are recorded in the system, they affect financial reports:
- Sales Reports -- Returns are subtracted from gross sales to calculate net sales.
- Cash Sessions -- Cash refunds appear as a deduction in the cash drawer session.
- Tax Reports -- Tax on returned items is reversed and reflected in tax totals.
- Customer Analytics -- Return amounts are tracked per customer.
What's Next?
- Order Management -- Browse and manage all sales orders.
- Online Orders -- Manage WooCommerce orders synced to your admin panel.
- Cash Drawer Sessions -- Understand how returns affect cash sessions.
- Sales Reports -- See how returns impact your sales numbers.