Returns
Returns Bulk Processing
This is an extension to AMoP functionality that allows bulk processing of returns in the same manner as orders. A vendor who wishes to bulk process returns can create a return file with one return per row, following the proper format and providing the required data. AbeBooks will process the file and create and complete a return for each row in the file. A "returns report" file will be created, and the vendor can then download and view the results of the return processing.
The format of the return file is:
- The file must be in tab-delimited text format. (Note: pipe-delimited is NOT supported for return files at this time)
- If a header is included, it will be ignored.
- There are three columns in each row: ABEPOID, ABEPOITEMID, and RETURNREASON.
- The RETURNREASON field must contain one of these keywords: DOESNOTWANT, ACCEPTEDINERROR, BUYERCANCELLED and DIDNOTARRIVE.
- Refund amounts are outlined in the AbeBooks Seller Policies.
Uploading the Completed Returns File
After you have entered all applicable return information, upload the completed file to AbeBooks for processing.
- Copy the file from its location on your computer and paste it into the returns folder.
Returns Error Reports
Open the returnsdone folder to view all completed files and any generated error logs.
Example return error report:
Successfully created refund with id 50880245 for abepoitemid 66704364
Successfully created refund with id 50880246 for abepoitemid 66704348
Successfully created refund with id 50880247 for abepoitemid 66704350
Success
Your Returns file was successfully processed if the error log contains the following message:
Successfully created refund with id (Return ID) for abepoitemid (Purchase Order Item Number)
Return File Errors
The Returns record should be fixed and re-uploaded if the logfile contains any of the following errors:
| Error | Description |
|---|---|
| Error in the line: line number - Missing abepoid | ABEPOID is missing from this line in the returns file |
| Error in the line: line number - Missing abepoitemid | ABEPOITEMID is missing from this line in the returns file |
| Error in the line: line number - Invalid abepoid | ABEPO does not exist |
| Error in the line: line number - Abepoitemid abepoitemid not found for abepo abepoid | ABEPOITEM doesn't exist in an ABEPO |
| Error in the line: line number - No valid return reason provided. | No return reason or an invalid return reason code on this line in the returns file |
| Return for abepoitemid abepoitemid could not be completed at this time, please try again later. | An error in sending the return to the return server. If this error persists after several minutes, please contact AbeBooks. |
| Return could not be completed for abepoitemid abepoitemid error code: return server error code and message | An error being returned by the return server. Please contact AbeBooks and provide the error message. |
Returns Reports
Returns Reports contain the current status of a return along with relevant details of the original order. They are named "returnfrom_clientID_date_fileID.tab."
Viewing Returns Reports
Open the returnsreports folder to view all completed files.
Returns Reports are for seller reference only and no further action is required with these files. The columns in the Return Report will contain the following information:
| Column Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| ORDERDATE | The date the order was placed |
| RETURNDATE | The date the return was processed |
| ABEPOID | AbeBooks Order number |
| ABEPOITEMID | AbeBooks Purchase Order Item Number |
| VENDORITEMID | Your unique Book ID |
| ISBN | Book details |
| AUTHOR | Book details |
| TITLE | Book details |
| DESCRIPTION | Book details |
| CURRENCY | You will be paid for the order in this currency |
| PRICE | AbeBooks list price |
| BUYEREMAILADDRESS | The buyer's email address. Questions or clarification about an order can be directed to the buyer. |
| RETURNID | AbeBooks Return number |
| REASON | The return reason indicated in the return file for the item |