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Returns Are Not Reflected Under Their Actual Return Dates

Due to the standard data formatting in the Shopify REST API, most Mipler reports are built at the order level (e.g., Explore Default, Order Items). In these reports, all information related to an order corresponds to the order's processed date. To display returns under their actual return dates, you can use built-in reports with a different data structure, as explained below.

Solution 1: Use the Refunds or Refunds by Item Reports​

For return-related information in Orders or Items from Orders reports, you can use the Refunds or Refunds by Item reports. These reports include a filter for Refunds > Processed At, allowing returns to be displayed by their actual processing dates.

Solution 2: Use Reports from Explore Sales or Sales By Item​

Many standard Mipler reports starting with "Sales by" are based on Explores like Sales by Variant or Sales by Channel. These Explores structure data to leverage columns from both the Sales table (order level) and the Sales By Item table (order item level). These tables combine data related to both orders and returns.

For example:

  • If order #1001 has:
    • Orders > Processed At = October 1, 2024
    • Refunds > Processed At = November 20, 2024
  • The Sales > Date column will display two entries for this order:
    • October 1, 2024
    • November 20, 2024

As a result:

  • Filtering the report by Sales > Date for October will show only sales data.
  • Filtering for November will show only return data.

This logic mirrors Shopify's standard reports, such as Sales over time.

Important Notes​

When using explore Sales or Sales By Item, avoid using dimension columns from the Orders or Order Items tables, as they are not directly linked to returns in these data relationships. To address this:

  • Recreate the necessary columns in the corresponding Sales or Sales By Item tables (e.g., sales.source_name).
  • Alternatively, use columns from the Products or Product Variants tables, as they are linked to both orders and returns.

By following these steps, you can ensure returns are reflected under their actual processing dates in your reports, providing accurate and actionable insights.