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Custom Shipping Method

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Written by Ondřej Průša
Updated over a week ago

Retino allows using the "Custom carrier" type for situations where you want to use a carrier that is not directly integrated into the system, or when you have your own shipping method that you want to offer to customers as part of the return process.

Important: Custom carriers do not provide automatic shipping orders, label generation, or shipment tracking. This is only a record-keeping tool.

Supported Shipping Directions

From → To: All countries → All countries

Custom carriers have no restrictions on source and destination countries. You can use it for any combination of countries supported by the system.

When to Use a Custom Carrier

A custom carrier is suitable for the following situations:

  • You are using a carrier that is not directly integrated into Retino

  • You have your own company shipping, which you want to offer to customers

  • You allow customers to deliver returned goods to your branch

  • You want to have all shipping methods recorded in the system, including those that are not automated

Specific Advantages and Limitations of Custom Carriers

Advantages

  • Flexibility in setting up your own shipping method

  • Ability to define your own shipping name and description

  • Display in the customer portal among other shipping options

  • Supports all countries without limitations

  • Has no limits on package dimensions and weight

  • No need to have a contract with a specific carrier integrated into Retino

Limitations

  • Does not support automatic shipping orders

  • Does not generate shipping labels

  • Does not provide shipment tracking

  • Does not have integration with maps for selecting branches

  • Does not allow selection of pickup time

Specific Setup Steps

  1. In the Settings > Shipping section, add a new contract and select Custom carrier

  2. Fill in the shipping name and description (this will be displayed to customers in the portal)

Unlike other carriers, no API credentials are required for custom carriers.

Specifics in the Customer Portal

When a customer creates a ticket in the customer portal and goes to the shipping selection section, the custom carrier will be displayed among other shipping options. The customer will see the name and description of the shipping you defined.

After selecting a custom carrier, the customer will not receive any shipping labels or further instructions beyond those you defined in the shipping description. Therefore, it is important to clearly state in the description how the customer should ship the goods.

Examples of Using a Custom Carrier

Example 1: Delivery to the e-shop Branch

If you want to allow customers to deliver returned goods directly to your branch, you can create a custom carrier with the name "Delivery to the branch" and include the addresses of your branches and their opening hours in the description.

Example 2: Your Company's Internal Shipping

If you have your own company vehicles for picking up returns from customers, you can create a custom carrier with the name "Company Shipping" and include information on how to order pickup and the areas where this service is provided.

Specifics of Management in the Administration

Shipments ordered through a custom carrier are displayed in the shipping list just like shipments ordered through integrated carriers. The status of these shipments must be updated manually in the Retino administration using the following buttons:

  • Mark as delivered - to mark the shipment as successfully delivered

  • Mark as undelivered - to mark the shipment that was not successfully delivered

  • Cancel - to cancel the shipment

Specific Tips for Effective Use

Clear Instructions for Customers

Since custom carriers do not provide automatic instructions, labels, or tracking, it is important to clearly state in the shipping description:

  • Where the customer should deliver the goods

  • How the customer should package the goods

  • What information the customer should include on the package (e.g., ticket number)

Combination with Integrated Carriers

You can offer a custom carrier alongside integrated carriers. This allows you to cover all your customer needs - some may prefer an automated courier solution, others may want to deliver goods in person to your branch.

For information on general shipping settings and common features, visit the Shipping in Retino article.

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