Looking for a returns management solution for your Shopify store? Here's the quick takeaway: Forthroute offers unlimited returns for $19/month with a simple setup, while Return Prime uses a tiered pricing model that can get expensive as your return volume grows.
- Forthroute: Flat $19/month, unlimited returns, quick setup, $1.50 per shipping label.
- Return Prime: Free for 5 returns/month, $19.99/month for 60 returns, $0.49 per return over the limit. More expensive for high-volume stores.
Key Comparison:
- Forthroute is ideal for stores with growing return needs due to its predictable pricing.
- Return Prime might work for small stores but becomes costly for larger operations.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Forthroute | Return Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $19 flat | Free (5 returns), $19.99 for 60 |
| Return Volume Limit | Unlimited | 5 (Free), 60 (Grow tier) |
| Additional Fees | $1.50/label used | $0.49 per return over the limit |
| Setup Time | Under 5 minutes | Longer, more steps |
| Scalability | High, no limits | Limited by tiered pricing |
If you’re tired of tiered fees and setup headaches, Forthroute might be the better option for your Shopify store.
Forthroute vs Return Prime Pricing and Features Comparison 2026
Forthroute vs Return Prime: Side-by-Side Comparison
Forthroute and Return Prime take very different approaches when it comes to pricing, setup, and how well they handle growth. Forthroute keeps things simple with a flat $19/month fee for unlimited returns and a super-fast, one-click Shopify integration. On the other hand, Return Prime starts free but limits you to just 5 returns per month before requiring paid upgrades that get pricier as your store grows.
Setting up Forthroute is quick and easy. You can connect it to your Shopify store in less than 5 minutes using one-click authorization - no coding skills needed. Just customize your branded returns portal, add a return link to your store’s footer, and you’re good to go. Return Prime, however, often involves a more time-consuming setup and additional steps to sync with logistics partners.
When it comes to scaling, the differences are even more pronounced. Forthroute’s unlimited return volume ensures you never hit a limit or face surprise costs as your store processes more returns. In contrast, Return Prime uses a tiered pricing structure, which can lead to higher costs as return volumes increase - a concern frequently raised by merchants on platforms like Reddit, especially for those already dealing with tight profit margins and return shipping expenses.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Forthroute | Return Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $19/month flat rate | Free (up to 5 returns/month), then $19.99/month for 60 returns |
| Return Volume Limit | Unlimited | 5 returns/month (Free), 60 returns/month (Grow), custom pricing |
| Additional Fees | $1.50 per label used | $0.49 per return over plan limit |
| Setup Time | Under 5 minutes | Typically longer and more complex |
| Target Audience | Shopify stores (Basic to Plus) | Ranges from micro-merchants to enterprise-level |
| Ease of Use | High (no-code, one-click install) | Moderate (requires additional configuration) |
| Scalability | High (no volume caps) | Limited by tiered structure and per-return fees |
| 3PL/WMS Integration | Included in base plan | Available in higher tiers |
| Free Trial | 14 days | Yes |
This comparison highlights several challenges with Return Prime that Forthroute manages to solve with its straightforward pricing, ease of use, and scalability. We'll dive deeper into these points in the next section.
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Return Prime Weaknesses and How Forthroute Addresses Them
Let's take a closer look at some of the challenges posed by Return Prime and how Forthroute provides solutions that simplify operations and reduce costs.
Return Prime's tiered pricing structure often frustrates Shopify merchants, especially those with growing stores. While its free plan might initially look attractive, the restrictive limits quickly push businesses toward expensive upgrades as return volumes rise.
Volume Caps and Extra Fees
Return Prime's free plan limits merchants to just 5 returns per month - a threshold many stores surpass quickly. When this happens, merchants face overage fees that can pile up, particularly during high-return periods like the holiday season. Forthroute solves this problem with unlimited returns for a flat $19/month. Whether your store handles 10 returns or 1,000, the monthly fee stays the same. The only additional cost is a $1.50 fee for each shipping label used. This straightforward pricing approach ensures you can scale without worrying about unpredictable fees.
Scalability Limitations
Return Prime requires merchants to constantly monitor their return volumes and budget for upgrades. For example, stores processing over 450 returns per month are typically pushed into a custom-priced Scale plan, which involves negotiations and higher costs. Forthroute eliminates these headaches with its flat-rate pricing. There’s no ceiling on the number of returns, and you won’t face a “success tax” as your business grows. Features like webhook APIs for 3PL/WMS integration, exchange recommendations, and store credit options are all included in the standard plan. This means your store can expand without incurring extra software costs or dealing with the complexities of tiered plans.
Simplified Setup
Forthroute also stands out with its easy setup process. Unlike Return Prime, which often involves manual policy configurations and additional steps to sync with logistics partners, Forthroute offers a streamlined onboarding experience. This ensures your store can go live faster, saving you time and effort.
These advantages make Forthroute a clear choice for merchants who value predictable costs and seamless scalability.
How to Choose Between Forthroute and Return Prime
After examining features and pricing, let’s dive into how to pick the right platform for your business. Many merchants, especially those sharing their frustrations on forums like Reddit, grapple with volume caps and unpredictable fees. Here's how to align your choice with your business size and needs.
When deciding, focus on cost structure and how well the platform supports your growth. If watching your monthly bill rise with every return request feels like a headache, it’s time to rethink tiered pricing.
Key Decision Points
Start by evaluating pricing transparency. Forthroute offers a flat $19/month plan with unlimited returns, charging only $1.50 per shipping label actually used. On the other hand, Return Prime caps free-tier returns and charges $19.99/month for up to 60 returns, with an additional $0.49 per extra request. For example, handling 100 returns in a month could cost nearly $40 with Return Prime, making Forthroute’s flat rate a more predictable option.
Ease of setup is another factor, especially during busy periods. Forthroute integrates with Shopify in under 5 minutes using one-click installation. While Return Prime’s setup process isn’t detailed, merchants have noted longer configuration times due to syncing logistics partners and customizing policies.
Scalability without extra fees is essential for growing businesses. Return Prime requires custom pricing once you outgrow the Grow tier. In contrast, Forthroute keeps pricing consistent, whether you’re processing 50 or 5,000 returns. Plus, features like webhook APIs and automated exchange suggestions are included without extra charges or tiers.
Think about how these pricing models align with your business’s current scale and future demands, whether you’re just starting out or managing enterprise-level operations.
Tailoring Your Choice to Business Size
For Startups (fewer than 100 monthly returns), minimizing fixed costs is key. Forthroute’s $19/month flat rate with unlimited returns ensures you avoid the rising expenses common with tiered plans. Their 14-day free trial also lets you explore the platform risk-free.
For Growing Stores (100–1,000 monthly returns), avoiding overage fees is crucial. If you’re already exceeding Return Prime’s 60-return limit on the Grow plan, you’ll face base fees plus additional charges. Forthroute simplifies things with its flat $19/month rate, even during peak return seasons like Black Friday or the holidays.
For Enterprise-Level Stores using Shopify Plus, the focus should be on total cost of ownership. Return Prime’s custom pricing for high-volume merchants can add complexity. Meanwhile, Forthroute includes advanced features like webhook APIs, 3PL/WMS integration, and automated approval rules in its standard plan - features competitors often reserve for higher-priced tiers.
Migrating from Return Prime to Forthroute
Switching your returns workflow to Forthroute is designed to be straightforward and quick. While the idea of migrating platforms might feel overwhelming, most merchants complete the process in just 3–5 minutes. Forthroute simplifies the transition by automatically syncing customer and order data from Shopify. Your existing Shopify data transfers seamlessly, though analytics from your previous platform will remain accessible in the old dashboard for reference.
For the smoothest experience, it's recommended to run both platforms simultaneously for 1–2 weeks. This overlap ensures that all return workflows - like automated rules, label generation, and warehouse integrations - are functioning correctly in Forthroute before fully deactivating Return Prime. This approach helps avoid disruptions to active customer returns.
Step-by-Step Migration Guide
- Start by signing up for Forthroute's 14-day free trial through the Shopify App Store - no credit card is required. After installing and authorizing the app, you can upload your logo and customize brand colors to match your store's design.
- Configure your return policies by setting return windows, excluding certain products (like final sale items), and enabling auto-approval rules (e.g., "approve returns under $50").
- Use the one-click tool to update your store's footer menu with the new return portal link, replacing the old Return Prime link.
- If you use a 3PL or WMS, update your integration using Forthroute's webhook API for real-time updates on inspected and received returns.
- Once you've tested and confirmed the Forthroute portal is working, cancel your Return Prime subscription to avoid being charged for duplicate services.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition while maintaining the efficiency of your returns process.
Benefits of Switching
Forthroute offers features that address common pain points for Return Prime users. For starters, it eliminates volume caps, so you won't need to upgrade plans as your return numbers grow. With a flat rate of $19/month, you get unlimited returns, which means no surprise fees even during peak return seasons like the post-holiday rush.
Forthroute also introduces printerless QR code labels for USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Customers can simply show a QR code from their phone to drop off returns, making the process easier for them and speeding up inventory recovery for you.
The platform's exchange-first workflow helps retain revenue by suggesting alternative products before showing a refund option. For example, if a customer selects "too small" as a reason for return, they might be offered a larger size instead. Automated approval rules further streamline operations by reducing the need for manual reviews, while the branded self-service portal empowers customers to initiate returns independently, cutting down on support tickets.
With month-to-month billing and no long-term contracts, Forthroute allows you to test the platform risk-free. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can cancel anytime. Ready to see the difference? Start your free trial and discover how Forthroute simplifies returns while keeping costs predictable.
This migration process not only ensures a smooth transition but also prepares your business for efficient return management without unexpected expenses.
Wrapping It Up
When it comes to selecting the right returns platform, the key factors are predictable costs, quick setup, and scalability. Forthroute stands out by offering all of these with a straightforward flat rate of $19/month and unlimited returns. Unlike Return Prime, which restricts its free plan to just 5 returns per month and charges $0.49 for each extra request on higher tiers, Forthroute keeps things simple - no hidden fees or unexpected charges, even during peak return periods.
Getting started is a breeze, with setup taking less than 5 minutes thanks to one-click Shopify integration. Features like printerless QR code labels for major carriers and exchange-first workflows help you retain revenue. Plus, automated approval rules and 3PL/WMS integrations via webhook API make warehouse operations smoother as your business grows.
Forthroute supports all Shopify tiers, from Basic to Plus, making it a great fit whether you're just launching or managing high return volumes. With month-to-month billing and no long-term commitments, you can test the platform risk-free.
Want to simplify your returns process and avoid surprise fees? Start your 14-day free trial today - no credit card needed. Forthroute's flat-rate pricing and effortless integration enable your business to grow while keeping your returns process efficient and cost-effective.
