# Create Return Delivery

Return deliveries are created using the standard delivery and quote endpoints by including `is_returned: true` in the request payload. This flags the shipment as a return — goods travelling back toward the origin (e.g. a customer returning an item to a retailer).

***

## Endpoints

```
POST {{domain}}/{{tenant_id}}/deliveries
POST {{domain}}/{{tenant_id}}/deliveries/quote-next-available
```

**Authentication:** Bearer token required via the `Authorization` header.

***

## The `is_returned` Flag

```json
{
    "is_returned": true
}
```

| Property   | Value                              |
| ---------- | ---------------------------------- |
| Type       | Boolean                            |
| Required   | No                                 |
| Default    | `false`                            |
| Applies to | `POST /deliveries`, `POST /quotes` |

***

## Behaviour When `is_returned: true`

### Reference — RTN prefix auto-generated

The delivery reference is automatically prefixed to distinguish it from the original forward shipment:

```
RTN1-{original_reference}
RTN2-{original_reference}  ← if RTN1 already exists
```

### Service availability — filtered to return-eligible services

Only carrier services configured to support returns are considered when quoting or booking. Postage-only services are excluded.

### Notifications — return-specific events

When `is_returned: true` and SMS or email notification flags are set, the system fires a **return delivery created** notification event rather than the standard delivery created event.

***

## Related Fields

The following fields can be included alongside `is_returned` to provide additional context for the return shipment.

| Field                        | Type    | Description                                                             |
| ---------------------------- | ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `original_reference`         | String  | The reference of the original forward delivery being returned.          |
| `return_instructions`        | String  | Special handling instructions for the return shipment.                  |
| `send_return_delivery_sms`   | Boolean | Send an SMS notification to the customer on return delivery creation.   |
| `send_return_delivery_email` | Boolean | Send an email notification to the customer on return delivery creation. |

***

For more information and to understand the customer experience for returns, see the [Create & Manage Returns](https://rendr.zendesk.com/hc/en-au/articles/7926563184911-Create-Manage-Returns) guide.