How to Add a Barcode or QR Code for Instant Order Lookup on Returns

A returned parcel with a crumpled slip inside means someone typing an order number, squinting at handwriting, or searching by customer name. A barcode on that slip turns the whole lookup into one scan.

This guide is for merchants processing returns regularly who want the slip in every box to be scannable, connecting the parcel to its order instantly.

Quick Answer

Yes, barcodes and QR codes can print on Shopify packing slips and invoices for instant order lookup. Order Printer Pro supports template customization via code that renders the order number as a scannable barcode or encodes an admin lookup link in a QR code, printed on every document automatically. Returns staff scan the slip, the order appears, and processing starts seconds after the box opens.

What This Involves

Adding a barcode or QR code means printing a machine-readable version of the order number, or an encoded link to the order, on documents so scanning replaces typing during returns, exchanges, and support lookups.

Who Needs This

• Stores processing steady return volume
• Apparel merchants with exchange-heavy categories
• Warehouses using barcode scanners at returns stations
• POS retailers handling in-store returns of online orders
• Any team still typing order numbers off paper

Why It Matters for Your Business

• Scanning is faster and error-proof compared to typing
• Mistyped lookups misattribute returns to wrong orders
• Returns stations process more parcels per hour
• In-store staff pull up online orders in one scan
• The code costs nothing per order once templated
• Faster identification means faster refunds and happier customers

How to Add a Barcode or QR Code for Instant Order Lookup on Returns on Shopify

Step 1: Prepare Your Store

Start by choosing what the code should encode for your workflow.

• Encode the order number for scanner-based station lookups
• Or encode an order admin link for camera-based QR scanning
• Match the format to the devices your returns process uses

Step 2: Install and Configure Order Printer Pro

Install Order Printer Pro and add the code to your document templates.

• Render the order number as a barcode or QR via template code
• Position it where returns staff will find it instantly
• Print it on packing slips and returns forms alike

Step 3: Create Your Logic

Set up the receiving side so scans land somewhere useful.

• Point scanners at your order search or admin lookup
• Train the returns station to scan before opening further
• Keep a manual fallback for damaged or missing codes

Step 4: Test

Test the scan-to-order flow with real devices and battered slips.

• Scan printed codes with the actual station hardware
• Test crumpled, folded, and lightly damaged slips
• Verify the scan lands on the correct order every time

Step 5: Go Live

Once scanning is reliable, run returns through it and measure.

• Track processing time per return before and after
• Watch for scan failures and adjust code size or placement
• Extend scanning to exchanges and support lookups

Examples & Use Cases

Denim Brand
Industry: Apparel
Problem: Exchange-heavy returns meant staff typing order numbers all day with regular mistypes
Setup: Printed the order number as a barcode on every slip through Order Printer Pro and scanned at the returns bench
Result: Lookup time per return collapsed and misattributed returns stopped

Homeware Retailer With Stores
Industry: Home goods
Problem: In-store staff struggled to find online orders when customers returned parcels at the counter
Setup: Added a QR code linking to order lookup on all online-order documents
Result: Counter returns of online orders became a one-scan process

Read more case studies for our apps here.

Best Practices

• Choose barcode or QR based on the devices you actually use
• Print the code large enough to survive real-world handling
• Place it consistently so staff find it without hunting
• Keep the human-readable order number beside the code
• Test scans on damaged slips, not just fresh prints
• Retain a manual lookup fallback
• Measure processing time to confirm the gain

Summary

A scannable code on every slip turns return lookups from typing into one scan, faster and immune to typos. The core steps are choosing the encoding for your devices, adding the code to templates, and testing scans on slips that have lived in a parcel.

If your returns bench still types order numbers, Order Printer Pro can print the scan that replaces it.