Settings / Policies

Managing Store Policies in Shopify (Step-by-Step SOP)

Store policies explain your business rules clearly to customers and help build trust, transparency, and legal protection.


Step 1: Open Settings

  • Log in to Shopify Admin

  • Go to the bottom-left corner

  • Click Settings (⚙️ gear icon)

This opens all store configuration options.


Step 2: Open Policies

  • In the Settings menu (left side), scroll down

  • Click Policies

You are now on the Policies page, where you can manage all customer-facing policies.


Policies Available on This Page

You can create and edit the following policies:

  • Refund & Return Policy

  • Privacy Policy

  • Terms of Service

  • Shipping Policy

  • Contact Information

Each policy is shown in a separate editable text box.


1. Refund & Return Policy (Overview)

This policy explains when and how customers can return products.

What to Include

  • Return window
    (example: 7 days / 10 days from delivery)

  • Condition of returned product
    (unused, original packaging, no damage)

  • Non-returnable items
    (hygiene products, sale items, digital products)

  • Refund or replacement terms
    (refund, exchange, or store credit)

  • Refund timeline
    (example: 3–7 working days after approval)

  • Return request process
    (email, WhatsApp, return form, etc.)

Why It’s Important

  • Avoids misunderstandings

  • Builds customer trust

  • Required by many payment gateways and marketplaces

📌 After editing, click Save.


2. Privacy Policy (Overview)

This policy explains how customer data is collected, used, and protected.

What to Include

  • Data collected
    (name, email, phone, address, payment info, IP, device info)

  • Purpose of data collection
    (order processing, marketing, analytics, fraud prevention)

  • Data security
    (secure servers, encrypted checkout, access control)

  • Data sharing
    (Shopify, payment gateways, courier partners)

  • Cookies & tracking
    (cookies, pixels, analytics tools)

  • Customer rights
    (request data access, updates, or deletion)

Why It’s Important

  • Required by law in many regions

  • Mandatory for Google & Meta ads

  • Protects your business from complaints

📌 After editing, click Save.


3. Terms of Service (Overview)

This is the legal agreement between your store and customers.

What to Include

  • Website usage rules

  • Accepted payment methods

  • Order cancellation and return rules

  • Store responsibilities and limitations

  • Pricing and content accuracy

  • Legal jurisdiction and dispute handling

Why It’s Important

  • Protects your business legally

  • Sets clear customer expectations

  • Helps avoid disputes

📌 Shopify provides a starter template you can customise.
📌 Click Save after changes.


4. Shipping Policy (Overview)

This policy explains how and when products are delivered.

What to Include

  • Order processing time
    (example: shipped in 1–2 working days)

  • Delivery time
    (example: 4–7 working days)

  • Shipping charges
    (flat rate, free shipping above ₹999, weight-based)

  • Serviceable locations
    (India only / specific states / international)

  • Tracking details
    (how customers track orders)

  • Delays or exceptions
    (festivals, holidays, natural delays)

  • Courier partners (optional)
    (Delhivery, Blue Dart, etc.)

Why It’s Important

  • Reduces delivery-related complaints

  • Sets clear expectations after checkout

📌 After editing, click Save.


Step 3: Edit & Save Policies

For each policy section:

  1. Click inside the text box

  2. Edit or paste your policy content

  3. Click Save

You can update all policies on the same page, one by one.


✅ Best Practices (India-Specific)

  • Keep language simple and customer-friendly

  • Match policies with your actual operations

  • Update policies during sales or courier changes

  • Review policies every 3–6 months

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