How to Apply Like-for-Like Exchanges Across Different Products in Frate Returns

Frate makes returns and exchanges simple—especially when customers want to swap an item for something similar. By default, if the setting is enabled, Frate supports even exchanges between different variants of the same product. For example: exchanging a medium red t-shirt for a large red t-shirt. These exchanges are treated as equal and incur no additional charges.

But what if you want to offer exchanges between different products that are similar in style or function—like two different styles of sunglasses or two colors of the same shoe? That’s where like-for-like tagging comes in.

🔁 What is a Like-for-Like Exchange?

A like-for-like exchange allows customers to exchange one product for another of a similar kind, even if it's not the exact same product or variant. This feature is great for giving your customers more flexibility, while still keeping return workflows smooth and cost-efficient.

⚙ How It Works

Frate lets you define which products should be treated as "equal" for exchange purposes using Shopify product tags. Here’s how it works:

1. By default: Only variants of the same product (like different sizes of the same shirt) are treated as equal for exchanges.

2. To include different products: Add a shared product tag to all items that should be considered interchangeable.

🏷 Tag Format

To designate products as exchangeable with each other, add a product tag in Shopify that begins with:

exchange:

Followed by a category name of your choice. For example:

• exchange: shoes

• exchange: sunglasses

• exchange: hoodies

💡 All products with the exact same exchange: tag value will be considered equivalent for return and exchange purposes.

✅ Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to apply these tags in Shopify:

1. Open your Shopify Admin.

2. Navigate to Products and select the items you want to group together for like-for-like exchange.

3. In the product editor, scroll to the Tags section.

4. Add a tag like exchange: shoes, or choose an existing one.

5. Click Save.

Repeat this process for all products you want grouped into the same exchange category.

🔄 Example Use Cases