ConnectBooks can show returns in two ways: by the date the return was processed, or by the date the order was placed.
The two views
Return Date. The return shows on the day it was processed. This is the default, and it matches Amazon.
Order Date. The return shows on the day the customer placed the order. The sale and the return sit in the same period.
Why it matters
Returns often come in weeks after the sale. The sale lands in one month, the return in another, and both months look off.
This is biggest in Q4. Amazon lets customers return holiday purchases through the end of January. So December looks better than it was, and January takes the hit.
Example
You sold 1,000 units in December. 150 came back in January.
By Return Date:
December shows 1,000 sales and no returns. Looks great.
January shows 150 returns and few sales. Looks bad.
Your real return rate is hidden.
By Order Date:
December shows 1,000 sales and 150 returns.
Return rate: 15%.
December profit is accurate.
Which view to use
Order Date to see true return rates per SKU.
Return Date to match Amazon reports or your books. This is how the money actually moves in your accounting system.
How to turn it on
Open the Profit & Loss Report.
Click Customize.
Check Returns by Order Date.
Click Run Report.
Uncheck the box to go back to the default view.