Abstract: A computer-implemented method for handling a merchandise return request from a customer of a merchant. The method includes receiving customer identification data, the customer identification data being capable of uniquely identifying the customer among customers of the merchant. The method further includes receiving a return transaction definition, the return transaction definition includes at least one of a problem type parameter and a return transaction type parameter. The method additionally includes automatically ascertaining, from a database of items previously ordered, a set of return-eligible items. Each return-eligible item in the set of return-eligible items represents an item of merchandise previously ordered by the customer that conforms to the return transaction definition and predefined return-related business rules of the merchant.