This article explains what Checkout+ is, why you might want to offer it, how it works, and how to get set up.
📍 UK and US domestic orders only. Checkout+ currently covers domestic orders for merchants based in the UK and US. International orders aren't covered by the free returns element of this offering — see Eligibility and requirements below.
What is Checkout+?
Checkout+ bundles two Swap products — Protect and Returns — into a single opt-in offer at checkout. Instead of paying separately for a returns subscription and order protection, you offer your customers one premium add-on, and free returns are funded by the revenue it generates.
For customers who opt in, returns are free and their order is protected against loss, damage, and theft. For you, opted-in orders carry no returns subscription fee and no return label cost — and you earn a share of the opt-in revenue.
Why use Checkout+?
Turn returns into a revenue line. You earn a share of the opt-in revenue collected at checkout, rather than treating returns purely as a cost. Additionally, the average Swap Returns user converts 30% of submitted returns into exchanges or credits, allowing you to retain revenue that would otherwise be lost.
No returns subscription fee. Checkout+ replaces the standalone returns subscription for opted-in orders.
No return label cost on opted-in orders. Label costs for protected orders are covered within the commercial model.
Claims handled without a third-party insurer. Checkout+ is a Swap support and investigation service, not an insurance product, so there's no separate insurer taking a cut.
Automated end to end. Claims and returns are submitted and processed through Swap's portal, with no manual handling required from your team.
How it works
Customer opts in at checkout. They see Checkout+ presented as a premium add-on — a single click, fully optional.
Order is placed and tagged. Protected orders are flagged automatically, with no change to your existing fulfilment workflow.
Customer submits a return or claim. This happens through your branded Swap portal — there's no redirect to a third party, and the process is automated from submission through to outcome.
Swap investigates and resolves. Delivery claims are investigated and resolved by Swap, and returns are processed automatically, with exchange and retained-revenue incentives built in.
Revenue is reported. You'll see opt-in revenue earned, any claim deductions, and your net share reported back to you.
Eligibility and requirements
Domestic UK and US orders only. Checkout+ is modelled around domestic return label costs and carrier infrastructure in these two markets. It isn't recommended for international orders at this stage.
International orders can still go through the Checkout+ portal, but Swap won't cover the free returns label. You can still offer free international returns at your discretion.
You'll need to use Swap's carrier account for protected order returns. This is non-optional as it allows Swap to manage and cover the label cost it absorbs as part of the model.
Claims cover opted-in orders only, up to an agreed claim rate (2% of opted-in orders). Orders where the customer didn't opt in aren't covered.
Getting set up
Before you start: Checkout+ combines your Returns and Protect setup, so you'll need (or need to add) both products.
Talk to your Swap account manager about turning on Checkout+ for your store. If you're new to Swap, book a demo to get started.
Share your numbers. Swap needs your average order value, monthly order volume, and return rate to model commercial terms that work for your business. They'll use these to show you the expected savings and revenue opportunity based on your data.
Swap's onboarding team configures your store. This includes tagging protected orders and setting return label rules so free returns apply automatically to opted-in orders.
Go live. Returns and Protect are configured to go live together on a single date, if one or both of them isn't live already.
FAQs
Is Checkout+ available outside the UK and US?
Checkout+ is built around domestic UK and US orders. It can be extended to international orders on a case-by-case basis, but free returns won't apply unless an advanced rule is configured. Talk to your account manager if you have a specific need here.
What happens if a customer doesn't opt in?
They get the standard checkout experience. If they return an order, standard return label charges and your existing return rules apply, and the order isn't covered by claims.
Is Checkout+ insurance?
No. It's a support and investigation service that Swap manages directly, not an insurance product — so there's no third-party insurer and no FCA exposure.
What's covered by the claims allowance?
Lost, damaged, or stolen packages on opted-in orders, up to your agreed claim rate. It doesn't cover orders that weren't opted in.
Do I need to change my shipping carrier?
For protected order returns, yes — these need to go through Swap's carrier account so label costs are covered as part of the model. Non-protected orders aren't affected.
Can I add my own incentives on top of Checkout+?
Yes. You can layer additional incentives, such as store credit, through advanced return rules. These are your own goodwill gestures, so Swap doesn't cover the cost of anything beyond the standard Checkout+ offer.
Can I customise the return window for protected orders?
Yes — return windows can be extended for protected orders using advanced return rules.
How do I see how Checkout+ is performing?
Reporting on opt-in revenue, claims, and net share is being rolled out through Swap's Commerce Intelligence dashboard. Ask your account manager about current reporting for your store.