# Return basics How you manage returns depends on whether [Digital River coordinates the process](#digital-river-coordinated-returns) or whether you've [assigned a third party to manage your returns](#third-party-coordinated-returns). ## Digital River coordinated returns In [Digital River coordinated returns](/digital-river-api/order-management/returns-and-refunds-1/returns/digital-river-coordinated-returns.md), you use the [Fulfillment Returns API](https://docs.digitalriver.com/digital-river-api-reference/2021-12-13/fulfillment-returns) to initiate the return process. Before creating a fulfillment return, you should ensure the relevant items have shipped. And before you [issue any refunds](/digital-river-api/order-management/returns-and-refunds-1/refunds/issuing-refunds.md), ensure you've received the return accepted event. ## Third-party coordinated returns In third-party[ coordinated returns](/digital-river-api/order-management/returns-and-refunds-1/returns/creating-a-return.md), you can use the [Returns API](https://docs.digitalriver.com/digital-river-api-reference/2021-12-13/returns) to notify Digital River of authorized and accepted returns. Once an authorized return is fully accepted, Digital River generates a refund. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.digitalriver.com/digital-river-api/order-management/returns-and-refunds-1/returns.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.