How to Use the AfterShip Returns MCP in OpenAI Agents SDK

Q: What happens if I approve a return with the AfterShip Returns integration for the OpenAI Agents SDK?

Calling the approvereturn tool authorizes the return in AfterShip. This action typically triggers AfterShip to generate a return shipping label and send it to the customer, moving the RMA from a pending to an approved state.

Build production-grade returns agents with the OpenAI Agents SDK. Manage RMAs, labels, and warehouse receiving automatically.

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Connect AfterShip Returns MCP to OpenAI Agents SDK

Create your Vinkius account to connect AfterShip Returns to OpenAI Agents SDK and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup AfterShip Returns with OpenAI Agents SDK

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Automate Return Authorizations

The `list_returns` tool lets your agent find all pending requests. Once it identifies one, it can use `approve_return` to authorize it and kick off the label generation process. No more clicking through a dashboard. Because you're using the OpenAI Agents SDK, you can build guardrails around this. For instance, set a rule that an agent can only approve returns under $100, and hand off larger ones to a human-in-the-loop agent for review. It's about safe, controlled automation.

Track and Process Inbound Returns

Once a return is in transit, your agent can use `get_return_details` to check its status. This gives you the specific items and RMA info, so you know exactly what's coming back to your warehouse. When the package arrives, your agent calls `receive_items` to log its arrival and condition. This closes the loop. This MCP Server gives your agents the specific functions they need to manage the full return lifecycle from start to finish.

Safe Returns Management via MCP Server

Your OpenAI agent discovers these tools automatically. Just pass the MCP endpoint and it's ready to go. You don't have to write any manual tool definition files. This setup is perfect for building specialized agents. You can have one agent that just handles return approvals and another for warehouse logistics. The SDK's handoff features let them collaborate, with full tracing in your OpenAI dashboard so you see every action.

Setup guide

Set up AfterShip Returns MCP in OpenAI Agents SDK

Prerequisites

Python 3.10+ installed
openai-agents package (pip install openai-agents)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Install the SDK

Run pip install openai-agents to install the OpenAI Agents SDK. The MCP integration is built-in — no extra dependencies needed.
2

Connect via SSE transport

Use MCPServerSse with your Vinkius endpoint URL. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. The SDK auto-discovers all AfterShip Returns tools at runtime.
3

Create your Agent

Pass the MCP to Agent(mcp_servers=[server]). The agent receives AfterShip Returns tools as native definitions — JSON schemas resolve automatically.
4

Run the agent

Call Runner.run(agent, prompt) to execute. The agent invokes the appropriate AfterShip Returns tools and returns structured results. Copy the full example on the right to get started.

agent.py

import asyncio
from agents import Agent, Runner
from agents.mcp import MCPServerSse

async def main():
    async with MCPServerSse(
        url="https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    ) as server:
        agent = Agent(
            name="AfterShip Returns Agent",
            instructions="You have access to AfterShip Returns tools.",
            mcp_servers=[server],
        )
        result = await Runner.run(agent, "List recent transactions")
        print(result.final_output)

asyncio.run(main())

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Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by AfterShip Returns. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about AfterShip Returns MCP in OpenAI Agents SDK

You'll need an MCP endpoint token from Vinkius. In your Python code, instantiate `MCPServerStreamableHttp` with your URL and pass it to your Agent constructor's `mcp_servers` list. The tools are discovered automatically.

Yes. While the OpenAI Agents SDK auto-discovers all tools, you control the agent's behavior through your prompts and guardrails. You can instruct an agent to only use `list_returns` and `get_return_details`, effectively making it a read-only agent.

Calling the `approve_return` tool authorizes the return in AfterShip. This action typically triggers AfterShip to generate a return shipping label and send it to the customer, moving the RMA from a pending to an approved state.

No, it's straightforward. If you're already using the OpenAI Agents SDK, you're just adding one more parameter to your agent's configuration. Vinkius handles all the server hosting, authentication, and maintenance.

This server only processes data required for its functions, like RMA numbers, logistics status, and item details. The Vinkius platform isolates each request in an ephemeral, zero-trust sandbox. Your endpoint token is the only credential needed.

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