How do I find my AfterShip API Key?

Log in to your AfterShip account, navigate to **Settings** > **API Keys**. You can generate a new API key there. This key works for both Returns and Tracking APIs.

Can I approve a return request via the agent?

Yes! Use the `approve_return` tool and provide the Return ID. Your agent will update the status in AfterShip, which can also trigger automatic label generation if configured.

Does this support marking items as received?

Yes, you can use the `receive_items` tool to record which items from an RMA have arrived at your warehouse and their current condition grade.

AfterShip Returns MCP Server for VS Code Copilot 4 tools — connect in under 2 minutes

Name: AfterShip Returns
Availability: InStock
Author: Vinkius

code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/chat/mcp-servers

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Classic Setup·json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "aftership-returns": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

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About AfterShip Returns MCP Server

Connect your AfterShip Returns account to your AI agent to unlock professional returns management and customer experience orchestration. From auditing pending return requests to approving RMAs and generating shipping labels, your agent handles your reverse logistics through natural conversation.

GitHub Copilot Agent mode brings AfterShip Returns data directly into your VS Code workflow. With a project-scoped config, the entire team shares access to 4 tools. Copilot queries live data, generates typed code, and writes tests from actual API responses, all without leaving the editor.

What you can do

Return Request Management — List and audit return requests from customers and check their approval status
RMA Orchestration — Retrieve detailed technical metadata for specific RMAs, including item details and reasons for return
Label Generation Support — Monitor shipment creation and retrieve tracking information for return packages
Logistics Oversight — Mark items as received and grade their condition to streamline your warehouse workflow
Process Insights — Quickly identify common return reasons or identify bottlenecks in your return policy directly from chat

The AfterShip Returns MCP Server exposes 4 tools through the Vinkius. Connect it to VS Code Copilot in under two minutes — no API keys to rotate, no infrastructure to provision, no vendor lock-in. Your configuration, your data, your control.

How to Connect AfterShip Returns to VS Code Copilot via MCP

Follow these steps to integrate the AfterShip Returns MCP Server with VS Code Copilot.

Create MCP config

Create a .vscode/mcp.json file in your project root

Add the server config

Paste the JSON configuration above

Enable Agent mode

Open GitHub Copilot Chat and switch to Agent mode using the dropdown

Start using AfterShip Returns

Ask Copilot: "Using AfterShip Returns, help me...". 4 tools available

Why Use VS Code Copilot with the AfterShip Returns MCP Server

GitHub Copilot for Visual Studio Code provides unique advantages when paired with AfterShip Returns through the Model Context Protocol.

VS Code is used by over 70% of developers. adding MCP tools to Copilot means your team can leverage external data without leaving their primary editor

Project-scoped MCP configs (`.vscode/mcp.json`) let you commit server configurations to your repository, ensuring the entire team shares the same tool access

Copilot's Agent mode integrates MCP tools seamlessly with file editing, terminal commands, and workspace search in a single agentic loop

GitHub's enterprise compliance and audit features extend to MCP tool usage, providing visibility into how AI interacts with external services

AfterShip Returns + VS Code Copilot Use Cases

Practical scenarios where VS Code Copilot combined with the AfterShip Returns MCP Server delivers measurable value.

Live API integration: Copilot can query an MCP server, inspect the response schema, and generate typed API client code in the same step

DevSecOps workflows: security teams can give developers access to domain intelligence tools directly in their editor for real-time vulnerability assessment during code review

Data pipeline development: Copilot fetches sample data via MCP and generates transformation scripts, validators, and test fixtures from actual API responses

Documentation generation: Copilot queries available tools and auto-generates README sections, API reference docs, and usage examples

AfterShip Returns MCP Tools for VS Code Copilot (4)

These 4 tools become available when you connect AfterShip Returns to VS Code Copilot via MCP:

approve_return

This allows the customer to ship the item back. Authorize a pending return request to immediately trigger generating the return shipping label

get_return_details

Retrieve the granular items, return reasons, and current logistics status for a specific RMA

list_returns

Retrieve pending or historical customer return requests and their processing statuses

receive_items

Record the arrival and physical grading condition of returned items arriving at the warehouse

Example Prompts for AfterShip Returns in VS Code Copilot

Ready-to-use prompts you can give your VS Code Copilot agent to start working with AfterShip Returns immediately.

"List all pending return requests from the last 48 hours."

"Approve return request ID 'ret_abc123'."

"Show me details for RMA number 'RMA-98765'."

Troubleshooting AfterShip Returns MCP Server with VS Code Copilot

Common issues when connecting AfterShip Returns to VS Code Copilot through the Vinkius, and how to resolve them.

MCP tools not available

Ensure you are in Agent mode in Copilot Chat. MCP tools only appear in Agent mode.

AfterShip Returns + VS Code Copilot FAQ

Common questions about integrating AfterShip Returns MCP Server with VS Code Copilot.

Which VS Code version supports MCP?

MCP support requires VS Code 1.99 or later with the GitHub Copilot extension. Ensure both are updated to the latest version. Older versions of Copilot may not expose the Agent mode toggle.

How do I switch to Agent mode?

Open the Copilot Chat panel and look for two mode options: "Ask" and "Agent". Click "Agent" to enable autonomous tool calling. In Ask mode, Copilot provides conversational answers but cannot invoke MCP tools.

Can I restrict which MCP tools Copilot can access?

Yes. VS Code shows a tool consent dialog before any MCP tool is invoked for the first time. You can also configure tool access policies at the organization level through GitHub Copilot settings.

Does MCP work in VS Code Remote or Codespaces?

Yes. MCP servers configured via .vscode/mcp.json work in Remote SSH, WSL, and GitHub Codespaces environments. The MCP connection is established from the remote host, so ensure the server URL is accessible from that environment.