Install on ChatGPT

The AfterShip Post-purchase MCP server works with ChatGPT — both the desktop app and chatgpt.com in the browser share the same Plugins UI, so the steps below apply to both.

Codex is not supported. The server is available in ChatGPT conversations only — it cannot be used from Codex.

Prerequisites

• ChatGPT — the desktop app or chatgpt.com in the browser — signed in.
• An AfterShip account with access to the organization you want to connect.

Install

Step 1 — Enable Developer mode

Custom MCP servers can only be added while Developer mode is on.

1. Open Settings → Security and login.
2. Scroll to the Developer mode section.
3. Toggle Developer mode on.

ChatGPT flags this option as elevated risk because it allows unverified connectors. The AfterShip Post-purchase server is read-only — it only exposes tools that look up shipments and returns, and cannot modify or erase your data.

Step 2 — Add the plugin

1. Open Plugins from the ChatGPT sidebar (or Settings → Plugins).
2. Click + to create a New Plugin and fill in:
   • Name: AfterShip Post-purchase
   • Connection: keep Server URL selected and enter https://mcp.aftership.com/post-purchase
   • Authentication: OAuth
3. Tick I understand and want to continue.
4. Click Create.

Sign in

After the plugin is created, ChatGPT starts the OAuth flow in a browser tab. Sign in with your AfterShip account and choose the organization you want the agent to work with, then return to ChatGPT — the token is stored automatically. No credentials need to be written into any config file.

Verify

Start a new conversation and ask:

What tools does the AfterShip Post-purchase plugin provide?

ChatGPT should list the available tools without calling any of them — such as list_shipments, get_shipment, list_returns, and so on. If ChatGPT reports it has no such plugin or lists no tools, reopen Plugins and confirm AfterShip Post-purchase shows as connected.

Troubleshooting

• No option to add a plugin. Confirm Developer mode is still enabled under Settings → Security and login. On Team or Enterprise plans, Developer mode may be restricted by your workspace admin.
• OAuth window did not open. Check that your browser is not blocking pop-ups from ChatGPT, then reconnect the plugin.
• Wrong organization data. In Plugins, remove the AfterShip Post-purchase plugin, add it again, and re-run the OAuth flow — this time picking the correct organization.

Still stuck? Contact us at AfterShip Support