Refund

A refund is the return of money paid to a seller for goods or services. It is typically issued when an item is returned, a service is canceled, or the product is defective or not as described. Refunds may be full, partial, or issued as store credit, depending on the seller’s policy. Refunding usually goes to the original payment method, though some policies offer alternatives such as gift cards or replacements. The availability and amount of a refund are governed by the seller’s return policy and, where applicable, consumer protection laws.

Return policies specify eligibility, such as a return window (often 14–30 days), condition requirements (unopened or undamaged with receipt), and exclusions (final sale, customized or digital products). Some items are nonrefundable. Restocking fees or shipping charges may apply in certain cases.

The typical process involves the customer requesting a refund, providing proof of purchase, and the merchant reviewing the request. If approved, the refund is issued to the same payment method, usually within a few days to a couple of weeks.

Legal frameworks in many countries regulate refunds and cancellations. Some jurisdictions provide cooling-off periods for certain sales, such as distance or door-to-door inquiries. Digital goods, software, or streaming services may have different rules. If a refund is denied, disputed payments can be challenged via chargebacks or payment disputes.