refunds

Refunds are funds returned to a buyer following a consumer transaction. They typically occur when a product is returned or a service is canceled or not delivered as promised. Refunds can be issued as cash, a credit to a payment method, or store credit. They are distinct from exchanges, which swap one item for another, and from warranties or guarantees, which may cover repairs or replacements rather than a direct refund.

Refund types vary by circumstance. Product refunds may require items to be unused or returned in original packaging within a specified window. Service refunds may apply if a service is canceled or not performed. Refunds for digital goods are common but may be limited by download or activation status. Some transactions incur partial refunds or restocking fees, depending on policy and item condition. Certain goods or services may be non-refundable, such as personalized items, final-sale merchandise, or digital content already accessed.

Policies and procedures are typically set by sellers and retailers. A buyer may need proof of purchase, initiate a return within a specified timeframe, and comply with conditions such as item condition and packaging. The refund method is usually the original payment method, though some sellers offer store credit. Processing times vary by merchant and payment channel, ranging from days to several weeks.

Legal and consumer protection context varies by jurisdiction. Many regions impose minimum rights for refunds or require sellers to honor stated return policies, while warranties may provide alternative remedies. Consumers may pursue refunds through seller channels first, and, if unresolved, through payment issuers or regulatory authorities.