A company won’t process my refund. How do I get my money?
There are few things more frustrating as a consumer than being unable to get a refund that a company owes you.
We’ve all been there: A canceled order, a damaged product or poor service. There are many reasons for refunds, but that doesn’t mean they’re always processed promptly — or at all.
If you’re still waiting on a refund, here are some ways to make sure you get it:
Follow the refund policies
Sometimes, reading the fine print helps shed light on refund delays. Were you within the time limit for a return? Did you follow protocol? Make sure you know what the company requires to approve the refund.
Unfortunately, if you made your purchase from a scam company, you might not even have a legitimate policy to follow. Choose retailers carefully when you’re making your initial purchase.
Don’t give up
You might need to follow up with the company multiple times in pursuit of the refund. It helps to keep a paper trail so you have a record of your communication.
Seeking out a “real person” customer service rep can be more helpful than interacting with chatbots. Stay polite and respectful.
Request a chargeback from your credit card issuer
If you’ve tried and failed to make progress with the retailer, you could try disputing the charge through your credit card issuer. This method only works if you made the purchase with a credit card, which is one reason to shop with credit instead of debit.
Get louder with your complaint
If you still feel like the company is brushing you off, then it might be time to pull in some extra backup. You can report your complaint with organizations like the Better Business Bureau.
You also may want to share your experience on social media in the hopes of getting the company’s attention.
The bottom line? You have a lot of options, so don’t lose hope of getting that refund.
