Returning money.
HOW TO REFUND
Through your gateway, so funds return to the original payment method.
Not by a separate transfer, which complicates records and invites disputes.
WHAT TO RECORD
The refund against the original order.
TIMING
Gateway refunds are not instant. State how long it takes.
Customers who are not told assume it failed and contact you repeatedly.
PARTIAL REFUNDS
Supported by most gateways. Useful for a returned item from a larger order.
FEES ON REFUNDS
Some gateways do not return the transaction fee.
That means a refunded sale costs you.
Factor that into your returns policy.
WHAT YOUR POLICY SHOULD STATE
When you refund How long it takes Who pays return delivery
WHAT TO AVOID
Delaying refunds. A delayed refund becomes a chargeback, which costs more.
WHAT TO TRACK
Refund rate and reasons.
