Merchant Won't Refund You? Do This, In This Order

Calling again rarely works. Moving the conversation to writing, with a deadline, usually does.

1. Collect proof. Receipt, cancellation confirmation, screenshots, chat logs with dates and agent names.
2. Send one written refund request with the facts, the amount, what you want, and a deadline (7–14 days).
3. Follow up once on day 10, in the same thread.
4. Dispute with your card issuer or PayPal if they refuse or ignore you. Attach the written request; it shows you tried to resolve it.
5. File a complaint with your state attorney general's consumer office, the CFPB (for bank or card problems), or the BBB. Companies often respond to these quickly.
6. Small claims court is the last resort for larger amounts; your written timeline becomes your evidence.

Short refund request (copy this)

Subject: Refund request – order/account [#] – response needed by [date]

On [date] I [cancelled / did not receive / returned] [item or service]. I was charged $[amount] on [date].
Please refund $[amount] to my original payment method by [date].
If I don't hear back by then, I'll dispute the charge with my card issuer and file a complaint with [regulator].

[Name]

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Templates and general information only, not legal advice. You review and send everything yourself.