Refund & Payment Waiver Policy
Our commitment to fairness covers both "Payment Before Delivery" (Escrow) and "Pay After Delivery" transactions.
Refund Eligibility
Escrow Transactions (Payment Before Delivery)
Applicable when you paid upfront and funds are held by CartDash:
Refund Conditions
If you paid upfront, you are eligible for a 95% refund (5% retained for processing) if:
- Item not delivered within 14 days of promised date
- Wrong item received that doesn't match description
- Item arrives damaged or defective
- Vendor cancels order after payment
- Significant difference from advertised specifications
Pay After Delivery Transactions
Applicable when you inspect goods before payment (Premium Vendors):
Payment Waiver Conditions
Since you have not paid yet, your "refund" takes the form of a Waiver of Payment Obligation:
- Defective/Mismatched Items: You are not required to pay. Your obligation is waived. This is equivalent to a full refund.
- Fraudulent Refusal: If the item matches the description and you refuse to pay without valid cause, this is considered Fraud. The vendor will be paid, and your account may be suspended.
Time Limits & Conditions
Applies to both Escrow and Pay After Delivery orders:
- 14-Day Window: Disputes for both modes must be opened within 14 days of delivery (or non-delivery date).
- 3-Day Inspection: Inspect items immediately upon receipt (max 3 days).
- Evidence Required: Clear photos/video of the issue are mandatory.
- Original Condition: Items must be in original condition unless defective.
Refund / Waiver Process
Open Dispute
Customer opens a dispute with evidence in the dashboard.
Note: For Escrow, funds are locked. For Pay After Delivery, vendor is notified.
Within 14 daysVendor Response
Vendor has 3 business days to respond with shipping proof or solution.
3 business daysCartDash Review
Our team reviews evidence to verify condition of goods.
2-5 business daysResolution
Escrow: 95% Refund processed to original method.
Pay After Delivery: Payment obligation waived (customer pays 0) OR Payment enforced (customer pays 100% if item is correct).
Refund Calculator
For Escrow (Pre-Payment) Transactions Only. Estimate your potential refund amount.
Pay After Delivery Note
For Pay After Delivery orders, your "savings" equals the full item cost, as you simply do not finalize payment.
Non-Refundable Items & Situations
Digital Products
Downloadable software, e-books, or digital content once accessed
Personalized/Custom Items
Made-to-order products with your specifications
Perishable Goods
Food, flowers, or items with expiration dates
Intimate/Personal Items
For health/hygiene reasons (swimwear, underwear, etc.)
Change of Mind
Buyer's remorse unless vendor accepts returns
Delayed Shipping
Unless beyond promised delivery date + 14 days
Some vendors may offer more flexible return policies. Check individual store policies before purchasing.
Refund Policy FAQs
Why only 95% and not 100%?
Payment processors (banks, credit card companies) charge fees for transactions. When we refund, they don't return these fees to us. The 5% covers these unavoidable costs to keep our platform sustainable.
How does refund work for "Pay After Delivery"?
Since you haven't paid yet, the "guarantee" ensures you won't have to pay for defective goods. If the item is correct and matches the description, you must pay the full amount.
What happens if I refuse to pay for a correct item?
This is considered Fraud. The vendor can open a dispute. If CartDash verifies the item matches the description, you will be suspended and obligated to pay the vendor.
How long do refunds take to appear in my account?
Once approved: 3-5 business days for credit cards, 5-10 business days for bank transfers, 24-48 hours for digital wallets. The timeframe depends on your financial institution.
What evidence do I need for a refund request?
Clear photos/video showing: issue, screenshots of: original listing, tracking information, and any communication with the vendor. For damaged items, show all angles and packaging.
Can I return an item without opening a dispute?
Yes, you can contact: vendor directly for a return. However, our 95% guarantee only applies when using: the official dispute system. Direct returns are at your own risk.
Are shipping costs refundable?
If: item is faulty, not as described, or never arrived: Yes, both item cost and shipping are refunded. For change of mind returns: Usually only item cost (check vendor's policy).
Need to Request a Refund?
Our streamlined dispute process makes it easy to get help when you need it. Log in to your account to start the process.
Important Reminders
- Always inspect items within 3 days of delivery
- Keep original packaging until you're satisfied with your purchase
- Take clear photos/videos when unboxing expensive items
- For Pay After Delivery: If item is correct, pay promptly to avoid fraud accusations.