Disputes and chargebacks

A dispute (also called a chargeback) happens when a vendor contacts their bank to reverse a payment. Vendor Space monitors disputes automatically through Stripe and keeps you informed every step of the way.


How Dispute Monitoring Works

When a vendor initiates a dispute with their bank, Stripe notifies Vendor Space in real time. The system automatically:

  1. Records the dispute with the amount, reason, and evidence deadline.

  2. Links it to the original order and vendor.

  3. Sends you a notification so you can take action quickly.

You do not need to check Stripe manually -- disputes appear directly in your Transactions page.


Viewing Disputes

  1. Click Transactions in the sidebar.

  2. Click the Disputes tab.

Each dispute shows:

Field
Description

Date

When the dispute was filed

Vendor

The company that disputed the charge

Event

The event associated with the payment

Amount

The disputed amount

Reason

Why the vendor filed the dispute (e.g., product not received, fraudulent)

Status

Current state of the dispute

Evidence Due

Deadline for submitting evidence to the bank


Dispute Statuses

Status
Meaning

Needs Response

You need to submit evidence before the deadline

Under Review

Evidence has been submitted and the bank is reviewing

Won

The bank ruled in your favor -- funds are returned to you

Lost

The bank ruled in the vendor's favor -- the refund stands


Responding to a Dispute

Vendor Space tracks disputes but evidence submission happens through your Stripe Dashboard. Each dispute in the table includes a View in Stripe link that takes you directly to the dispute details where you can upload evidence.

Common evidence to submit:

  • Signed contracts or agreements

  • Proof of booth assignment and event attendance

  • Email correspondence confirming the vendor's participation

  • Screenshots of check-in records

  • Your event's refund policy

Tip: Respond to disputes as early as possible. Banks have strict evidence deadlines, and missing the deadline means you automatically lose the dispute.


Notifications

Vendor Space sends you a notification when:

  • A new dispute is created. So you can start gathering evidence immediately.

  • A dispute is lost. So you can update your records and accounting.


Reducing Disputes

A few practices that help prevent chargebacks:

  • Have a clear refund policy and display it during checkout.

  • Send payment confirmations so vendors have a receipt in their inbox.

  • Communicate proactively if event details change.

  • Keep records of all vendor correspondence and agreements.

Tip: Most disputes happen because of unclear expectations. A well-documented event with clear terms and timely communication significantly reduces your chargeback risk.

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