> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://vendorspace.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://vendorspace.gitbook.io/docs/payments/issuing-refunds.md).

# Issuing refunds

Sometimes you need to return a payment to a vendor, whether due to a cancellation, a pricing error, or a change of plans. Vendor Space lets you process refunds directly from the Transactions page without needing to log into Stripe separately.

***

## How to issue a refund

1. Go to **Transactions** in the sidebar.
2. Find the transaction you want to refund. Use the filters or search to locate it quickly.
3. Click **Refund** on the transaction.
4. Enter the **refund amount**. You can issue a full or partial refund.
5. Enter a **reason** for the refund. This is for your own records.
6. Click **Confirm** to process the refund.

The refund is submitted to Stripe and the vendor is notified by email once it has been processed.

> **Tip:** Partial refunds are useful when a vendor cancels an add-on but keeps their booth, or when you need to adjust pricing after the fact.

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## Refund statuses

After you initiate a refund, it moves through the following stages:

| Status         | Meaning                                                      |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Pending**    | Refund has been submitted and is waiting to be processed     |
| **Processing** | Stripe is actively processing the refund                     |
| **Succeeded**  | Refund has been completed and funds returned to the vendor   |
| **Failed**     | Refund could not be processed (see below for common reasons) |

> **Tip:** Most refunds are processed within 5 to 10 business days, depending on the vendor's bank. If a vendor asks when they will see the funds, let them know it may take up to 10 business days to appear on their statement.

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## What the vendor sees

When a refund is processed:

* The vendor receives an **email notification** confirming the refund amount and the associated event.
* The refunded amount appears on their card or bank statement, typically within 5 to 10 business days.

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## Common reasons a refund might fail

* The vendor's original payment method is no longer valid (expired card, closed account).
* The refund amount exceeds the original transaction amount.
* Too much time has passed since the original charge (Stripe typically allows refunds up to 180 days after the payment).

If a refund fails, you will see the "Failed" status on the transaction. In that case, you may need to arrange an alternative method of reimbursement with the vendor directly.

***

## Things to keep in mind

* **Transaction fees are not refunded.** When you issue a refund, the Vendor Space transaction fee from the original payment is not returned. Stripe's processing fees follow Stripe's own refund policy.
* **Refunds cannot be undone.** Once confirmed, a refund cannot be reversed. Double-check the amount and vendor before clicking Confirm.
* **Partial refunds** can be issued multiple times on the same transaction, as long as the total refunded does not exceed the original payment amount.

> **Tip:** Before issuing a refund, communicate with the vendor first to confirm the details. This helps avoid any confusion about the amount or reason.