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Refund Policy
"I need a refund policy for a commercial business offering 30-day returns for unused products, with refunds processed within 14 days of receipt, and customer responsible for return shipping costs."
What is a Refund Policy?
A Refund Policy outlines the rules and conditions under which a business will return money to customers for returned products or canceled services. In the Philippines, this document helps companies comply with the Consumer Act (RA 7394) while setting clear expectations about refund timeframes, eligible items, and required documentation.
Good refund policies protect both businesses and Filipino consumers by explaining important details like refund methods (cash, credit, or store credit), condition requirements for returns, and special rules for online purchases. They're especially important for e-commerce stores under DTI guidelines and help prevent misunderstandings about money-back guarantees.
When should you use a Refund Policy?
Use a Refund Policy when starting any business that sells products or services to Filipino consumers, especially before launching an e-commerce website or physical store. This document becomes essential when accepting advance payments, selling high-value items, or offering digital products under DTI regulations.
Put your Refund Policy in place before your first sale to avoid disputes and comply with consumer protection laws. It's particularly important when expanding into new markets, introducing subscription services, or selling through online marketplaces like Lazada or Shopee. Many payment processors and e-commerce platforms require clear refund terms before allowing merchants to accept payments.
What are the different types of Refund Policy?
- Basic Return Policy: Sets straightforward rules for physical product returns, typically offering 7-30 day windows and store credit refunds
- E-commerce Refund Terms: Detailed policies for online stores following DTI guidelines, covering digital goods and shipping costs
- Service Cancellation Policy: Focuses on service-based businesses, outlining partial refunds and cancellation fees
- Conditional Money-back Guarantee: Offers full refunds under specific conditions, popular with educational programs and subscription services
- No-refund Policy: States clear exceptions to refunds, common in customized products or perishable goods sectors
Who should typically use a Refund Policy?
- Business Owners: Create and implement Refund Policies to protect their interests while meeting consumer protection requirements
- Legal Counsel: Review and update policies to ensure compliance with Philippine Consumer Act and DTI regulations
- Customer Service Teams: Apply refund rules daily, handle customer inquiries, and process valid return requests
- Filipino Consumers: Rely on these policies to understand their rights and the process for obtaining refunds
- E-commerce Platforms: Require merchants to maintain clear refund terms as part of their marketplace agreements
How do you write a Refund Policy?
- Business Details: Document your company's legal name, contact information, and business registration details
- Product Categories: List all types of items or services you sell and their specific return conditions
- Time Limits: Decide on reasonable return windows that align with DTI guidelines and industry standards
- Payment Methods: Detail how refunds will be processed for different payment types (cash, credit card, e-wallet)
- Special Conditions: Note exceptions for perishables, digital goods, or customized items
- Documentation: Specify what proof of purchase customers need to provide for refund claims
What should be included in a Refund Policy?
- Business Information: Full legal name, registration details, and contact information as required by DTI
- Return Eligibility: Clear criteria for what can and cannot be returned under Consumer Act guidelines
- Refund Timeframe: Specific processing periods and payment method details following BSP regulations
- Return Process: Step-by-step instructions for initiating and completing returns
- Condition Requirements: Product state expectations and packaging rules for valid returns
- Shipping Terms: Who bears return shipping costs and acceptable delivery methods
- Dispute Resolution: Process for handling disagreements under Philippine consumer protection laws
What's the difference between a Refund Policy and a Credit Policy?
A Refund Policy differs significantly from a Credit Policy in both scope and purpose, though they're often confused because both deal with financial transactions. While a Refund Policy focuses on returning payments to customers after a sale, a Credit Policy governs how a business extends credit terms and manages payment collection.
- Purpose and Timing: Refund Policies handle post-purchase situations and customer satisfaction, while Credit Policies manage pre-sale financial arrangements
- Legal Framework: Refund Policies must comply with DTI consumer protection guidelines, whereas Credit Policies align with banking and commercial credit regulations
- Risk Management: Credit Policies focus on minimizing financial exposure through credit checks and payment terms, while Refund Policies manage customer service risks and return fraud
- Target Audience: Refund Policies primarily address retail customers, while Credit Policies typically govern B2B relationships and institutional clients
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