What it helps with: Draft a clear, fair refund and return policy that protects your business and reads well to customers.

Use when: You're putting your policy on a website, receipt, or contract, or rewriting a vague existing policy that's causing customer disputes.

Important: Refund and return rules are governed by state law (especially around stated vs. implied warranties, "no refund" signage requirements, and timing) and by platform terms if you sell on Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, etc. Have an attorney or your platform's policy review your final language before publishing.

Act as a small business operations advisor who has written customer-facing policies for many SMBs.

Help me draft a refund and return policy that's fair, clear, and protects my business.

Context:
- Business type: [retail / e-commerce / service / restaurant / contractor / digital product / subscription / other]
- What I sell: [describe the product or service in 1–2 sentences]
- Refund window I want to offer: [number of days, or "case by case," or "no refunds"]
- Refund method: [original payment method / store credit / exchange only / your choice]
- Restocking fee (if any): [percentage, flat fee, or none]
- Conditions for return: [item must be unopened / unworn / in original packaging / any condition / not applicable]
- Things I will NOT refund: [custom orders / final-sale items / digital downloads after access / completed services / other]
- Shipping return costs: [customer pays / I pay / depends on reason]
- State or jurisdiction: [state]
- How customers should request a refund: [email / form / in person / phone]

Instructions:
- Use plain English — no legal jargon a customer wouldn't understand
- Make the rules concrete (specific days, dollar amounts, conditions) — vague policies cause disputes
- Be firm but human in tone
- Flag any clauses I should have my attorney verify for my state

Output format:

1. **Customer-facing policy** (200–350 words, formatted with headers and bullets, ready to publish):
   - Quick summary at the top (one sentence on the headline rule)
   - Refund window and conditions
   - Items not eligible for refund
   - How to request a refund (steps)
   - Refund method and timing
   - Exchanges (if applicable)
   - Damaged or defective items
   - Contact information placeholder

2. **Plain-English summary for my receipt or order confirmation** (under 50 words)

3. **Internal note for my team** (a separate paragraph): Edge cases to watch for, when to escalate to me, and any decisions I'll need to make in real customer conversations.

Before you start, ask up to 3 clarifying questions if needed.

Refund and Return Policy