How to Ask for a Refund Politely (Seller, Store and Marketplace Examples)

A refund request gets the fastest yes when it is calm, specific and easy to approve. Make it clear what happened and what you want.

Include the order details, what is wrong, a photo if relevant, and the outcome you are asking for (full refund, partial refund or replacement).

Copy-ready examples

Item not as described

Hi, I received the jacket today (order #48213), but it's a size M, not the L I ordered. I'd like a full refund, please. Happy to send it back. Can you share the return details?

Damaged item

Hi, the lamp arrived with a cracked base (photo attached). Could you send a replacement or refund the $45? Either is fine with me. Thanks!

Marketplace seller

Hi! The headphones I bought from you yesterday don't charge at all. Could you refund me? I can bring them back this week.

Firm follow-up

Hi, following up on my refund request from the 5th for order #48213. I haven't heard back. Please confirm the refund by Friday, otherwise I'll open a case through the platform's buyer protection.

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What makes it work

State the facts

Order number, date, item, and what is wrong with it. One or two sentences is enough.

Ask for a specific outcome

"I'd like a full refund" or "a replacement would be fine" makes the next step obvious.

Stay polite, stay firm

Being friendly gets cooperation; being clear stops the conversation from drifting. You can be both.

Know your next step

If a seller stalls, mention the platform's buyer protection or your card provider, calmly, as the next step.

What to avoid

Angry first messages
Vague complaints without order details
Threatening reviews before giving them a chance to fix it

Common questions

How do I politely ask for a refund?

Say what you bought, what went wrong, and that you would like a refund. Add a photo and offer to return the item.

What if the seller refuses?

Check the store or platform return policy and buyer protection, then follow up once, firmly, with a date before escalating.