Chargeback Prevention & Dispute Handling Policy
Pedrablanca Digital Group LLC · Effective Date: March 26, 2026
1. What is a Chargeback?
A chargeback is a transaction reversal initiated by a customer's card issuer (bank or credit card company). When a customer disputes a charge, the card network (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.) investigates and either upholds or reverses the charge.
Common chargeback reasons include:
- ·<strong>Unauthorized Use</strong> — Customer claims they did not make the purchase
- ·<strong>Product Not Received</strong> — Customer did not receive the digital product or access
- ·<strong>Product Not as Described</strong> — Product does not match the seller's description
- ·<strong>Duplicate Charge</strong> — Customer was charged twice for the same product
- ·<strong>Processing Error</strong> — Customer claims a technical error caused the charge
- ·<strong>Fraudulent Claim</strong> — Customer disputes legitimately issued charges (friendly fraud)
High Chargeback Rates Are Dangerous: If your account exceeds 1.5% chargebacks (Visa threshold), payment processors can fine you, limit your account, or terminate service entirely. Protect your business by following these prevention best practices.
2. Technical Chargeback Prevention Measures
Restackd uses industry-standard fraud prevention to reduce unauthorized transactions:
2.1 3D Secure (3DS) Authentication
What it is: 3D Secure is an authentication layer that verifies the cardholder's identity before processing the payment. When enabled, customers must complete an additional verification step (password, biometric, OTP, etc.).
Status on Restackd: 3DS is enabled by default on all Stripe checkout sessions on Restackd. This significantly reduces "unauthorized use" chargebacks.
Your role: You don't need to do anything. Stripe handles 3DS automatically.
2.2 Address Verification System (AVS)
What it is: AVS checks whether the billing address entered during checkout matches the address on file with the card issuer. A mismatch signals potential fraud.
Status on Restackd: AVS verification is enabled on all transactions processed through Stripe.
Your role: N/A — automatic.
2.3 CVV Validation
What it is: The CVV (Card Verification Value) is the 3-4 digit code on the back of a card. Requiring CVV verification ensures the customer has physical possession of the card.
Status on Restackd: CVV is required on all checkout transactions.
Your role: N/A — automatic.
2.4 Digital Product Delivery & Logging
What it is: When a customer purchases a digital product, Restackd records the delivery timestamp, customer email, IP address, and device information. This creates verifiable proof of delivery.
Status on Restackd: All digital product sales generate delivery records that can be submitted as evidence in disputes.
Your role: Keep your product descriptions accurate and ensure customers can download/access the product immediately after purchase.
3. Seller Best Practices to Prevent Chargebacks
3.1 Accurate Product Descriptions
The #1 cause of "Product Not as Described" chargebacks is misleading marketing. To prevent these:
- ·Clearly describe what the customer will receive (file types, number of templates, video duration, etc.)
- ·Use realistic preview images/screenshots — not exaggerated examples
- ·Avoid making income or results claims unless you can prove them with documentation
- ·Include file formats, access method, and any technical requirements
- ·If a product has expiration dates or limitations, disclose them upfront
3.2 Transparent Pricing & Billing
- ·Display the full price before checkout (no surprise fees)
- ·Clearly label one-time purchases vs. subscriptions
- ·If offering free trials or memberships, explain billing clearly
- ·Send purchase confirmation emails with product access details
- ·Include the seller name and website in charge descriptions (so customers recognize the charge)
3.3 Responsive Customer Support
- ·Respond to customer inquiries within 24 hours
- ·Document all customer communications (emails, chat logs, support tickets)
- ·If a customer complains about a charge before filing a chargeback, offer a refund if appropriate
- ·Keep records of refunds you issue (screenshot, email confirmation, transaction ID)
3.4 Clear Refund & Return Policy
- ·Display your refund policy on your product page and checkout
- ·Be clear about what is/isn't refundable
- ·For digital products, explain that refunds are only for non-delivery or defects
- ·Link to your full refund policy or Terms of Service
4. When a Chargeback is Filed
4.1 Timeline
Day 1: Customer disputes charge with their bank
Day 1-10: Bank investigates and notifies Stripe. Stripe notifies Restackd.
Day 10-50: Restackd alerts you of the dispute. You have 30-45 days from the dispute date to respond with evidence (this deadline is set by card networks and cannot be extended).
Day 50-90: Card network reviews evidence and makes final determination.
Outcome: Chargeback is either won (charge reinstated to your account) or lost (funds returned to customer, you absorb the loss).
4.2 What Happens to Your Account
- ·You will receive an email notification with the dispute details and deadline
- ·The disputed transaction amount is held in escrow (not immediately refunded to customer)
- ·You can log into your Restackd dashboard to view dispute details and submit evidence
- ·If you don't respond by the deadline, the chargeback is automatically lost
4.3 Evidence You Should Prepare
When responding to a chargeback, Stripe/card networks accept the following as evidence:
- ·<strong>Delivery Proof</strong> — System-generated timestamp showing product was delivered immediately upon purchase (Restackd provides this automatically)
- ·<strong>Customer Communication</strong> — Email confirmations, chat logs, or customer service tickets showing the customer received access
- ·<strong>Refund Records</strong> — If you refunded the customer, provide proof (transaction ID, email confirmation)
- ·<strong>Product Access Logs</strong> — Timestamps showing the customer accessed, downloaded, or viewed the product
- ·<strong>Terms of Service</strong> — Link to your clear, published T&Cs or refund policy
What Does NOT Work: Screenshots of your own product page, vague explanations, or promises to refund the customer don't convince card networks. Provide objective, time-stamped evidence.
4.4 How to Submit Evidence
- Log in to your Restackd dashboard
- Navigate to "Disputes" and find the open chargeback
- Review the evidence deadline (typically 30-45 days from filing)
- Gather supporting documentation (emails, access logs, refund records)
- Click "Submit Evidence" and upload files or paste narrative explanation
- Confirm submission — Restackd will automatically forward to Stripe
4.5 If You Lose the Chargeback
- ·You will absorb the full transaction amount (customer is refunded by their bank)
- ·Platform fees and Stripe fees are also non-refundable
- ·The disputed sale remains on your chargeback rate
- ·If chargebacks are frequent, Stripe may suspend your account or close it entirely
5. High Chargeback Consequences
Visa Threshold: If your chargeback rate exceeds 1.5%, you enter "excessive chargeback monitoring" and may be fined by Visa/Stripe.
If you exceed threshold rates, Stripe may:
- ·Require manual review and approval for all transactions
- ·Increase your reserve balance (hold more money in escrow)
- ·Implement rolling reserves (delay payouts by 30-90 days)
- ·Charge chargeback fees ($15 per chargeback, in addition to the refund amount)
- ·Restrict your account (no new sales allowed)
- ·Suspend or permanently close your Stripe account
6. Refunds vs. Chargebacks
Refund (Good): You voluntarily refund a customer directly. This does NOT count as a chargeback and does NOT damage your chargeback rate. In fact, processing refunds proactively is the best way to prevent chargebacks.
Chargeback (Bad): Customer disputes the charge with their bank without requesting a refund from you first. This counts against your chargeback rate.
Recommendation: If a customer complains about a product or requests their money back, issue a refund immediately through your Stripe dashboard. This costs nothing but your product and keeps your chargeback rate clean.
7. Questions or Disputes?
If you have questions about a specific dispute or need help submitting evidence:
Email: support@restackd.com
We typically respond within 24 hours.
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