TODAY’S POLL

LAST POLL RESULTS

38.8% of you voted Within 1 to 2 days in yesterday’s poll: How long do you think it’s reasonable to wait for a refund after a purchase is canceled or returned?

“Despite the human element being involved — which is becoming increasingly unnecessary — computers are fast. AI is even faster. No reason to have enormous lists awaiting human input. Get ’er done.”

“Lightning fast is how fast a refund should be. No need to dilly-dally — just get the consumer their hard-earned money back!”

“I certainly like Amazon for the return policy. The refund occurs the moment the package is turned over to the shipper.”

“They took my money instantly. Why don’t they return it instantly?”

“It takes 30 seconds to take our money, but 5 to 7 business days to get it back?”

“If cancelled, then I would expect the refund immediately, since I never received the product — especially within the cancellation period. But if returned, I’m okay with waiting for them to receive the item back before issuing the refund. But always get a return receipt with tracking!”

“Cancelled — immediately or within 24 hours. Returned — 3 to 5 business days.”

“In person, obviously, immediately — but I assume this means online transactions. Typically, retailers will say about 5 business days, depending on your bank. Everything is electronic. It shouldn’t take a week to refund the money you were able to process instantly when I made the purchase. 1 to 2 days should be enough.”

“It actually depends. If cancelled or returned in-store, I would expect a refund immediately. If purchased online at a local establishment, cancelled online, and returned by post, I would expect a refund 2 to 3 days after the merchandise has been received. If purchased from an overseas merchant, I would actually expect a refund within 5 to 7 days. It also depends on whether the merchant is a ‘big box’ retailer or not. The same shoe does not fit every scenario.”

“The choice I didn’t get was one request, with the refund honored within 1 to 5 days, especially if credit cards or electronic payments are involved.”

“IF YOU USE A CREDIT CARD, THEY TAKE LONGER.”

“I’m willing to wait up to a week. Most companies’ policies are around 3 to 5 days, but I’m usually refunded within a couple of days. That’s why it’s best to use a credit card, so you’re not really missing the money or short on cash.”

“Most of the time I hear the next billing period.”

“I’m okay with waiting a week for a refund.”

“A week is fine by me.”

“I’ve been in finance. It takes a while to process refunds. People don’t understand the work that has to be done to get a refund. I think 5 to 7 days is more likely.”

“Instant gratification is something I’ve learned to stop expecting. Life is so much easier when you don’t let the small things irritate you.”

“It’s the wrong size — or I am!”

“Technology has us spoiled. I apply stoicism to be at peace with the time it takes to get a refund. I won’t stress about things that aren’t in my control. What would be the point of that?”

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