request a refund

Meaning

This phrase means to formally ask for your money back because a product was defective, a service was not provided, or you were unsatisfied. It is commonly used in customer service, retail, and business-to-business transactions.

Examples

• If the software doesn't work on your computer, you can request a refund within thirty days.

  If the software doesn't work on your computer, you can request a refund within thirty days.

• I had to request a refund because the flight was canceled and no alternative was offered.

  I had to request a refund because the flight was canceled and no alternative was offered.

• To request a refund, please fill out the online form on our customer support page.

  To request a refund, please fill out the online form on our customer support page.

• She contacted customer service to request a refund for the damaged goods.

  She contacted customer service to request a refund for the damaged goods.

• The company policy allows customers to request a refund if they are not completely satisfied.

  The company policy allows customers to request a refund if they are not completely satisfied.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to ask a refund for this broken item.

  ✓ I want to request a refund for this broken item.

  While 'ask for a refund' is correct, 'ask a refund' is grammatically incorrect. 'Request a refund' is more professional.

• ✗ They refused to request me a refund.

  ✓ They refused to give me a refund.

  You request a refund 'from' someone; the company 'gives' or 'issues' the refund.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If the product arrives damaged, you have the right to ___.

  💡 Ask for your money back.

  Show answer

  request a refund

• I had to ___ because the event was canceled at the last minute.

  💡 Formally ask for a return of payment.

  Show answer

  request a refund