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Handling Payment Disputes & Chargebacks

1 min read

(Payments & Payouts for Sellers)

A payment dispute or chargeback happens when a customer contacts their bank or payment provider to challenge a transaction.
These cases are serious — but manageable when sellers understand the process and respond correctly, especially when orders are Dispatched by Kingston Express.

This guide explains:

  • What payment disputes and chargebacks are
  • Why they happen
  • How they are handled
  • What sellers should (and should not) do
  • How to reduce chargeback risk

What Is a Payment Dispute? #

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A payment dispute occurs when a customer claims:

  • They didn’t receive the item
  • The item was not as described
  • The transaction was unauthorized

📌 Disputes bypass normal refund processes.


What Is a Chargeback? #

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A chargeback is a formal dispute escalated through:

  • The customer’s bank
  • The card issuer
  • The payment provider

⚠️ Chargebacks trigger automatic reviews and temporary fund holds.


Why Payment Disputes & Chargebacks Happen #

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Common reasons include:

  • “Item not received” claims
  • Delivery delays
  • Misunderstood return policies
  • Fraud or unauthorized card use
  • Poor communication

📌 Many chargebacks start as preventable misunderstandings.


What Happens When a Chargeback Is Filed #

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When a chargeback occurs:

  1. Funds are temporarily held
  2. Evidence is collected
  3. The case is reviewed
  4. A decision is issued

📊 This process is controlled by payment providers.


Seller Responsibility During a Chargeback #

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What Sellers Should Do #

✔ Stay calm
✔ Review the order details
✔ Respond if evidence is requested
✔ Follow platform instructions

What Sellers Should NOT Do #

❌ Contact the customer directly about the chargeback
❌ Issue off-platform refunds
❌ Argue emotionally
❌ Submit false information

⚠️ Interfering can worsen the outcome.


How Dispatched by Kingston Express Protects Sellers #

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For orders Dispatched by Kingston Express:

  • Delivery confirmation is verified
  • Tracking data is centralized
  • Handling records support evidence

📦 Dispatchment significantly strengthens dispute defense.


Seller-Managed Orders & Chargebacks #

For seller-managed orders:

  • Sellers may need to provide:
    • Proof of delivery
    • Tracking details
    • Communication logs

📌 Clear documentation improves outcomes.


Possible Chargeback Outcomes #

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Outcomes include:

  • Chargeback reversed (seller protected)
  • Chargeback upheld (funds refunded)

📊 Outcomes depend on evidence and policy.


How Chargebacks Affect Sellers #

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Excessive chargebacks may:

  • Delay payouts
  • Affect account health
  • Trigger additional reviews

📌 Occasional disputes are normal — patterns are risky.


How Sellers Can Reduce Chargeback Risk #

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✔ Use Dispatched by Kingston Express
✔ Keep listings accurate
✔ Set clear delivery expectations
✔ Communicate early during delays
✔ Follow return & refund processes

📦 Prevention beats recovery.


When to Contact Support #

Contact **Kingston Express Support if:

  • You receive a chargeback notice
  • Evidence requirements are unclear
  • A dispute outcome seems incorrect

📧 Always include the order ID.


Final Rule (This Matters) #

👉 Chargebacks are handled by evidence and process — not emotion or speed.

Sellers who:

  • Follow platform rules
  • Avoid panic refunds
  • Rely on Dispatched by Kingston Express

…face fewer chargebacks and protect both cash flow and account health 💳📦🛡️

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