Not long ago we were mapping out spring and summer activities — maybe buying concert tickets or arranging a getaway.
Then the pandemic hit, and many of those plans were rearranged or scrapped entirely. Sometimes vendors notified customers, but other times there was radio silence.
If you aren’t receiving the experience you paid for, you should at least reclaim your money. If you’re still trying to get compensation for coronavirus-related cancellations, here are steps you can take.
Event or Service Called Off Due to COVID-19? Steps to Take
It’s disappointing to miss an event you were looking forward to, but it’s even worse to lose the money for it.
Below are actions to take if your reservation or ticket was canceled because of the coronavirus and you haven’t been contacted about a refund.
Contact the vendor — and don’t hesitate to follow up.
Start by dealing directly with the source. If you haven’t been offered a refund or credit, get in touch with the provider or retailer.
Many call centers have been closed due to quarantine protocols, but most companies are at least answering emails.
Because stay-at-home orders have hit businesses hard, some companies may ask you to keep your tickets for a future date or accept a credit instead of issuing an immediate refund.
Think about a chargeback.
If your purchase was made with a credit or debit card, you might be able to request a chargeback through your bank. Chargebacks let consumers recover funds from a completed transaction — though the procedure can take time and, like other disputes, might not be resolved in your favor.
To start a chargeback, contact your card issuer and follow their dispute process. You’ll likely need to provide proof of purchase. Keep in mind chargebacks are most effective for fraudulent transactions and may not be approved in these scenarios.
File a complaint with the FTC.
The Federal Trade Commission is the federal body that protects consumers from unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business behavior. It offers a sample complaint letter to help you request a refund from a vendor directly, and it also pursues legal actions that can lead to consumer refunds.
While it might not provide instant relief, reporting a company to the FTC helps document questionable practices and could contribute to long-term remedies. The FTC also provides a directory of state and local consumer agencies that may assist you in building a case against a business.
Hold tight and be patient.
Just as the coronavirus disrupted your plans, it disrupted many small businesses and larger organizations, too. Each lost paycheck reflects a company trying to stay afloat.
So one legitimate approach is to wait and monitor the situation for updates.
If you’re navigating refunds or credits during this time, you may also find relevant guidance on what not to do with a financial aid refund and coronavirus isolation precautions.
Article by Morgan Ellis. Morgan’s reporting has appeared in travel and lifestyle outlets; learn more at www.morganelliswrites.com.
