by Tiffany Sutton
As someone who was flat out lied to about a particular business, I had every right to do a chargeback at one point. My credit card company agreed based on the evidence I submitted that I had been completely misinformed and ripped off. However, this refund thing is a double edged sword. If you were lied to and paid for something based on promises or guarantees, then you have every right to expect that those promises be fulfilled. I know I did. If the other party does not follow through or they intentionally misinformed you, I advise anyone with a brain to pursue getting their money back.
However, you also have many dishonest people who purchase products, businesses, or services everyday and just don’t want to pay for them. They may buy a product, use it up and want their money back. I saw it in the beauty industry all the time. In my eyes, doing this is the equivalent of stealing. I’ve been involved with two companies I made a lot of money for, who allowed people to do this to their associates. So, you still have to pay for your advertising, plus whatever monthly fees you pay to your affiliate company, even if some jackass decides a month later that they want their money back. I advise not putting yourself in a position where this can affect you. Normally, the good outweighs the bad. But, if a company supports deadbeats more than it does their hardworking and honest affiliates, there is something wrong with that picture.
I recently read an article saying that chargebacks are literally the biggest problem for internet marketers today. I experienced my downline’s chargebacks (not mine) literally preventing me from receiving my own commissions. I separated myself from one of my most profitable websites for this very reason. Someone benefits from your business or product, downloads materials, sits on their butt for over a month, then needs money for their bills. Is that my responsibility? No, it’s not. And, it’s not yours, either.
While I have a few good businesses I work with and promote, I tend to lean towards selling actual products. I have yet to experience any refunds in doing this. I’m sure I will at times. But, it’s been long enough to know that this is the safer route. If all the information is put “out there” so someone can make an informed decision, this can help prevent any future problems for you.
If they take the time to select a product, it is generally to fill a need and they will rarely have a reason to return it. My experience is that choosing to promote a product which has a reasonable price will cause you fewer headaches. People will generally stick with it and won’t be giving up a large sum of money in doing so. As an affiliate, they will be more inclined to promote that product or business if they feel others will be able to afford it, too. That just makes sense.
About The Author: Tiffany Sutton is the webmaster and owner of http://theworkplacesucks.com/. She has a successful Internet home business and ahe has helped several new online business owners get started. For a FREE Internet Home Business Ebook that tells The Truth About Working At Home, visit her website.