Overview
FreshBooks is an easy-to-use cloud-based software that helps small businesses manage their finances. It mainly offers services like creating professional invoices quickly, tracking time and expenses, and managing payments including accepting credit cards. You can also keep track of your spending by scanning receipts and importing bank transactions. The software provides simple accounting tools that let you see your financial situation in real-time and generate useful reports. It's designed for freelancers, small business owners, and anyone who needs to handle billing and accounting without too much hassle. Plus, it comes with helpful customer support and a free 30-day trial so you can try it out.
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The description is based directly on the main FreshBooks website which highlights their core services in simple terms suitable for consumers. The language is kept straightforward and avoids complex business jargon, making it easy to understand for a general audience.
How to Get a FreshBooks Refund: Step by Step
If you purchased through FreshBooks Payments (powered by Stripe or Stripe Standard):
- Log in to your FreshBooks account and go to the Payments section.
- Locate the payment under either the Invoice Payments or Checkout Link Payments tab.
- Hover over the payment and click the Refund button if it is available.
- Alternatively, go to the Invoices section, select the relevant invoice, scroll to All Payments for Invoice #, check the box next to the payment, then choose More Actions > Refund.
- On the refund page, select either Full Refund or specify a different amount.
- Choose a refund reason from the options: Duplicate, Fraudulent, or Requested by Customer.
- Confirm the refund by clicking the Refund button.
- You and the client will receive a refund notification via email.
- Refunds typically take 3-7 business days to process.
- Note that transaction fees are not refunded and the invoice status remains unchanged until the refund is fully processed.
If you purchased through PayPal or other external payment providers:
- Request the refund directly through the external payment provider according to their refund procedure.
- After completing the external refund, log in to FreshBooks and go to the Payments section.
- Find and select the refunded payment.
- Edit the payment amount to the new amount after the refund.
- Add notes documenting the refund details for record-keeping.
- Save the changes.
- Click the invoice number link associated with the payment to open the invoice.
- Edit the invoice to add a negative line item indicating the refund (e.g., "Refund") with the refunded amount.
- Save the invoice to update the refunded amount shown.
Tips and Tricks for Getting a FreshBooks Refund
- Be persistent and polite: Repeatedly follow up with support, using calm, clear language to insist on a refund.
- Escalate the issue: If initial support reps refuse a refund, ask to speak with a supervisor or higher-up.
- Use timing strategically: Request refunds at the end of the billing cycle or just after a payment to increase chances.
- Document everything: Keep records of all communications, dates, and promises to hold support accountable.
- Appeal to known issues: Reference any admitted bugs or problems FreshBooks acknowledges to bolster your refund claim.
- Highlight business impact: Explain how FreshBooks’ problems affected your business to justify the refund.
- Request partial refunds: When full refunds are refused, ask for a partial refund to recover some costs.
- Use clear refund language: Clearly state "refund request" and mention policies vaguely to keep language firm but non-confrontational.
- Timing patience: Allow 3-7 days to process but escalate if delays prolong beyond this.
- Leverage social proof: Mention other dissatisfied users' experiences or recent Reddit complaints to strengthen your position.
Why Do People Request Refunds from FreshBooks
- Dissatisfaction with service or product offered via FreshBooks.
- Billing errors such as overcharges or incorrect invoice amounts.
- Overpayments made unintentionally by clients.
- Client no longer requires the service, leading to requests for refund.
- Technical issues or problems with using FreshBooks software or payments.
- Eligibility for credit notes due to rejected or returned merchandise related to transactions.
FreshBooks Refund Script
Script
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Hello FreshBooks Support,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a billing issue I have encountered. I noticed an accidental charge on my account that I did not intend to authorize. I believe it was made in error, and I would appreciate your assistance in resolving this matter.
Could you please process a refund for this charge? Thank you for your understanding and help. I look forward to your prompt response!
Best regards,
FreshBooks Refund Policy
FreshBooks allows refunds for online payments directly through a user's account, applicable within 60 days for credit card payments and 90 days for bank transfers. Refunds can only be processed by account owners or admins, and transaction fees are not refunded. Processing takes 3-7 business days and past refunds can be tracked in the account settings.
The Easiest Way to Get a FreshBooks Refund
If you’re frustrated trying to get a refund from FreshBooks—or if you didn’t even realize you were being charged—Chargeback can help. Chargeback is a personal subscription manager that automatically detects hidden, recurring charges like Netflix, Hulu, and hundreds of others. With one click, we can cancel unwanted subscriptions, flag suspicious billing, and even initiate refund requests on your behalf. No more waiting on hold or navigating confusing help pages. Just connect your bank or card account, and we’ll take care of the rest.
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Editorial Note: These articles reflect the opinions of Chargeback's writers. Everyone's situation is unique; therefore, it is important to conduct your own research and note that our self-help tools are not guaranteed to help with any specific problem.