Online Shopping / Refunds
Dispute online purchases, request refunds, and file chargebacks for Amazon, eBay, and other US e-commerce platforms. Free consumer rights dispute letter templates.
Create your online shopping / refunds dispute letter
Fill in your details and download a ready-to-send petition for .
What is an online shopping dispute?
An online shopping dispute arises when a product is not as described, not delivered, damaged, or when a seller refuses a legitimate refund. US consumers have strong legal protections under the FTC Mail Order Rule, state consumer protection laws, and credit card chargeback rights.
Common online shopping disputes
Under the FTC Mail Order Rule, sellers must ship within the promised timeframe or offer a full refund. Credit card chargebacks under the Fair Credit Billing Act give you the right to dispute charges within 60 days of the statement date.
Steps to resolve an online shopping dispute
-
1
Contact the seller directly and document all communications
-
2
Open a dispute through the marketplace (Amazon A-to-z, eBay Money Back)
-
3
File a chargeback with your credit card company if the seller is unresponsive
-
4
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
-
5
File with your state Attorney General’s consumer protection office
Online Shopping / Refunds in New York
Online shopping issues, such as unreceived items, incorrect orders, or difficulty obtaining refunds, are common concerns for consumers in New York. While the convenience of online retail is undeniable, knowing your rights when a purchase goes awry is essential. New York State laws provide crucial protections for online shoppers, ensuring fair practices and avenues for dispute resolution.
New York General Business Law (GBS) § 218-a mandates that all retail mercantile establishments and online retailers conspicuously post their refund policies. If a policy is not clearly posted, a 30-day refund policy automatically applies, as per a critical consumer protection measure passed in June 2025, effective August 7, 2025. This ensures that New York consumers have a clear understanding of their return rights. Additionally, the New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) enforces these regulations, providing a safety net for shoppers.
For assistance with online shopping and refund disputes in New York, the New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is a key resource. You can file a consumer complaint through their website or call their Consumer Assistance Hotline at 800-697-1220. The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) also handles consumer complaints within NYC, which can be filed online or by calling 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK outside NYC). The New York Attorney General’s office is another avenue for addressing broader consumer issues.
To resolve an online shopping dispute in New York, first contact the seller directly with details of your issue and a clear request for a refund or resolution. If this fails, gather all purchase records, communication logs, and evidence of the problem. Then, file a formal complaint with the DCP or DCWP. Most disputes are mediated and resolved within 30 to 90 days. Use the petition generator above to create a refund request letter in under two minutes.