Understanding Disputes: What You Need to Know
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Understanding Disputes: What You Need to Know
Phebe Idowu
Apr 08, 2025
7 min read
Understanding Disputes: What You Need to Know
Introduction
When receiving FX inflows, disputes are an important aspect to be aware of. It is important for users to understand how disputes work, the associated fees, and their liability in such cases. This article will break down everything you need to know about disputes and what they mean for your business.
What are Disputes?
A dispute is simply when a customer asks their bank to cancel a payment they made to you to purchase a product or for a service.
This could be because they didn’t receive what they paid for or they believe they were charged the wrong amount or don’t recognize the charge on their bank statement or feel the transaction was fraudulent.
When a dispute is raised, the money is immediately taken from your account and held by the bank while they investigate. You can either accept the dispute (let the customer get their money back) or fight it by showing proof that the transaction was valid within a specified timeframe.
If the bank sides with the customer, you lose the money permanently, if otherwise, you get your money back.
There is also a non-refundable $15 charge that comes with each dispute raised, even if you win.
How to Respond to a Dispute
To avoid disputes, always be clear, transparent, keep to agreements and contracts, always have proof of every transaction, and Provide excellent customer support to address concerns before they escalate to disputes.
Ensure transparent pricing, refund policies, and terms of service.
If you receive a dispute notification, you have the option to either accept or contest it. Contesting requires you to provide evidence such as:
  • Proof of product/service delivery (e.g tracking information, delivery information, screenshots of communications, signed agreements).
  • Customer communication confirming delivery of product and satisfaction.
  • Any terms and conditions that the customer agreed to before purchasing.
  • The evidence is then submitted to the cardholder’s bank, and the final decision is made by the bank.
    Safeguarding Against Disputes
    While disputes can’t always be avoided, businesses can take proactive steps to protect themselves.
  • For service providers: Always have a non-refundable contract agreemnt that is fully signed and clearly outlines the terms of service, including deliverables and payment terms.
  • For retailers: Ensure you have a refund policy clearly displayed on your website and always maintain transparency with your customers about product details, shipping, and return processes.
  • Keep thorough records of customer communications, transaction receipts, and delivery confirmations to serve as evidence in case of a dispute.
    Final Thoughts
    Disputes are a costly and unavoidable risk of online transactions. It is essential to stay informed about how Mima handles disputes, the financial impact they have on your business, and how to prevent them. Always monitor your transactions and proactively resolve customer issues to avoid unnecessary chargebacks.
    For further guidance on managing disputes, feel free to reach out to our support team. Stay informed, stay protected!
    CLICK HERE to sign up today and start enjoying the benefits of Mima Pay.
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