How to Refund Backers

Linno Fund recommends campaign creators establish a clear refund policy for their backers, which should be included in the campaign story. By setting up a refund policy, you can provide backers with clarity on what to expect, ultimately building a stronger relationship with them.

If you offer refunds, you can use your Reserved Funds on Linno Fund to process those refunds. However, if your Reserved Funds are already fully allocated or have been disbursed, you may need to issue refunds through alternative online payment methods.

Steps to Issue a Refund on Linno Fund

Step 1: Accessing the Contributions List

Open your campaign dashboard and navigate to the Perks Claimed & Donations section. This will show a list of all contributions to your campaign.

Step 2: Selecting the Contribution

Locate the specific contribution or donation you wish to refund and click on its link. You’ll be taken to the Contribution Details page. For a refund to be available, the contribution’s status must be Placed. Refunds aren’t available if the status is Locked or Fulfilled.

Step 3: Processing the Refund

On the Contribution Details page, select the Refund Contribution button to proceed. Confirm the refund to finalize it. The backer will receive a notification email confirming the refund. If you see an option labeled Mark as Refunded, it means that you’ll need to contact the backer directly and arrange for an off-platform refund.

Note: The refunded amount may take about 3-5 business days to appear as a credit on the backer’s credit card statement.

Managing Contribution States and Refund Eligibility

It’s crucial to keep contribution states updated on Linno Fund. Accurate tracking will help prevent unnecessary refund requests. Use the Contribution Management Tools to mark perks as Fulfilled once they’re shipped. This status blocks backers from automatically initiating refunds on delivered perks, reducing the potential for misunderstandings.

Handling Refunds for Contributions Not Eligible for Linno Fund Refunds

If your Reserved Funds are depleted, you won’t be able to refund contributions electronically via Linno Fund. In this case, you’ll need to arrange a refund outside of Linno Fund using alternative payment methods, such as peer-to-peer payment services, checks, or other remittance options.

When issuing off-platform refunds, communicate with backers to determine the most suitable refund method. Linno Fund does not manage or oversee off-platform refunds and isn’t liable for issues with off-platform refunds, so maintaining clear communication with your backers is essential.

Processing Group Refunds on Linno Fund

If a situation arises where you need to refund multiple backers or all backers, ensure you provide clear communication. Post an update on your campaign and send direct emails to affected backers, explaining the reason for the refund, the chosen refund method, and the estimated timeline. Additionally, provide a contact point for any questions backers may have.

For any refunds completed off-platform, remember to update the status to Refunded in your Linno Fund dashboard.

Issuing refunds on Linno Fund is straightforward when using the dashboard tools provided. Ensuring accurate contribution statuses, setting a clear refund policy, and maintaining open communication with backers are key to effectively managing refunds and fostering trust within your campaign community.