Comments on: Charge this: 7 tips for a successful credit card dispute http://www.elliott.org/blog/charge-this-7-tips-for-a-successful-credit-card-dispute/ The travel troubleshooter. Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:22:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Josh http://www.elliott.org/blog/charge-this-7-tips-for-a-successful-credit-card-dispute/comment-page-1/#comment-22716 Josh Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:05:15 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=7867#comment-22716 I agree that going to the merchant should be the first step, but be aware (and let the merchant know you're aware) that credit card refunds can and are processed *immediately* by most retailers -- so if they promise to issue the refund in "4-6 weeks", that's not good enough; their beaurocracy isn't my problem. In that case, I'd also dispute the charge to get it off your account sooner and protect against the merchant "losing" track of the refund. My credit card company actually recommended this a few times, and it was all settled properly in the end. Also, for the woman who got charged for travel insurance due to the illegal action of the United employee, I'd recommend escalating with her credit card company AND United, perhaps even filing a small-claims case. Unless United has a *clear* recording of her being explained in English and agreeing to the charge, it should be invalid. Perhaps time to consider another credit card also -- I've had nothing but great service when I had a legitimate dispute (even when technically they could have pushed back, due to purchase distance etc rules). I agree that going to the merchant should be the first step, but be aware (and let the merchant know you’re aware) that credit card refunds can and are processed *immediately* by most retailers — so if they promise to issue the refund in “4-6 weeks”, that’s not good enough; their beaurocracy isn’t my problem. In that case, I’d also dispute the charge to get it off your account sooner and protect against the merchant “losing” track of the refund. My credit card company actually recommended this a few times, and it was all settled properly in the end.

Also, for the woman who got charged for travel insurance due to the illegal action of the United employee, I’d recommend escalating with her credit card company AND United, perhaps even filing a small-claims case. Unless United has a *clear* recording of her being explained in English and agreeing to the charge, it should be invalid. Perhaps time to consider another credit card also — I’ve had nothing but great service when I had a legitimate dispute (even when technically they could have pushed back, due to purchase distance etc rules).

]]> By: Mort B http://www.elliott.org/blog/charge-this-7-tips-for-a-successful-credit-card-dispute/comment-page-1/#comment-22712 Mort B Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:02:25 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=7867#comment-22712 It seems to me that the key to successful resolution of credit card disputes is for the purchaser to be pro-active. What this means is simple: presume that any and all transactions might lead to a dispute, and prepare yourself accordingly. For example, when (eventually) getting through to a live person by phone, be sure to get their name and, if possible their job title. When renting a car, make sure that there are no visible dents or other defects; if there are, either insist on a different vehicle, or at least photograph the car with a time-stamp object to bolster any eventual dispute between yourself and the rental agency. As the article suggests, be meticulous about keeping receipts and other documentation. Finally, when dealing with a supplier with whom you have not previously done business, do your homework and check out their track record, It seems to me that the key to successful resolution of credit card disputes is for the purchaser to be pro-active. What this means is simple: presume that any and all transactions might lead to a dispute, and prepare yourself accordingly. For example, when (eventually) getting through to a live person by phone, be sure to get their name and, if possible their job title. When renting a car, make sure that there are no visible dents or other defects; if there are, either insist on a different vehicle, or at least photograph the car with a time-stamp object to bolster any eventual dispute between yourself and the rental agency. As the article suggests, be meticulous about keeping receipts and other documentation. Finally, when dealing with a supplier with whom you have not previously done business, do your homework and check out their track record,

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