How to Write a Venue Refund Policy (with Copy-Paste Templates)
Updated July 2026 · 6 min read
Own your refund workflow
Direct Stripe payouts mean you control refunds, disputes, and terms — not a marketplace.
See Plans & PricingUpdated July 2026 · 6 min read
Direct Stripe payouts mean you control refunds, disputes, and terms — not a marketplace.
See Plans & PricingA good refund policy protects your revenue, prevents chargebacks, and takes 20 minutes to write. Below are two templates you can copy — one strict, one flexible — plus notes on when to use each.
All sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable except when [Venue Name] cancels the event. If we cancel a show, full refunds are issued to the original payment method within 5–10 business days. If we postpone or reschedule a show, your ticket is automatically valid for the new date. If you cannot attend the new date, contact us within 14 days of the announcement for a refund. Tickets are transferable. To transfer a ticket to another person, use the transfer link in your confirmation email — no fee. Weather policy: Shows are rain or shine unless we cancel. Weather-based cancellations trigger the refund policy above.
Refund requests submitted more than 14 days before the event: full refund minus payment processing fees. Refund requests submitted 7–14 days before the event: 50% refund or 100% credit toward a future show. Refund requests submitted within 7 days of the event: no refund. Ticket is transferable. Canceled shows: full refund within 5–10 business days. Postponed shows: ticket valid for new date; 14-day refund window if unable to attend.
In most US states, no — as long as your no-refund policy is clearly disclosed at the point of sale. Consumer protection rules require disclosure; they don't require refunds. A few jurisdictions (parts of NY, CA event law) have specific timing rules for canceled events. When in doubt, mirror Ticketmaster's language: 'All sales final except for canceled or rescheduled events.'
No, and don't try. If you allow same-reason refunds for one buyer, you owe them to everyone. Offer transfers instead — a buyer can move the ticket to a friend. It solves 80% of the reason people ask for refunds without touching your revenue.
Publish your weather policy on the event page and the ticket confirmation email: 'Show is rain or shine unless we cancel. If we cancel due to weather, full refunds are issued within 5 business days.' 'Postponed' is not 'canceled' — hold the ticket for the reschedule date.
With direct Stripe payouts you own the dispute. Stripe pulls the disputed amount + $15 fee from your balance and gives you 7 days to submit evidence (ticket, purchase timestamp, IP, terms accepted at checkout). Win rates on legit purchases with clear terms are typically 60%+.