Steam has started declining my refunds that are fully within the refund policy (14 days, less than 2 hours played)

[[TW]Sergeant Beanbag]

Actually most of the game are not being played, and the game that I filed for refund and got declined is not being played at all!

All the item purchase: 150 items
Items got refunded:49 items
Items already played(Under 2 hours):5 items

All the items are bought from: 3/15/2024~3/18/2024

All of a sudden steam has been declining my refund since 3/18/2024 and telling me the reason was I'm abusing the refund policy????


Any help???


3/20/2024 UPDATE:

Steam has finally took my refund request.
(with a clear warning tho.) Horay!!!

[[TW]Sergeant Beanbag]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von SlowMango:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

Have you ever heard a term called "buyer's remorse "???

That's a personal issue that Steam is under no obligation to help you with.

I get buyer's remorse as well. I've learned to either work through it or be more careful with my spending habits.

Guess you're right, but my point is that the items I refund are within the policy, but steam thinks 1/3 of total purchases is deemed "too many" so...

[Brian9824]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Mad Scientist:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

Well 2023 and 2024 are stressful years for me and I've started to build this impulsive buying issue for me.

Not just steam but in real life too.

But steam is the only store that declined my refund.

How many stores do you buy a load of things and go to refund a load of things?
Because I guarantee if this is a habit, places would start refusing refund and even the ability to purchase, ie they can ban you from a store if you're a problem for them.

Don't buy things you don't intend to use, simple. Control your own impulses or assign someone that has to approve any transactions you attempt, or have someone in full control over your finances if this is such an issue.

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

I mean look at Costco, you can even refund some half eaten bag of chips.

Ever since the pandemic most places will NOT accept foods item that have been opened unless there's something obviously wrong with it and it hasn't been consumed, also I doubt they would do that at all since half eaten implies enjoyment. Most people would get warned or fired for accepting such a refund request.

Costco has one of the worlds most lenient policies for refunds. They eat the cost on anything you return and you can indeed refund food if its not up to par.

However even costco has the same language as Steam and they can and will ban people who refund too many items. I've seen it happen to someone who had to turn over their card when I was waiting in line to refund something that was defective.

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

Guess you're right, but my point is that the items I refund are within the policy, but steam thinks 1/3 of total purchases is deemed "too many" so...

Yes. most stores would find 50+ items being returned in 3 days to be too many.

[[TW]Sergeant Beanbag]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

I mean look at Costco, you can even refund some half eaten bag of chips.

Ever since the pandemic most places will NOT accept foods item that have been opened unless there's something obviously wrong with it and it hasn't been consumed, also I doubt they would do that at all since half eaten implies enjoyment. Most people would get warned or fired for accepting such a refund request.

Maybe in the US but not in my place.

Unconditional refund is still the policy of Costco.

[Boblin the Goblin]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von SlowMango:

That's a personal issue that Steam is under no obligation to help you with.

I get buyer's remorse as well. I've learned to either work through it or be more careful with my spending habits.

Guess you're right, but my point is that the items I refund are within the policy, but steam thinks 1/3 of total purchases is deemed "too many" so...

Because it is.

It looks very suspicious to refund almost 50 games in a short time like that. While the requests are within the allotted time, Steam also outlines they reserve the right to deny based upon suspicious activity.

[Brian9824]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

Ever since the pandemic most places will NOT accept foods item that have been opened unless there's something obviously wrong with it and it hasn't been consumed, also I doubt they would do that at all since half eaten implies enjoyment. Most people would get warned or fired for accepting such a refund request.

Maybe in the US but not in my place.

Unconditional refund is still the policy of Costco.

That is flat out false, there is a whole series of conditions and terms to their refunds based on the items, type of item, etc

[[TW]Sergeant Beanbag]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von brian9824:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

Yeah like I said, how about the 2/3 of items? Doesn't that count?

Nope, that's like telling the police you follow the laws 2/3 of the time so they shouldn't arrest you. Or telling the IRS 2/3 of the time you don't lie on your taxes...

Huh...you're comparing apples with oranges

[Boblin the Goblin]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von brian9824:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Mad Scientist:

How many stores do you buy a load of things and go to refund a load of things?
Because I guarantee if this is a habit, places would start refusing refund and even the ability to purchase, ie they can ban you from a store if you're a problem for them.

Don't buy things you don't intend to use, simple. Control your own impulses or assign someone that has to approve any transactions you attempt, or have someone in full control over your finances if this is such an issue.


Ever since the pandemic most places will NOT accept foods item that have been opened unless there's something obviously wrong with it and it hasn't been consumed, also I doubt they would do that at all since half eaten implies enjoyment. Most people would get warned or fired for accepting such a refund request.

Costco has one of the worlds most lenient policies for refunds. They eat the cost on anything you return and you can indeed refund food if its not up to par.

However even costco has the same language as Steam and they can and will ban people who refund too many items. I've seen it happen to someone who had to turn over their card when I was waiting in line to refund something that was defective.

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

Guess you're right, but my point is that the items I refund are within the policy, but steam thinks 1/3 of total purchases is deemed "too many" so...

Yes. most stores would find 50+ items being returned in 3 days to be too many.

Costco also has a paid membership with offset having such a policy.

Hell, the 'Costco Turkey' is famously known fire being sold at a loss because they either recoup the cost through memberships or because you buy more than just the Turkey.

It isn't a small loss either. It's like $4-$5 loss for each turkey.

[Runkel]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von brian9824:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

Maybe in the US but not in my place.

Unconditional refund is still the policy of Costco.

That is flat out false, there is a whole series of conditions and terms to their refunds based on the items, type of item, etc

I mean, you're discussing here with someone who thinks it's ok to return 50 games in 3 days....

[Crazy Tiger]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von SlowMango:

That's a personal issue that Steam is under no obligation to help you with.

I get buyer's remorse as well. I've learned to either work through it or be more careful with my spending habits.

Guess you're right, but my point is that the items I refund are within the policy, but steam thinks 1/3 of total purchases is deemed "too many" so...

Read the whole policy. there is a part down at the bottom regarding abuse, that also is part of the policy. So refusing these refunds is actually Valve remaining within their policy.

Yes, even in the EU, which people seem to throw around as if it's some silver bullet or a "get out of jail card".

Anyway, if you don't like them saying "no", you can try things with your local consumer agency. It might result in something, or you'll get your definitive answer that Valve is in their right. That's better than arguing "no" on a forum. ;)

[[TW]Sergeant Beanbag]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von SlowMango:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

Guess you're right, but my point is that the items I refund are within the policy, but steam thinks 1/3 of total purchases is deemed "too many" so...

Because it is.

It looks very suspicious to refund almost 50 games in a short time like that. While the requests are within the allotted time, Steam also outlines they reserve the right to deny based upon suspicious activity.

You know what's the most annoying thing is that most of my refund are packaged deals, if you want to refund a single item, the whole package gets refund and steam will count this refund as "too many"

[Mad Scientist]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

Maybe in the US but not in my place.

Unconditional refund is still the policy of Costco.

They do not do unconditional refunds:

On Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell, and will refund your purchase price*, with the following exceptions:

*Electronics: Costco will accept returns within 90 days (from the date the member received the merchandise) for Televisions, Projectors, Major Appliances (refrigerators above 10 cu. ft., freezers, ranges, cooktops, over-the-range microwaves, range hoods, dishwashers, water heaters, washers and dryers), Computers, Touchscreen Tablets, Smart Watches, Cameras, Aerial Cameras (drones), Camcorders, MP3 players and Cellular Phones (return details will vary by carrier service contract).
Our Costco Technical & Warranty Services representatives are available to assist with technical support and warranty information for many of the products above. You’ll find a list of eligible items here.
*Diamonds: 1.00ct or larger: Members returning a diamond over 1.00ct must also present all original paperwork (IGI and/or GIA certificates) at which time they will receive a Jewelry Credit Memo. Within 48 hours, our Costco Graduate Gemologist will inspect for authenticity.
*Cigarettes and alcohol: Costco does not accept returns on cigarettes or alcohol where prohibited by law.
*Products with a limited useful life expectancy, such as tires and batteries, may be sold with a product-specific limited warranty.
*Special Order Kiosk and Custom Installed Programs: Custom product(s) manufactured to our member’s personal and unique specifications cannot be returned or refunded, except for warranty repair/replacement due to failure to meet specifications.
*Airline and Live Performance Event items are non-refundable.
*Gold bullion, gold bars and silver coins are non-refundable.
*Shop Cards are non-refundable.

That is identical for taiwan as well.

[Brian9824]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von SlowMango:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von brian9824:

Costco has one of the worlds most lenient policies for refunds. They eat the cost on anything you return and you can indeed refund food if its not up to par.

However even costco has the same language as Steam and they can and will ban people who refund too many items. I've seen it happen to someone who had to turn over their card when I was waiting in line to refund something that was defective.



Yes. most stores would find 50+ items being returned in 3 days to be too many.

Costco also has a paid membership with offset having such a policy.

Hell, the 'Costco Turkey' is famously known fire being sold at a loss because they either recoup the cost through memberships or because you buy more than just the Turkey.

It isn't a small loss either. It's like $4-$5 loss for each turkey.

Personally I prefer their hotdogs, those things really are good.

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Runkel:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von brian9824:

That is flat out false, there is a whole series of conditions and terms to their refunds based on the items, type of item, etc

I mean, you're discussing here with someone who thinks it's ok to return 50 games in 3 days....

Yeah its just funny, i've been a costco member for about 20 years, and i've seen their refunds change repeatedly. I remember how pissed people were when they changed them to stop people from buying TV's then returning them every 2-3 years so they could just get a newer model.

I saw people throw a fit who tried to do that in store and get escorted out lol

[[TW]Sergeant Beanbag]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von SlowMango:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von brian9824:

Costco has one of the worlds most lenient policies for refunds. They eat the cost on anything you return and you can indeed refund food if its not up to par.

However even costco has the same language as Steam and they can and will ban people who refund too many items. I've seen it happen to someone who had to turn over their card when I was waiting in line to refund something that was defective.



Yes. most stores would find 50+ items being returned in 3 days to be too many.

Costco also has a paid membership with offset having such a policy.

Hell, the 'Costco Turkey' is famously known fire being sold at a loss because they either recoup the cost through memberships or because you buy more than just the Turkey.

It isn't a small loss either. It's like $4-$5 loss for each turkey.

Not here in Taiwan tho.

At least a game which is not played, not being installed, just recently bought are better than a half eaten bag of chips.

But still, that's what I thought.

[[TW]Sergeant Beanbag]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Mad Scientist:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

Maybe in the US but not in my place.

Unconditional refund is still the policy of Costco.

They do not do unconditional refunds:

On Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell, and will refund your purchase price*, with the following exceptions:

*Electronics: Costco will accept returns within 90 days (from the date the member received the merchandise) for Televisions, Projectors, Major Appliances (refrigerators above 10 cu. ft., freezers, ranges, cooktops, over-the-range microwaves, range hoods, dishwashers, water heaters, washers and dryers), Computers, Touchscreen Tablets, Smart Watches, Cameras, Aerial Cameras (drones), Camcorders, MP3 players and Cellular Phones (return details will vary by carrier service contract).
Our Costco Technical & Warranty Services representatives are available to assist with technical support and warranty information for many of the products above. You’ll find a list of eligible items here.
*Diamonds: 1.00ct or larger: Members returning a diamond over 1.00ct must also present all original paperwork (IGI and/or GIA certificates) at which time they will receive a Jewelry Credit Memo. Within 48 hours, our Costco Graduate Gemologist will inspect for authenticity.
*Cigarettes and alcohol: Costco does not accept returns on cigarettes or alcohol where prohibited by law.
*Products with a limited useful life expectancy, such as tires and batteries, may be sold with a product-specific limited warranty.
*Special Order Kiosk and Custom Installed Programs: Custom product(s) manufactured to our member’s personal and unique specifications cannot be returned or refunded, except for warranty repair/replacement due to failure to meet specifications.
*Airline and Live Performance Event items are non-refundable.
*Gold bullion, gold bars and silver coins are non-refundable.
*Shop Cards are non-refundable.

That is identical for taiwan as well.

LOL. But they won't decline your refund for "assuming" you are abusing the refund policy. That's the difference.

[Mad Scientist]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

Ursprünglich geschrieben von SlowMango:

Because it is.

It looks very suspicious to refund almost 50 games in a short time like that. While the requests are within the allotted time, Steam also outlines they reserve the right to deny based upon suspicious activity.

You know what's the most annoying thing is that most of my refund are packaged deals, if you want to refund a single item, the whole package gets refund and steam will count this refund as "too many"

Because there's more than 1 product and more than 1 license involved.

Don't buy things you don't intend to play. Again, you can assign someone to have to approve anything you want to buy if this is an issue.

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

Not here in Taiwan tho.

At least a game which is not played, not being installed, just recently bought are better than a half eaten bag of chips.

But still, that's what I thought.

Costcos return policy is completely identical to their usa policy per the TW site. You can be banned from making refunds entirely on Steam if it's become abusing the refund policy. Companies will only be so generous before they recognize trouble and take action.

Ursprünglich geschrieben von TWSergeant Beanbag:

LOL. But they won't decline your refund for "assuming" you are abusing the refund policy. That's the difference.

They can most certainly decline you and they have done so to people.
They will potentially revoke your membership and escort you out if they suspect you have a habit of such.
You can be trespassed if you don't accept that decision as well.