Can I get a refund?
Refund request
Use this phrase to politely ask a business to return your money for a purchase.
En 15 secondes
- A polite request to get your money back from a store.
- Always use it with a receipt for the best results.
- Works for broken items or things you simply don't want.
Signification
You use this phrase when you want your money back after buying something. It is a polite way to tell a shop that you are unhappy with a product.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6At a clothing store with a torn shirt
Excuse me, this shirt has a small tear; can I get a refund?
Excuse me, this shirt has a small tear; can I get a refund?
At a fast food place with the wrong order
I've waited 30 minutes and my food is cold. Can I get a refund?
I've waited 30 minutes and my food is cold. Can I get a refund?
Calling a software company
The app doesn't work on my phone. Can I get a refund, please?
The app doesn't work on my phone. Can I get a refund, please?
Contexte culturel
The concept of a 'money-back guarantee' became a standard business practice in the 20th century to build trust. In many English-speaking countries, returning items is a weekly habit for many people. Some stores even offer 'extended returns' during the Christmas holiday season.
Keep the Receipt
In most English-speaking countries, getting a refund is 100% easier if you have the paper or digital receipt. Without it, they might only give you store credit!
Refund vs. Exchange
If you want the same item but in a different color, ask for an `exchange`. If you want your money back in your pocket, ask for a `refund`.
En 15 secondes
- A polite request to get your money back from a store.
- Always use it with a receipt for the best results.
- Works for broken items or things you simply don't want.
What It Means
This phrase is your magic key to getting your cash back. It is simple, direct, and very common. You are asking a business to reverse a transaction. You use it when a shirt has a hole. You use it when a gadget does not turn on. It is not rude; it is your right as a customer. Think of it as hitting the 'undo' button on a purchase.
How To Use It
Walk up to the service desk with your item. Always bring your receipt! Start with a friendly hello first. Then, say the phrase clearly: Can I get a refund? You can add please at the end to be extra nice. If they say yes, they will usually ask why. Be ready to explain the problem simply. If you bought it online, you might type this in a chat box.
When To Use It
Use it at clothing stores if the size is wrong. Use it at electronics shops if the screen is cracked. You can even use it at some restaurants if the food is cold. It works well in person or over the phone. It is perfect for any situation where money was exchanged for a bad product. Just make sure the item is still new and unused!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with friends or family. If a friend owes you five dollars, do not ask for a refund. That sounds like a business deal! Also, do not use it after you have used the product for a month. Most stores have a time limit. If you just want a different color, ask for an exchange instead. A refund specifically means you want the money back.
Cultural Background
In Western countries, the 'Customer is King' culture is very strong. Most big stores have a 'no-questions-asked' policy. This means they will give your money back just because you changed your mind. In some other cultures, you must prove the item is broken. In the US and UK, it is very normal to return things. People sometimes buy three dresses and 'refund' two of them later!
Common Variations
I'd like to return this, please.(Very common and polite)Can I get my money back?(A bit more direct/casual)Is it possible to get a refund?(Very soft and polite)I'm looking for a refund on this.(Professional and clear)Can you credit this back to my card?(Specific to banking)
Notes d'usage
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any retail situation. It is direct but polite when paired with a friendly tone.
Keep the Receipt
In most English-speaking countries, getting a refund is 100% easier if you have the paper or digital receipt. Without it, they might only give you store credit!
Refund vs. Exchange
If you want the same item but in a different color, ask for an `exchange`. If you want your money back in your pocket, ask for a `refund`.
The 'Change of Mind' Policy
In the UK and USA, many stores allow refunds even if nothing is wrong with the item. You can just say, `I changed my mind.`
Exemples
6Excuse me, this shirt has a small tear; can I get a refund?
Excuse me, this shirt has a small tear; can I get a refund?
A classic use case for a damaged item.
I've waited 30 minutes and my food is cold. Can I get a refund?
I've waited 30 minutes and my food is cold. Can I get a refund?
Used when service quality is very poor.
The app doesn't work on my phone. Can I get a refund, please?
The app doesn't work on my phone. Can I get a refund, please?
Adding 'please' makes the request smoother over the phone.
That movie was so boring! Can I get a refund on my time? haha
That movie was so boring! Can I get a refund on my time? haha
A joke used when you feel you wasted your time.
It's a beautiful sweater, but it's too small. Can I get a refund?
It's a beautiful sweater, but it's too small. Can I get a refund?
Softening the request by complimenting the item first.
The toy broke immediately! Can I get a refund?
The toy broke immediately! Can I get a refund?
Expressing frustration over a low-quality product.
Teste-toi
You are at a shoe store and the shoes are uncomfortable. Complete the sentence.
I don't like these shoes. ___ I get a refund?
We use 'Can' or 'Could' to make requests in English.
Choose the most polite word to add to the end of the phrase.
Can I get a refund, ___?
'Please' is the standard way to show politeness in a service setting.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Ways to ask for money back
Used with friends as a joke.
Give me my money back!
Standard for shops and cafes.
Can I get a refund?
Used in emails or expensive stores.
I would like to request a formal refund.
Where to use 'Can I get a refund?'
Clothing Store
Wrong size shirt
Online Shopping
Item never arrived
Electronics Shop
Broken headphones
Ticket Office
Cancelled concert
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is not rude at all! As long as you say it politely with please, it is a normal part of shopping in English-speaking cultures.
You can still ask, but they might say no. You could say, I lost my receipt, but can I still get a refund?
It is harder for services, but possible. You might say, I'm not happy with this service, can I get a refund?
A return is the act of giving the item back. A refund is the act of getting the money back. Usually, you return the item to get the refund.
You can say, I would like to request a refund, please. This sounds more professional for expensive items or emails.
Sometimes they won't give cash. They give you a gift card for that store instead. They might ask, Is store credit okay?
Usually, no. Final sale means the store will not take the item back or give money back under any circumstances.
The store will usually put the money back on the same card. You can say, Can you put the refund back on my card?
Yes, Can I get... and Can I have... are interchangeable in this situation. Both are perfectly natural.
Most stores will ask Is there anything wrong with it? You can just say It doesn't fit or I don't need it anymore.
Expressions liées
I'd like to return this.
A polite way to start the process of giving an item back.
Can I exchange this for a different size?
When you want the same product but a different version.
It's faulty.
A common way to say the product is broken or doesn't work.
Store credit
Money that can only be spent in that specific shop.
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