Refund Policy

Effective Date: January 31, 2025

1. Introduction

At Thrift Competitions, we are committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in all our transactions. This Refund Policy outlines the terms under which refunds may be issued for competition entries and other digital products purchased through our platform. By purchasing a competition ticket, you acknowledge and agree to this Refund Policy.

This policy is drafted in accordance with the following UK consumer protection laws:

  • Consumer Rights Act 2015
  • Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013
  • UK Gambling Act 2005 (for prize competitions and lotteries)

2. Refund Eligibility

Due to the nature of our services, which involve skill-based prize competitions, all competition ticket sales are final and non-refundable, except under the circumstances outlined below.

Under UK law, digital goods do not carry an automatic right to a refund unless they are faulty or misrepresented. As such, refunds are only issued in specific cases where a competition entry is invalidated due to technical errors or cancellation.

By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge and agree that you waive your statutory right to cancel under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, as you are receiving immediate access to a digital service.

3. Circumstances Under Which Refunds May Be Provided

Refunds will only be granted in the following situations:

  • Competition Cancellation: If a competition is cancelled or does not proceed for any reason, customers will be entitled to a full refund of their entry fees.
  • Technical Errors: If a purchase was made due to a technical error (e.g., being charged multiple times for the same entry due to a payment processing issue), a full refund will be issued upon verification.
  • Failure to Enter the Competition: If a payment is processed but, due to a system error, the entrant does not receive an entry into the competition and the issue is not resolved within a reasonable timeframe, a refund may be issued.
  • Failure to Provide the Service as Described: If we fail to provide the competition in a manner consistent with our Terms of Service, and this significantly impacts the entrant’s ability to participate, a refund may be issued at our discretion.
  • Refund Claim Timeframe: Customers must report system errors within 7 days of purchase to be eligible for a refund.

Discretionary Refunds

We reserve the right to offer a refund at our sole discretion in exceptional cases where a refund request is made due to unforeseen circumstances, such as:

  • A verified medical emergency preventing participation.
  • A duplicate entry made due to accidental multiple purchases.

These cases will be reviewed individually, and refunds will be granted only at our discretion.

4. Non-Refundable Items

Refunds will not be issued in the following cases:

  • Change of Mind: Once a ticket has been purchased, refunds will not be granted if you change your mind or decide not to participate.
  • Failure to Win a Competition: Entry fees cover participation and do not guarantee a prize. Refunds will not be issued to participants who do not win.
  • Incorrect Entries: Refunds will not be granted if you enter incorrect details at the time of purchase and this prevents your participation.
  • Breach of Terms by Customer: If a customer violates our Terms of Service, including engaging in fraudulent activities, they will not be eligible for a refund.
  • Unpaid Customs Duties on Physical Prizes: If you win a physical prize that requires customs clearance and fail to pay the required duties, resulting in confiscation or return, no refund or replacement will be provided.

5. Refund Request Process

If you believe you are eligible for a refund under this policy, please follow these steps:

a. Submit a Refund Request

  • Email our customer support team at hello@thriftcompetitions.com with the subject line: Refund Request – [Your Order Number].
  • Include your full name, email address, order details, and the reason for your refund request.

b. Verification Process

  • Our team will review your request within 1-2 business days and may request additional information if needed.
  • If a refund is approved, we will process it within 1-2 business days from the date of approval.

c. Refund Method

  • Refunds will be issued to the original payment method used for the purchase.
  • Please allow additional processing time for your bank or payment provider to reflect the refund in your account.

Failed Payment Resolution

If a payment fails but has been charged to your account, please contact hello@thriftcompetitions.com for resolution. Refunds for failed payments will be processed within 5 business days.

6. Chargeback & Payment Dispute Policy

We take chargeback fraud seriously. If you attempt to bypass this Refund Policy by filing an unjustified chargeback with your bank or payment provider, we reserve the right to:

  • Permanently ban you from entering future competitions.
  • Pursue legal action to recover lost fees, where applicable.
  • Report chargeback abuse to relevant authorities.

If you believe a chargeback was filed in error, please contact us immediately to resolve the issue.

7. Skill-Based Competitions & Compliance with the UK Gambling Act 2005

Under the UK Gambling Act 2005, prize competitions must involve an element of skill, knowledge, or judgment to distinguish them from games of chance.

By purchasing a competition ticket, you acknowledge that:

  • The competition requires skill and is not a game of chance.
  • You understand and accept the competition rules as outlined in the Terms of Service.
  • Entry fees are non-refundable unless a valid refund reason applies under this policy.

8. Return Policy (For Physical Prizes Only)

If you receive a physical prize as part of a competition and it is defective or damaged upon arrival, you may be eligible for a replacement or repair. Refunds are not provided for physical prizes, but we will work with you to resolve any issues.

Eligibility for Returns on Prizes

  • The prize must be reported as defective within 7 days of receipt.
  • Returns must include the original item and any accompanying documentation.
  • Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless otherwise specified.

To initiate a return for a defective prize, contact us at hello@thriftcompetitions.com.

9. Who Covers Return Shipping?

  • Customers are responsible for return shipping costs.
  • In some cases, a prepaid shipping label may be provided at our discretion.

10. Customer Support Contact Information

For any refund-related inquiries, please contact our support team:

Our team is available to assist you with any concerns regarding refunds and competition entries.