Legal

Refund Policy

On this page

In a nutshell In a nutshell In a nutshell In a nutshell In a nutshell

Introduction

The purpose of this refund policy is to clearly outline how refunds are handled for subscriptions made through PolicyCON. Our goal is to ensure fairness for all parties involved — subscribers, analysts, and PolicyCON. We aim to comply fully with the UK Consumer Contracts Regulations, ensuring transparency and protecting the rights of consumers while maintaining fairness in the revenue-sharing model with our analysts.
This policy applies to all subscriptions offered by analysts on the PolicyCON platform, including monthly, quarterly, and annual subscriptions, and highlights the processes and timeframes for requesting refunds, trial period provisions, and the handling of funds via Stripe, our payment processor.
Refund Eligibility and Requests
Refund Eligibility

Refunds may be requested within 15 days from the date of subscription purchase. This applies to all subscription types (monthly, quarterly, and annual). PolicyCON and its analysts are committed to delivering high-quality policy analysis, but we also recognise that certain situations may warrant a refund.
Refunds will not be available for any subscription periods that have been fully utilised, including where an annual subscription has been used for a full year.
Trial Period

Each analyst may offer a trial period for their subscription services. The length of this trial period is determined by the analyst, with a maximum limit of 15 days. During this trial period, the subscriber may cancel and request a refund. If a refund is requested during the trial period, the subscriber will not be charged, and the full amount will be refunded.
How to Request a Refund

To request a refund, the subscriber must submit a request through the PolicyCON platform under their account settings or by contacting PolicyCON’s support team. Refund requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria outlined above.
Subscription Types and Refund Treatment

This section will detail how PolicyCON handles refunds based on the subscription type chosen by the subscriber. Each subscription type offers different timeframes and conditions for refunds, ensuring fairness for both the subscriber and the analysts on our platform. The treatment of each subscription is guided by the UK Consumer Contracts Regulations, ensuring compliance and transparency. While we highlight the common subscription types below (monthly, quarterly, and annual), analysts are encouraged to design their own subscription packages tailored to their content and audience. However, the refund treatment will remain the same for all packages, with the least subscription duration being the monthly subscription. Weekly or daily subscriptions are not permitted on the platform.
Monthly Subscriptions

A monthly subscription grants the subscriber access to content provided by the analyst for one month. This type of subscription is automatically renewed unless cancelled by the subscriber.
Refund Treatment:

Refunds for monthly subscriptions can be requested within the first 15 days from the date of the first subscription. If a refund is requested within this period and approved, the refund will be issued in full. After the 15-day period, no refunds will be processed, but the subscriber will maintain access to the content for the remainder of the month. This 15-day refundable period would not apply if you re-subscribe to the analyst, you previously unsubscribed from.
Quarterly Subscriptions

A quarterly subscription allows access to content for a three-month period. Like the monthly subscription, it is automatically renewed unless cancelled.
Refund Treatment: Refunds for quarterly subscriptions can be requested within the first 15 days of the subscription period. If a refund is requested and approved, it will be paid in full. After the 15-day period, the subscription will continue for the full quarter, and no further refunds will be issued. This 15-day refundable period would not apply if you re-subscribe to the analyst you previously unsubscribed from.
Annual Subscriptions

An annual subscription grants access for a full year, typically at a discounted rate compared to monthly or quarterly options. This subscription automatically renews at the end of the year unless cancelled.
Refund Treatment:

Refunds for annual subscriptions can be requested within the first 14 days of the subscription start date. If a refund is requested and approved, it will be paid in full. After the 15-day period, no refunds will be processed, but the subscriber will continue to have full access to the content for the remainder of the year. This 15-day refundable period would not apply if you resubscribe to the analyst you previously unsubscribed from.
Handling Refunds

Refunds for all subscription types are processed through Stripe, our payment provider, which ensures that funds are properly distributed between PolicyCON and the analyst. Funds are held in a Stripe-managed escrow, ensuring that neither PolicyCON nor the analyst holds any payments prematurely. This process allows us to quickly process refunds when necessary while maintaining financial fairness and transparency for all parties involved. Deductions like Taxes and payment processing fees by stripe are non-refundable. Read more about the refund guidance by stripe on Fees for refunded payments and understanding refund status
Refund Process and Timing

This section outlines the procedure for requesting a refund, how the refund will be processed, and the timeframes involved. It ensures that subscribers and analysts are informed about the necessary steps to follow when requesting a refund and clarifies the roles of PolicyCON, the analyst, and Stripe in handling the refund process.
Refund Request Submission:

Subscribers may request refunds through their PolicyCON accounts by accessing the My Subscriptions section and clicking on the Request Refund button next to the relevant subscription. Refund requests must be submitted within the defined cooling-off period or under the agreed refund policy of the analyst.
Evaluation and Approval:

Once a refund request is submitted:
Refund Timeframes:

The timing for refunds will depend on when the request was submitted and the approval process:
Refund for Trial Periods:

Subscribers who cancel within the trial period (if provided by the analyst) will not be charged, and no refund will be necessary.
Refund Exceptions:

If a subscriber requests multiple refunds within a short period (for example, three refunds in six months), PolicyCON reserves the right to investigate and potentially restrict the subscriber from making future purchases on the platform.
Timeline for Refund Processing:

This section ensures transparency and clear communication on the refund process, promoting trust and fairness for both the analysts and subscribers on the PolicyCON platform.
Analyst Notification: The analyst whose subscription is being refunded will be notified immediately to review the request. Analysts must either approve or contest the request within seven days.
PolicyCON Moderation: If contested, PolicyCON will act as a mediator, reviewing the justification provided by both the subscriber and the analyst to determine the outcome.
Stripe Processing: Once the refund request is approved, Stripe, our payment processor, will automatically initiate the refund process.
Monthly Subscriptions: Approved refunds will be processed for the current month's payment if the request is made within the 14-day cooling-off period. No refund will be provided for the previous months.
Quarterly and Annual Subscriptions: The refund amount will be calculated based on the months remaining in the subscription term. Only unused months will be refunded after deducting the amount for the used period. Stripe will process refunds within 5-10 business days following approval.
Upon approval by the analyst or PolicyCON, the refund will be initiated within 2 business days.
Stripe will process the refund within 5-10 business days, depending on the payment method and bank processing times.
Analyst Payment Terms

This section will outline how analysts on PolicyCON are paid for their subscription revenue, detailing the payment schedule, the revenue-sharing model, and the mechanisms that ensure transparency and fairness in revenue distribution. Analysts will be informed of how and when they will receive their payments and any deductions (e.g., PolicyCON's revenue share and Stripe fees) before they receive their final payout. The process of managing payment disputes and how refunds impact analyst payments will also be addressed.
Revenue Sharing Model:

PolicyCON operates a revenue-sharing model where analysts receive 80% of the subscription fee, while PolicyCON retains 20% as a service fee. This arrangement applies to all types of subscriptions (monthly, quarterly, and annually), ensuring transparency and a fair share of revenue distribution.
Payment Schedule:

Deductions:

Before payments are transferred to analysts, the following deductions apply:
Refunds and Impact on Payments:

If a refund request is approved within the 15-day cooling-off period, the corresponding monthly share will not be transferred to the analyst. For longer-term subscriptions, only the unused portion of the subscription will be refunded, ensuring that analysts retain the earnings for the services already provided.
Payment Processing and Payout:

Payments to analysts are processed through Stripe, which manages the collection and distribution of subscription fees. Analysts are required to set up a Stripe account linked to their PolicyCON profile to receive payments seamlessly. Payments are typically disbursed within 5 business days after the end of the monthly billing cycle.
Dispute Resolution:

In case of payment disputes, analysts can raise a claim through PolicyCON’s Payment Dispute Resolution Portal. PolicyCON will review the issue, and if the dispute is deemed valid, corrections will be made in the next billing cycle.
This section ensures that both analysts and PolicyCON are fully informed about the payment terms and mechanisms, fostering trust and transparency in financial transactions on the platform.
Monthly Subscriptions: Analysts will receive payments from monthly subscriptions at the end of each month.
Quarterly and Annual Subscriptions: For longer-term subscriptions, revenue is distributed in monthly instalments throughout the subscription period. For instance, if a subscriber chooses an annual subscription, the total amount is divided into 12 monthly payments, and analysts receive payments monthly for that period.
PolicyCON Revenue Share: 20% of the subscription fee is retained by PolicyCON.
Stripe Processing Fees: Payment processor Stripe charges a transaction fee, which is deducted from the gross subscription fee. The remaining amount, after these deductions, is paid to the analyst.
No Refund for Subscriptions After 15-Day Window

This section will define the rules and rationale for not offering refunds after the 15-day cooling-off period, ensuring that both subscribers and analysts understand the fairness and limitations involved in this policy. The section will outline how subscribers can engage with the content they have paid for, even if they decide to cancel after the 15-day window, and how PolicyCON's subscription model supports both parties.
Cooling-Off Period:

In accordance with UK Consumer Contracts Regulations, subscribers have the right to a 14-day cooling-off period, during which they can cancel their subscription and receive a full refund. PolicyCON has extended this window by an additional day, offering a 15-day cooling-off period to allow users more flexibility to explore the platform and decide whether to continue with the service.
Post 15-Day Refund Policy:

Rationale for the Policy:

Cancelled Subscriptions:

Once a subscription is cancelled, subscribers will not be automatically renewed for the next billing cycle. However, they can still access all the content provided by the analyst up until the end of the current billing cycle.
No Refund After 15 Days: Once the 15-day cooling-off period has passed, subscribers are no longer eligible for a refund, even if they cancel their subscription. This applies to all subscription types, whether monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Access to Content: Even if a subscription is cancelled after the 15-day window, subscribers will continue to have access to the content for the remainder of the billing cycle. For example, if a monthly subscription is cancelled after 20 days, the subscriber will still have access until the end of the paid month but will not be charged for the next cycle.
Fairness to Analysts: Since analysts dedicate significant time and resources to providing policy analysis, it is only fair that they are compensated for their work. Offering refunds after the cooling-off period would undermine their efforts and cause disruption to their revenue stream.
Protecting Subscriber Experience: By providing a 15-day cooling-off period, PolicyCON ensures that subscribers have enough time to evaluate the service and its value. After this period, it is assumed that subscribers have received value from the service, and refunds are no longer appropriate.
Rationale and Benefits of the Refund Structure

This section will explain the reasoning behind PolicyCON's refund structure and highlight the benefits it brings to both analysts and subscribers. The focus will be on creating a fair and transparent system that protects the interests of all parties while adhering to UK Consumer Contract Regulations. The structure will also promote trust in PolicyCON as a reliable subscription-based platform.
Rationale:

The approach also supports PolicyCON's revenue-share model, ensuring analysts are fairly compensated for their work without the risk of refunds impacting their earnings once the 15-day window closes. It also acknowledges that subscription-based services thrive on the continuous and reliable participation of both analysts and subscribers.
Key Benefits:

Long-Term Impact:

The structured approach to refunds ensures that PolicyCON can offer a flexible yet fair subscription service to both parties while protecting the financial integrity of the platform. By proactively preventing potential disputes over payments, it fosters a positive user experience that strengthens trust and encourages continued growth for the platform.
This approach also future-proofs PolicyCON by aligning with strict UK Consumer Contract Regulations and offering a scalable model for managing refunds that can adapt to the platform's growth.
For any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us here.
Clarity and Transparency: The refund structure clearly defines when and under what conditions a refund is possible, fostering trust among subscribers and ensuring that analysts know the boundaries of subscription terms. Both parties are informed upfront, reducing the risk of misunderstandings.
Flexibility for Subscribers: Offering a 15-day cooling-off period provides flexibility to subscribers who want to try out the platform before fully committing. This extension beyond the UK standard 14-day period gives users a bit more room to experience the service and make an informed decision.
Protecting Analysts' Earnings: For analysts, the refund structure is designed to ensure that after the initial 15-day period, their earnings are secure. This prevents disruption to their income streams, particularly for those offering yearly subscriptions. By distributing payments monthly, analysts receive consistent and predictable income without worrying about large-scale refunds after the cooling-off period.
Sustainability for PolicyCON: By structuring refunds in a way that aligns with the UK Consumer Contract Regulations, PolicyCON creates a sustainable system that ensures compliance while minimising the operational risk associated with frequent refund requests. It ensures that refunds do not negatively impact the financial health of the platform or its user base.
Enhancing Subscriber-Analyst Relationship: The structure promotes a healthy relationship between analysts and subscribers, where subscribers are encouraged to continue engaging with the content throughout the subscription period, even if they choose to cancel. This provides an incentive for subscribers to remain involved until the end of their subscription term, which helps analysts build a loyal audience.

In a nutshell

If you need a refund, you can request one within 15 days of buying any subscription, whether it’s monthly, quarterly, or annual. However, if you’ve already fully used a subscription, like finishing a whole year of an annual plan, a refund won’t be available. Some analysts also offer a trial period, which can last up to 15 days. During that time, if you cancel, you’ll get a full refund and won’t be charged. To request a refund, you can do it through your account settings or by reaching out to PolicyCON’s support team. Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

In a nutshell

To request a refund, go to your PolicyCON account, find the relevant subscription in "My Subscriptions," and click "Request Refund." The analyst will review it within 7 days. If there's a dispute, PolicyCON will mediate. Once approved, Stripe processes the refund, which takes 5-10 business days. Refunds for monthly plans cover only the current month if requested within the 15-day window. For quarterly or annual plans, you’ll be refunded for any unused months. If you cancel during a trial, no charges or refunds apply. Multiple refund requests within a short time may result in restrictions.

In a nutshell

Analysts on PolicyCON earn 80% of subscription fees, with PolicyCON retaining 20% as a service fee. Payments are processed monthly, whether the subscription is monthly, quarterly, or annual, with long-term subscriptions paid out in monthly instalments. Before analysts are paid, Stripe’s processing fees and PolicyCON’s 20% cut are deducted. Refunds affect payments, meaning analysts won’t receive payment for refunded months, but they keep earnings for services already delivered.Payments are handled via Stripe, and typically disbursed within 5 business days after the monthly billing cycle. Payment disputes can be resolved through PolicyCON’s Payment Dispute Portal.

In a nutshell

After the 15-day cooling-off period, PolicyCON doesn’t offer refunds for any subscriptions. This gives users ample time to explore the platform while ensuring fairness to the analysts, who rely on consistent revenue for their work. If you cancel after 15 days, you’ll still have access to the content for the rest of the paid billing cycle, but you won’t be charged for the next one. The 15-day policy balances giving subscribers enough time to evaluate the service with protecting analysts’ compensation for their efforts.

In a nutshell

PolicyCON’s refund policy is designed to be fair for both subscribers and analysts. You get 15 days to try the platform and request a refund if needed. After that, no refunds are available, ensuring analysts are fairly compensated for their work. This setup is clear, transparent, and protects analysts’ income while giving subscribers flexibility. It also complies with UK regulations, helping to create a balanced and trustworthy experience for everyone.