Interpodia proudly launched the option of upgrading refund terms to the checkout process for all platform users (CCN, 2M, HorseReg, SnowReg, IceReg, H2OReg, Playerweb, CheerReg, GymReg) in January of 2021. This feature was welcomed with open arms from organizations and end-users alike, and the uptake was massive! Let’s take a look at why registrants love the opportunity to upgrade their refund terms, and the end results we have seen for our organizers.
Although restrictions around sport are (almost) back to normal, consumers in some sports are still hesitant about making plans or registering for events. In our recent survey, we found that 40% of sport organizations are expecting registration to remain the same or decrease in 2022 from 2021. Additionally, many organizations and events do not have the resources or ability to offer a refund policy, or their refund policies don’t cover all scenarios (like Covid 19 infection or isolation). Which may be further affecting registration numbers and revenue. This is why we chose to integrate our technology with a third party to offer all participants the option to purchase upgraded refund terms in case of unforeseen circumstances.
How Does it Work?
This new feature works similarly to how one can purchase refundable booking for a flight or concert. If your participant chooses to purchase upgraded refund terms during registration, this will allow them to apply for a 100% refund should they not be able to attend due to an unforeseen and/or emergency circumstance. It is also important to note that your organization still retains the full registration or membership dues, but the purchaser also gets a full 100% refund through our partner.
Benefits for Membership Organizations, Sport Clubs and Events
Purchaser Confidence: Participants and Members feel more confident about their purchase and experience reduced anxiety when registering for your event, club, activity or annual membership/license.
Reduce Refund Exposure: Offering this service can shelter administrators from customer pressure that can occur when you offer a no-refund policy or a refund policy that doesn’t cover all the unforeseen circumstances, like COVID 19.
Reduced Administration Time: Sport administrators save substantial time as the number of refunds go down. They also have to deal with fewer chargebacks, as the purchaser declined a refundable booking option in advance.
No Cost to Organization: This new feature comes at no extra cost to the organization. The participants pay for the optional refundable booking, which is handled by a third-party that offers this services all around the world.
FAQ’s for Registrants
Here are some FAQ’s that will address the common remaining questions you may have.
What is Considered an Emergency or Unforeseen Circumstance?
The Refundable Terms include many circumstances that may prevent you from attending your booking, including (but not limited to):
COVID 19 infection or isolation.
Illness / Injury
Pre-existing Medical Condition
Pregnancy Complication
Death of Immediate Family Member
Public Transport Failure
Scheduled Airline Failure
Mechanical Breakdown
Jury Service/Court Summons
Home Emergency
Armed Forces & Emergency Services Recall
Adverse Weather
Relocated for Work
Theft of Tickets
Changes to Examination Dates
Emergency Circumstances
Please note, the term “emergency circumstances” is designed to include an endless range of situations that you may experience. We have used general terms to ensure these are as broad as possible.
Does the upgraded refunded terms include COVID-19 related circumstances?
Enhances refundable terms include some of the common scenarios relating to Covid-19 including:
- illness (individual contracts covid-19 or someone within their immediate household)
- hospitalization or death of an immediate family member due to covid-19
- a change in pre-existing medical condition that results in a doctor recommending the individual to not attend due to risk of exposure of covid-19
- With the above in mind, the Covid-19 related government travel ban peril has been removed from the Extended Terms. Non-Covid-19 related government travel ban applications will of course remain to be considered in the standard way.
How would I apply for a Refund?
The Refund Application process is very simple; just go to the online form which can be found in your registration confirmation email. This will be auto populated for you with your registration details. It requires you to provide basic information and evidence of your refund reason. All of the info you need can be found in the Terms and Conditions section.
Once validated by our dedicated Refund Team, you will receive the 100% refund directly to your bank account within 72 hours of form submission.
What happens if my circumstance isn’t included in any of the Refundable Terms?
If you feel your circumstance is “unforeseen” and/or an “emergency” but you can’t find it in the refundable terms, then we recommend you still apply through the online Refund Application Form. The circumstance will be considered by our consumer-centric refund team. If it is found that your situation is not classed as an emergency of unforseen, your refund application will likely be denied.
What is excluded from the Refundable Terms?
Any circumstance that is not detailed in the T&Cs and not can be considered an unforeseen and/or emergency circumstance will not be eligible for a refund. We can’t give you a full list of exclusions due to the fact that “emergency circumstances” are considered on a discretionary basis. However, generally “I don’t want to attend/don’t feel like attending” is not a valid reason for refund.
Interested in working with Interpodia? Book a free consultation to get started, we would love to show you what we can do.
