Valid Reasons Why You Can Refund Apps
“There’s an app for that.” This was a catchphrase years ago that we don’t hear much now. Perhaps because apps are so ubiquitous? Anyway, I recommend a new catchphrase asking, “can you refund apps?”
OK, not a question, but you know what I mean. The average app costs about 50 cents to just under a dollar.
That estimate is just for the apps that we pay for. Over 98% of apps are free. (How many free gaming apps have you ever downloaded?)
However, to inelegantly compare the business model of apps to Xerox copier machines, they hit you in the wallet with the toner.
Free apps usually feature graphics of inferior quality or locked features and/or levels of play, like in games.
Instead of toner, this fact requires you to continually pay for new features.
A free app can end up costing you hundreds and thousands of dollars in the long-term. Especially if you let your kids download them unsupervised. (More on that later.)
Apps are addictive, irresistible to gadget fans and children, and are here to stay.
So, can you refund apps? Not enough people ask this question.
The answer is complicated, but can be best summed up as, “it depends.” To appreciate why refunding an app isn’t always easy, let examine the app business a bit.
There’s a Big Business Model for that App
Most people can’t live without smartphones. The companies who create apps know that.
There are almost 3 billion smart devices on Earth. Many people spend over 90% of the time on their devices using apps.
Over 50% of people open 11 apps, or more, on their devices daily.
Meanwhile, the Apple App Store and Google Play have distributed over 6 million of the current apps in existence. (Not including the other app makers, just these two companies!)
The app industry will profit around $190 billion by 2020. People seem too concerned with downloading apps to think about refunds.
So, can you refund apps? It depends on the app maker’s policies. Your best chance is if your kid buys apps unsupervised.
Possible Conditions for App Refunds
In 2017, Amazon was forced by the Federal Trade Commission to refund $70 million to app consumers whose children purchased apps without their permission.
Facebook was embroiled in a California class-action lawsuit for the same reason. Now, Facebook allows requests for app refunds.
Unless the app was mistakenly purchased you can only receive a refund according to the app maker’s transaction policies. Some app makers won’t allow refunds under any circumstances.
Here are some examples.
Origin
If you open the app then you have 24-hours from purchase to get a refund. Unopened apps are refundable a week after purchase.
Apple’s App and Mac App Store
Send a request and state specifically that the app isn’t working to get a refund.
Steam
If you bought the app within two weeks of refund request, and used it less than 2-hours, you’ll get a refund.
Google Play
Request an app refund within two hours of purchase. You’ll get the refund no questions asked. No guarantee with a request two hours after purchase.
These app makers won’t offer refunds for any reason:
- Amazon App Store
- Xbox Games (Microsoft Store)
- Nintendo eShop
- Sony PlayStation
- UbiSoft Upplay
Read the Fine Print
You can’t fight City Hall and you can’t fight with the purchase terms of app makers. Read the fine print before purchase.
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Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business