Disabling an ebook once someone asks for a refund?

[Alan Petersen]

I have a question on how to handle refunds on an ebook. I'm getting ready to have my first ebook, format is PDF. I'll offer a money back gurantee so if someone asks for a refund what happens to the ebook? They shouldn't be able to keep it should they? I know about services to lock down digital products and such, how does that work?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[americanwahm]

I've only ever delivered a simple PDF and Mp3 file so once the customer has it - it's in their hands and out of mine. Fortunately I've only had a couple of refund requests all these years now.

Since I haven't ever looked deeply into a secured system I can't give you much advice - but I would encourage you to focus on keeping things simple and accessible for your happy customers and worry less about the potentially unhappy ones.

Perhaps someone else will have a solution for you though

[theuniek1]

There's no way to actually disable an ebook once a refund is given unless you use a third party service. (Or set up a verification system on your own server, which could be a serious pain in the butt.)

Like Kelly says, once someone has your product, they have your product.

Depending on the product, a third party service may be worthwhile, however, if it's not a high ticket item, then the service may not be feasible.

~ Teli

[Jim Guinn]

Google "White Knight Protector". You will be able to disable if a refund is given and disable if anyone tries to sell to others illegally.

BTW...You can't buy it directly. You have to go through a third party distributor. However, it will do exactly what you are looking for.

Jim

[Johnny]

To implement this type of solution, a central authorization is required. So to say, whenever the ebook is opened, it will need to connect to the internet to check for access.

The technology is there, the solution is there.

The problem is, as a user. I found it troublesome.

You will have to weight the pros and cons.

If the item is not too expensive, just let it be
Maybe, once a while (during the refund period), send them some goodie, and inform them more goodie is on the way. Might reduce the refund rate.

[Alan Petersen]

Thanks everyone. I'll just let it be. If someone asks for a refund so they can use the info on the ebook for free, I'll let karma do it's thing and I won't worry about it. The other solutions seem a lot of effort and extra cost that isn't worth it for me at this time.

[kiatlc]

What is the title of yr book? What is it abt?

[eBookWriter]

I've seen people offer their guarantee and say, if you're not happy you can have your money back, PLUS you can keep the ebook -- or software, whatever. They know there's no guarantee anyone's going to delete the copy from their computer, so they make it easy on themselves. Just give permission to keep!

Others simply state since nothing can actually be returned, I hope you'll understand no refunds will be given. Booklocker.com has this policy, or used to. I use this policy, too. I'm torn between wanting to be fair to my buyers, but avoid being ripped off myself. I've also seen some of the internet experts use this policy, stating, at this low price I won't be giving any refunds . . . Just be upfront about it.

I'd also say, it depends on what you're selling. If it's a high priced product you're saying will change my life in a huge way in 3 hours, then there ought to be a refund in it if nothing's different in three hours! A big exaggeration here, but you get the point.

As almost everyone says, though, not that many people ask for refunds. I've bought a few things that weren't as wonderful as they were hyped up to be. Keep them around as lessons on how not to do a report on whatever subject it was on!

Anita