Refund Policy

Last updated: June 2026

Because Switchboard is a peer-to-peer marketplace, refunds are handled differently depending on which board a transaction occurred on. This policy explains when refunds are available and how to request one.

ToolBoard Rentals

Tool rental payments are authorized when the owner accepts a rental request, but only captured (charged) when the rental is returned and confirmed complete by both parties.

You're eligible for a full refund if:

• The owner cancels the rental before pickup
• You cancel before pickup (authorization is released back to your card within 7 days)
• The tool is materially different from its listing and you decline to take it at pickup

Partial refunds may be granted if:

• The tool fails through no fault of the renter during the rental period
• Documented circumstances prevent a return on schedule and both parties agree

Not eligible for refund:

• Cancellation after pickup
• Buyer's remorse
• The 10% platform fee is non-refundable on captured transactions

TradeBoard Jobs

Job payments are captured immediately when the client approves the bill. Because the contractor's labor has already been performed by that point, refunds are governed by the dispute process.

You're eligible for a refund if:

• Work was not completed as agreed in the bill
• Materials charged for were not delivered or installed
• Fraud is documented

Not eligible for refund:

• Work completed to the agreed specification, even if you change your mind later
• Disagreements about work quality where the contractor offered to correct

CommunityBoard Posting Fees

Posting fees for paid categories (events, services, business listings) are non-refundable once the post is published.

How to Request a Refund

Email [email protected] with:

• Your name and email associated with the account
• The transaction date and amount
• The other party's name (if applicable)
• A clear description of why you're requesting a refund
• Any supporting evidence (photos, chat screenshots)

We respond to refund requests within 2 business days and aim to resolve them within 7 days.

Chargebacks

If you dispute a charge with your bank or card issuer rather than going through this refund process, your Switchboard account may be suspended pending resolution. We strongly prefer working out refund issues directly first.

Stripe and Processing Fees

When a refund is approved, Switchboard reverses the full transaction amount including our platform fee and (where Stripe's rules permit) the Stripe processing fee. In some cases the original Stripe processing fee is not refundable — in those cases the buyer receives the transaction amount minus the original Stripe processing fee.