Shopify Payments Disputes

Shopify Chargeback Evidence: What to Submit and How to Win

When a customer disputes a charge through Shopify Payments, you need structured evidence that addresses the specific reason code. Here is what to submit and how to format it.

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What Shopify Payments Requires

Shopify Payments forwards your evidence to the card network (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). The card network — not Shopify — makes the final decision.

Evidence TypeWhat It ProvesPriority
Shipping & TrackingOrder was shipped and delivered to the customerCritical
Customer CommunicationBuyer acknowledged order, delivery, or satisfactionCritical
Billing Statement DescriptorCharge description matches what customer expectedHigh
Refund/Cancellation PolicyCustomer agreed to store policies at checkoutHigh
Order ConfirmationCustomer received confirmation of their purchaseHigh
Product DescriptionItem delivered matches the product listingHigh
Customer IP & GeolocationPurchase originated from customer locationMedium
Previous Order HistoryCustomer has a pattern of legitimate purchasesMedium

Shopify Dispute Categories

Each category requires a different evidence strategy.

Fraudulent

Cardholder claims they did not authorize the charge.

Key: AVS/CVV match, IP geolocation, and prior purchase history are your strongest evidence. Shopify Payments records these automatically.

  • AVS/CVV verification records
  • IP address and device fingerprint
  • Delivery confirmation to billing address
  • Prior successful orders from same customer

Product Not Received

Customer claims the order was never delivered.

Key: Tracking with delivery confirmation to the shipping address on the order. For orders over $750, signature confirmation.

  • Carrier tracking number with delivery status
  • Delivery confirmation with date and address
  • Shipping notification email sent to customer
  • Proof of fulfillment from Shopify admin

Product Unacceptable

Customer claims the product was defective or not as described.

Key: Original product listing, customer communication, and your return/refund policy are critical.

  • Product listing screenshots with description and images
  • Return/refund policy shown at checkout
  • Customer communication before and after delivery
  • Proof of any replacement or partial refund offered

Subscription Cancelled

Customer claims they cancelled a recurring subscription.

Key: Proof that no cancellation request was received and the customer continued using the service after the charge.

  • Subscription terms accepted at signup
  • Cancellation policy with instructions
  • Login/usage logs after the charge date
  • No cancellation request on file

Step by Step: How to Respond

01

Review the dispute in Shopify admin

Navigate to Orders, find the disputed order, and review the chargeback details. Shopify shows the reason code, amount, and response deadline.

02

Understand inquiry vs chargeback

An inquiry is a pre-chargeback information request. Responding to inquiries can prevent chargebacks entirely. A chargeback is a formal dispute with funds already debited.

03

Gather evidence from Shopify

Shopify automatically collects some evidence (AVS/CVV results, IP address, order timeline). Supplement this with shipping proof, customer emails, and policy screenshots.

04

Build your evidence pack

Organize all evidence into a structured response. ChargebackKit formats this for the specific dispute type and card network reviewing your case.

05

Submit your response

Upload your evidence pack through the Shopify admin dispute response form. Add a clear, concise rebuttal statement. Shopify forwards this to the card network.

Respond to inquiries immediately

Shopify Payments sends inquiry notifications before some chargebacks. Responding to an inquiry with strong evidence can prevent the dispute from escalating to a chargeback entirely. Treat every inquiry as urgent — you have the same 7-day response window.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to respond to a Shopify chargeback?
Shopify gives you 7 calendar days to submit evidence after a chargeback notification. The underlying card network deadline is longer (Visa 30 days, Mastercard 45 days), but Shopify needs time to process and forward your response.
What is the difference between a Shopify inquiry and a chargeback?
An inquiry (also called a retrieval request) is when the issuing bank asks for transaction information before filing a chargeback. Responding to inquiries quickly and thoroughly can prevent the dispute from escalating to a full chargeback. A chargeback is a formal reversal of funds.
Does Shopify automatically submit evidence?
Shopify Payments automatically includes some data in your response (AVS/CVV results, order details, customer IP). However, you must manually add shipping proof, customer communication, refund policies, and any other supporting evidence through the admin interface.
What is the Shopify chargeback fee?
Shopify charges a $15 USD chargeback fee when a dispute is filed (this varies by country). The fee is returned if you win the dispute. This is in addition to the disputed transaction amount being held.

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