How long are you in 'danger' of losing your profits to a refund?

30 to 60 days is the most common time frame. Some people like Rikki_Fawkes mentioned will have it written down on a calendar to the day they are going to return it and never really meant to keep it.

At 90 days I can see why that would be more appealing to some... by that time, even if they decided to return it or never even meant to keep it they will have hopefully forgotten all about the return. It also makes it easier for people to purchase a product because it makes them feel more relaxed about spending their money.

In the end though, it's inevitable. It's going to happen. It's not pleasant, but it happens.

I know that some people are gonna try and play the system and some are grumblers.

I don't know too much about IM yet but one thing I do think I know pretty well is human nature. As such I also know how lazy most ppl are and so even if they wanted to get a refund then they would likely put it off and put it off and end up not bothering.

So I'd guess sure you get some slippage but I imagine the majority would not do a refund. I guess you wanna get enough sales to accommodate for some refunds as business expenses or whatever the proper business term you call it is. Of course this is my ivory tower philosophizing and not based on any evidence, at least not in the IM sphere.

I do know some IM techniques ppl use in a specific niche where they state very clearly their money back guarantee yet if the customer does try they make it distinctly difficult for them to actually get their money back. From what I've been told from ex customers they make them jump through loads of hoops presumably in the hopes that most will give up the chase before getting their refund.

Deertrail your double money back guarantee, with all due respect, sounds like a dumb idea . What's to stop someone from buying up every book you had then getting an immediate refund. Unless I miss something one could effectively double their money for very little effort, at your expense.

Income is the amount you receive. Profits are the amount you get to keep after expenses, returns and taxes. You don't lose "profits" when you make a refund, it's part of the cost of doing business.

The Internet is a great way to make money, but it has these perpetual drawbacks. Once someone has downloaded the software/information product, they continue to get the full benefit of it for free when they get a refund. It's not like they can send it back. That aspect is galling, especially as the number of rip-off artists continues to climb. Some people think everything on the Internet ought to be free.

The problem is compounded because Credit Card companies will do a refund even if you have a "no return" policy.

There are some software programs where you can "wrap" your software/information product and disable it after a refund. It's somewhat expensive and a hassle, but you may want to look into it.

The best insurance against refunds, IMO, if offering a high quality product at a fair price. That won't stop the rip-off artists, but it may help stop others from seeking a refund. If people believe they got value for money (no matter what the price), they are less likely to want a refund.