Can I do a chargeback

[myusername]

I had previously (like a year and a half ago) downloaded a trial copy of digital media recovery software (for when your compact flash poops out). At the time, I determined it worked, but before I paid for it (it puts "banners" on the recovered images), I thought I'd give scandisk a go, and scandisk recovered the files. Obviously I didn't need to purchase the software at that point, so I didn't.

Flash forward to yesterday, and I had a bad card. I figured I'd give the software a try, and it recovered images from the card (with banner). Seeing it worked, I ordered the software online and downloaded the most recent version.

The most recent version DOES NOT RECOVER the files.

The software company states that since you have the opportunity to evaluate the software, they don't issue refunds. My feeling is that if they cannot provide a software solution, they WILL be issuing a refund, and if they don't issue a refund, I will do a chargeback.

These people are slow to respond and do not have a phone #, so it may take a few days to hammer out the final result, but I figured I'd get AT's credit and software experts to comment on my predicament.

One problem I forsee is that the purchase was through an internet merchant, not directly through the software company. I don't want to punish the merchant for the fault of the software company... assuming this cannot be resolved amicably, should I contact them [the merchant]and ask them how to proceed?

 

[Darkstar757]

cHARGE THEM BACK!

 

[boggsie]

Tough call ... try shareware, it works - purchase and download more recent version, it doesn't work.

I would first work with the original company to see if you can get a licensed copy of the initial version, which could recover the files. As you are working through this, contact the intermediate vendor that processed the transaction to get their opinion - clearly indicate that you are working with the company, but want to understand the intermediate companies position, should you not be able to come to a workable solution, with the software vendor.

Keep detailed logs of communications via telephone and email so that you can provide it to your Credit Card vendor, in the event that they end up being your last resort solution.

 

[FoBoT]

actually , you don't decide if a chargeback occurs.

you can dispute anything you want with your CC company, but the CC company determines if they do the chargeback after they investigate. if the software company has a published policy of no refunds, i don't think the CC company will do it. but it won't hurt to try, it isn't like it will cost you anything to dispute the charge


good luck

 

[EvilPaper]

How much money exactly are you talking about? If you have tried working with the merchant to get a refund and haven't been getting anywhere, I would just file a dispute.