Skip to main content

​
Understanding Disputes

Disputes are a normal part of online payments — they happen when a guest contacts their bank to question a charge.
At Bubbl, we do everything possible to prevent disputes before they even start, through best practices across our payment flow: clear statement descriptors, transparent non-refundable terms, and verified ticket scan data.
As a result, disputes are rare — and when they do happen, you stay in control, and we handle the heavy lifting for you.
Our goal: make disputes rare, easy, and fair — so you can focus on your events while Bubbl manages the technical side with Stripe.

​
Overview

A dispute (also called a chargeback) occurs when a guest’s bank temporarily reverses a charge while reviewing the transaction. This is standard in online payments and affects every platform that uses cards. Common reasons include:
  • The attendee doesn’t recognize the charge.
  • The card was used without authorization.
  • The event was canceled or not as described.
  • The attendee went to their bank instead of contacting support.
When a dispute is filed, the funds are temporarily pulled back by the bank until a decision is made.

​
How Bubbl Helps

Bubbl gives you full visibility and control over all disputes, while handling the complex parts with Stripe.
  • Automatic alerts: You’ll be notified whenever a dispute is opened.
  • Dashboard tracking: View all open and past disputes from your Finance page.
  • Evidence handling: If you choose to contest a dispute, Bubbl prepares and submits all supporting evidence — receipts, payment data, ticket scans, and proof of entry — directly to Stripe.
  • Guidance: We can help you decide whether to fight or accept based on Stripe’s estimated win-likelihood, dispute reason, and the associated fee.
You decide whether to fight.
Once you choose to contest, Bubbl handles the submission process fully for you.

​
Fees & Outcomes

Dispute Fee: Stripe charges a $15 dispute fee for every dispute created, regardless of the outcome. Fighting Fee: Stripe also charges a $15 fighting fee if you choose to contest (fight) the dispute. This fee is refunded if the dispute if fought and won.

​
Possible Outcomes

  • Won:
    The bank rules in your favor. The funds are returned automatically, and Bubbl reimburses the $15 fighting fee.
  • Lost:
    The bank sides with the attendee. The disputed amount and $15 fee are deducted from your Bubbl balance (or linked payout method if the balance is insufficient).
  • Accepted:
    If you choose not to fight, the customer’s refund becomes permanent and no further action is needed.
Tip: We’re happy to advise on when it makes sense to fight — often based on event attendance, scan proof, and likelihood of success.

​
Regional Handling

​
US Organizers

  • Stripe automatically adjusts your Bubbl balance when a dispute is won or lost.
  • Funds from successful disputes return automatically.

​
International Organizers

  • Stripe does not yet support automatic deductions for non-US accounts.
  • Bubbl manages this manually through one of two methods:
    1. Invoice: Issued for any lost disputes, payable within 7 days.
    2. Card on File: Automatically charged at the end of the month.
Important: Unpaid invoices may temporarily pause payouts until resolved.

​
Preventing Disputes

Most disputes are prevented by Bubbl’s built-in systems — but a few best practices go even further:
  1. Keep event info, refund, and cancellation policies clear.
  2. Respond quickly when attendees reach out.
  3. Communicate any major event changes clearly.
Reminder: Most disputes come from confusion — Bubbl’s tools and your transparency keep that to a minimum.

​
Summary

Disputes are rare but normal. Bubbl ensures they’re handled proactively, transparently, and on your terms. You’ll always:
  • Benefit from built-in prevention systems.
  • Be notified immediately of any new dispute.
  • Choose whether to fight — and if you do, Bubbl handles the rest.
  • See every outcome clearly in your dashboard.
Bubbl’s systems, receipts, and scan records are built to minimize disputes — and win them when you choose to fight.