> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bubbl.so/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Disputes

# 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.**

<Info>
  **Our goal:** make disputes rare, easy, and fair — so you can focus on your events while Bubbl manages the technical side with Stripe.
</Info>

## 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.

<Info>
  **You decide whether to fight.**\
  Once you choose to contest, Bubbl handles the submission process fully for you.
</Info>

***

## 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.

<Info>
  **Tip:** We’re happy to advise on when it makes sense to fight — often based on event attendance, scan proof, and likelihood of success.
</Info>

***

## 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.

<Info>
  **Important:** Unpaid invoices may temporarily pause payouts until resolved.
</Info>

***

## 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.

<Info>
  **Reminder:** Most disputes come from confusion — Bubbl’s tools and your transparency keep that to a minimum.
</Info>

***

## 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.**