Refund Policy

Overview

This Refund Policy describes how refunds are handled for the professional services provided by Global Data Strategy. It applies to fees paid for strategy, research, advisory, and related Engagements. Specific refund terms agreed in a proposal or written agreement take precedence over this general policy where they differ.

Nature of our services

We deliver services rather than goods. Value is created through analysis, strategy, and execution carried out over the course of an Engagement. Because professional time, once spent, cannot be returned, refunds are considered in relation to the stage of work reached and the deliverables already provided, not on a blanket basis.

Deposits and retainers

Many Engagements begin with a deposit or are billed as a recurring retainer in advance. A deposit secures our commitment and scheduling and is applied against the total fee. Retainer fees pay for capacity reserved and work performed within each service period.

Deposits are generally non-refundable once work has commenced, because they reserve time and resources that would otherwise be allocated elsewhere. Retainer fees for a service period already underway are not refundable, although future periods may be cancelled in line with our Cancellation Policy.

When a refund may be available

We deal with refund requests reasonably and in good faith. A partial or full refund may be considered where:

• Payment was made for work that has not yet started and no resources have been committed;
• A duplicate or incorrect payment was made in error;
• We are unable to deliver an agreed deliverable and no acceptable alternative can be arranged;
• Both parties agree that a refund is the fair resolution of a specific concern.

What is non-refundable

The following are generally not refundable:

• Fees for services already performed or deliverables already provided;
• Time spent on research, analysis, planning, or consultation up to the point of a request;
• Advertising or media spend already placed with third-party platforms on your behalf;
• Third-party costs and subscriptions purchased specifically for your Engagement;
• Deposits where work has commenced or resources have been reserved.

How to request a refund

To request a refund, contact us in writing using the details at the end of this policy. Please include your name, the organization, the Engagement or invoice concerned, and a clear description of the reason for your request. We may ask for additional information to review the request fairly.

We aim to acknowledge refund requests promptly and to provide a decision within a reasonable period after we have the information needed to assess the request.

Processing of approved refunds

Where a refund is approved, it will be issued to the original payment method where possible, or by another agreed method. The time taken for the refunded amount to appear depends on your payment provider and is outside our control. Any refund represents the agreed amount after deducting fees for work performed and non-refundable costs.

Disputed charges

If you believe a charge is incorrect, we ask that you contact us first so we can review it and resolve the matter directly. Raising a dispute with your payment provider before contacting us can delay resolution. We are committed to dealing with billing concerns openly and fairly.

Changes to this policy

We may revise this Refund Policy from time to time. The effective date at the top of this page indicates the latest revision. The policy in force at the time an Engagement begins applies to that Engagement unless both parties agree otherwise in writing.