Klarna

Disputes Evidence Guidelines

Required evidence and response standards for disputes, including documentation requirements, timelines, and best practices to ensure successful resolution and avoid rejection.

When Klarna initiates a dispute with a Merchant, we collect supporting evidence from the customer and share it with you to provide full transparency. As a Merchant, you have the opportunity to respond and present your own evidence to challenge or clarify the dispute. Responding with appropriate and well-documented evidence helps ensure fair outcomes, reduces potential financial loss, and promotes prompt resolution.

Below you will find the evidence Klarna requires from Merchants, organised by dispute reason.

General Evidence Submission Requirements

These requirements apply to all dispute types regardless of reason.

Mandatory

  • Evidence must be directly linked to the disputed Klarna capture
  • Evidence must be legible, complete, and clearly attributable to the transaction
  • Documents must be uploaded in PDF format
  • Each submission must include a clear explanation of how the evidence addresses the customer's claim
  • Evidence must be submitted within the deadline specified by Klarna
  • A short timeline summary outlining key events (order, shipment, return, refund)
  • Clearly labelled files (e.g. Order_Confirmation.pdf, Return_Tracking.pdf)
  • Highlighted or annotated screenshots where relevant

Important

Klarna decisions are based on evidence quality and completeness. If mandatory evidence is missing, unclear, or contradictory, the dispute may be resolved in favor of the customer. Evidence that does not address the customer's specific claim is considered insufficient.

General Rejection Reasons (All Dispute Types)

The following apply across all dispute types and will result in the dispute being resolved in favour of the customer:

  • Evidence submitted is illegible, incomplete, or unrelated to the disputed transaction
  • Merchant response does not directly address the dispute reason
  • Deadline for evidence submission is missed
  • Asking for more time without substantive response
  • Saying a refund will be issued without actually issuing one

Refund Not Processed

Decision focus: Whether the return was received or rejected for a valid reason, and whether return instructions were provided when requested.

Mandatory Evidence

1. Return / Refund Outcome

Required: Merchants must clearly state one of the following outcomes:

OutcomeNotes
Refund acceptedRefund the customer through Klarna
Refund rejectedMust specify reason:
  • Refund already issued for all returned items
  • Deduction fee applied to cover shipping/return cost
  • Customer received an exchange or replacement
  • Returned outside of return policy timeframe
  • Returned items are not eligible for return
  • Customer received a voucher
  • Other (specify in comment section)
Return not receivedIf customer tracking shows delivered, "not received" without explanation is insufficient
Fraudulent return (e.g. empty box, incorrect items)Must be supported by documentation

2. Return Instructions (if applicable)

  • Provide return instructions upon request
  • If the customer is outside the return window, clearly state and evidence this
  • Unless a prepaid label is provided, the return address and process must be published on your website
  • If the customer bears the cost of return, this must be clearly stated on your website

Supported Documentation

  • Warehouse receipt logs
  • Inspection reports
  • Photos of returned package contents
  • Internal case notes confirming rejection reason
  • Evidence supporting a fraudulent return assessment (e.g. empty parcel documentation)
  • Any relevant communication with the customer

Response Template

Use the template below to structure your submission for this dispute type.

Response Template Refund Not Processed
7.9 MB

Common Rejection Reasons

Rejection ReasonDetail
Return status unclear or not statedMerchant does not confirm whether the return was received, rejected, or fraudulently returned
Tracking shows delivered; merchant states "not received" without explanationLack of clarification or supporting documentation for non-receipt
Missing explanation for rejected returnsRejection reason not stated or not supported by evidence
Refund not issued with no valid justificationMerchant does not explain why a refund was withheld
Fraudulent return claimed without proofAllegations such as empty box or wrong items not supported by inspection records, photos, or logs
No proof of return instructions or labelMerchant cannot demonstrate that the customer was given a valid return method or denied for a valid reason
Return instructions request not answeredMerchant responds to a return instructions request by stating "return not received"

Products or Services Not Received

Decision focus: Whether the merchant can prove shipment and delivery in accordance with Klarna's Merchant Protection Program (MPP).

Mandatory Evidence

Proof of Delivery (POD)

  • POD must meet the requirements defined in Klarna's MPP section 1.1 or section 1.3
  • POD must comply with the applicable criteria for the order type and value
  • If separate supporting documentation is provided, all information must be linked to the tracking ID, order ID, or another reference number to confirm it applies to the disputed order

Please note: If POD requirements are not met, the dispute may be decided in favor of the customer regardless of shipment status. A link to online tracking is not sufficient — an attachment must be provided

  • Screenshot from merchant system confirming fulfillment and dispatch
  • Carrier GPS or photo proof (supporting only — cannot replace mandatory POD requirements)
  • Timeline summary: order date → dispatch → tracking updates → confirmed delivery
  • Customer communications confirming delivery or post-delivery contact

Response Template

Use the template below to structure your submission for this dispute type.

Response Template Products Not Received
7.9 MB

Common Rejection Reasons

Rejection ReasonDetail
No valid Proof of Delivery submittedEvidence does not meet MPP requirements, or no evidence submitted at all
Tracking shows "in transit" or "label created" onlyShipment status does not confirm delivery
Delivery address mismatchPOD does not match the shipping address approved at checkout
Missing mandatory POD elementsRequired details (date, recipient, address, tracking ID) are missing or incomplete
No response from merchantEvidence not submitted within the deadline
Evidence does not address the claime.g. submitting a shipping receipt without delivery confirmation

Products Defective or Not as Described

Decision focus: Whether the product significantly deviates from what was advertised, and whether the merchant handled the issue in accordance with Klarna requirements — reasonable solution, prepaid return where applicable, and timely resolution (MPP section 1.2).

Mandatory Evidence

A. Merchant Assessment

  • Clearly state whether the customer's claim is valid or invalid, including your reasoning
  • If more information is needed before assessment, this may be stated with a request for that information
  • If the claim is deemed invalid, a resolution is not required

B. Merchant Resolution (if applicable)

  • If the issue has already been resolved, provide explanation and evidence of the resolution
  • If a resolution has been offered, provide explanation and evidence of what was offered

C. Return Handling (if applicable)

  • If the customer has made a return, confirm whether the return was received
  • State whether a refund will be issued

The resolution offered must be reasonable relative to the product deviation. Acceptable resolutions include: sending out parts, compensation, repair, or return.

  • Compensation is not acceptable when the customer specifically requests a return
  • Return instructions that include return costs are not acceptable where a prepaid return is required
  • Negotiating a discount when the customer specifically requests a return is not acceptable
  • Internal case notes confirming rejection reason or inspection findings
  • Any relevant communication with the customer

Response Template

Response Template Products Defective or Not as Described
7.9 MB

Common Rejection Reasons

Rejection ReasonDetail
No clear merchant assessmentResponse does not state whether the customer's claim is valid, or does not provide reasoning
Lack of evidence supporting resolutionMerchant claims issue was resolved but does not provide documentation (e.g. proof of replacement, repair, or compensation)
No response to customer's reported issueSubmitting unrelated evidence that does not address the fault described
Resolution offered is not reasonable or compliante.g. proposing a discount when customer requested a return, or requiring customer to cover return costs where prepaid is required
Unrelated evidence submittede.g. submitting a Proof of Delivery instead of addressing the defective item claim

Incorrect Amount

Decision focus: Whether the invoiced amount matches what the customer agreed to at checkout.

Mandatory Evidence

A. Invoice Documentation

  • Copy of the invoice issued to the customer, with a clear explanation of why the amount is correct
  • Evidence linking the invoice directly to the Klarna order

B. Cancellation Evidence (if applicable)

  • If cancellation was accepted: proof of resolution and explanation of any policy applied (e.g. if a full refund was not issued due to cancellation policy)
  • If cancellation was rejected: explanation and evidence supporting the rejection
  • Any relevant T&Cs or cancellation policy

C. Resolution Evidence (if applicable)

  • Proof of refund, correction, or other adjustment issued
  • Proof of any other relevant resolution

Customer Communication

  • Any correspondence where pricing or invoice concerns were raised and explained to the customer

Response Template

Response Template Incorrect Amount
7.9 MB

Common Rejection Reasons

Rejection ReasonDetail
Refund agreed but not issuedMerchant agrees to refund but has not issued it, or is waiting to issue
No policy or T&Cs provided for denied or partial refundsMerchant denies or issues partial refund without supporting documentation

Best Practices

Following these practices reduces dispute frequency and strengthens your position when disputes do arise.

Returns & Refunds

  • Always offer a self-service return option with clear instructions (e.g. prepaid label in package, QR code on confirmation page)
  • Never charge fees for returns
  • Provide a local domestic return address
  • Register returns promptly and send a confirmation email including: date of receipt, items returned, expected refund amount, refund method, and expected timeline
  • Ensure customer service can respond to inquiries within 2 business days

Delivery & Shipping

  • Deliver items within 20 days of order date
  • Capture only for shipped items; if sending multiple packages, capture only the amount for sent items
  • Share a traceable tracking ID with every shipment via order or shipping confirmation email
  • Send order confirmation and shipping confirmation emails to customers
  • Publish clear FAQs covering order processing time, shipping timelines, and how to report issues

Product Quality

  • Provide detailed, accurate product descriptions and high-quality images visible at checkout
  • Publish a clear policy defining faulty or defective goods and how they are handled
  • Give customers an easy way to report defective items (via account or customer service)
  • Resolve defective product claims swiftly with a refund or replacement

Billing & Checkout

  • Present a detailed checkout summary including accurate items, quantities, prices, discounts, and fees
  • Clearly flag any upselling and give customers the ability to skip or remove additions
  • Clearly state any subscription services prior to purchase completion
  • Send an order confirmation email that matches the details sent to Klarna
  • Publish clear FAQs directing customers to you for invoice concerns, and to Klarna for payment and dispute queries