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Refund Policy

This Refund Policy explains when and how SMSound India processes refunds for distribution subscriptions, add-on services, and billing-related issues.

1. General refund principle

Music distribution is a delivery-on-payment service. Once a release is delivered to Digital Service Providers (DSPs) such as Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, or other supported platforms, the underlying service has been performed. For this reason, subscription fees, distribution fees, setup fees, and add-on service charges are generally non-refundable once the release is delivered.

This policy is consistent with the original Terms of Service and applies unless one of the specific exceptions listed below applies.

2. Exceptions where refunds are available

SMSound India will process a refund in the following situations:

  • Duplicate billing. If you are charged twice for the same subscription period, the duplicate charge will be refunded in full once verified.
  • Failed delivery before DSP ingestion. If your release was paid for but never delivered to any DSP — for example, due to a platform technical issue on our side — and the failure cannot be remedied within a reasonable timeframe, you may request a full refund of the distribution fee.
  • Unauthorised account use. If a charge is made on your account due to fraudulent third-party access (and not due to your own credential negligence), the charge will be refunded after security verification.
  • Cooling-off cancellation. If you cancel a new annual subscription within seven (7) days of the original purchase date and no release has yet been delivered to a DSP, you are eligible for a pro-rated refund of the subscription fee.

3. Situations not eligible for refund

  • Change of mind after release has been delivered to one or more DSPs.
  • Removing a release voluntarily after delivery (takedowns do not generate refunds).
  • Underperformance of a release relative to expectations.
  • Suspension or termination of an account for violation of the Terms of Service, including but not limited to copyright infringement, artificial streaming, fraudulent activity, or false ownership claims.
  • DSPs removing your content for policy violations on their side.
  • Royalty hold periods triggered by infringement claims or DSP audits.
  • Sales tax, GST, or payment-processor fees already remitted to third parties.

4. How to request a refund

To request a refund under one of the eligible exceptions above, send an email to support@smsoundindia.com containing:

  • Account email address
  • Date and amount of the disputed charge
  • Reason for the refund request (referencing the exception above)
  • Any supporting evidence (bank statement screenshot, duplicate-charge reference, etc.)

Refund requests are typically reviewed within 5–7 business days. Where approved, refunds are processed back to the original payment method within an additional 7–14 business days (depending on payment processor and bank timelines).

5. Royalties on cancellation

Cancelling your SMSound India subscription does not affect royalties already earned. Any royalties accrued in your balance up to the cancellation date remain withdrawable as per the standard payout process, less applicable TDS.

Your releases stay live on DSPs until the end of your current billing period unless you specifically request takedowns. After your subscription expires, you may renew, switch to another plan, or request takedowns at any time.

6. Chargebacks and payment disputes

We strongly encourage you to email support before initiating a chargeback with your bank or card issuer. Most billing disputes can be resolved quickly through direct communication. Chargebacks initiated without prior contact may result in temporary suspension of distribution services pending resolution.

For unresolved disputes, you may contact the relevant consumer protection authorities. Indian residents are protected under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and may approach the relevant District / State / National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission as applicable.

7. Policy updates

SMSound India reserves the right to modify this Refund Policy. Updates become effective immediately upon publication on this page. The refund eligibility of a given charge is governed by the version of the policy in effect at the time of the charge.

8. Contact

SMSound India
Email: support@smsoundindia.com
Address: CA 170, 1B, Street No. CA 209, Newtown, Kolkata, New Town, West Bengal 700163, India