How ChatGPT helped me to get a refund from Skillshare

Leveraging AI Assistance to Secure a Refund: A Personal Experience with Skillshare

Unauthorized charges can be a frustrating experience for consumers, especially when companies are reluctant to provide refunds. Recently, I found myself in such a predicament with Skillshare, when they attempted to renew my subscription and charge me $24 without my consent. Despite having canceled previously, the charge still went through, and initial customer service responses were unsatisfactory. However, with strategic communication and the assistance of ChatGPT, I was able to successfully secure a refund. Here’s a detailed account of how I navigated the situation, and how AI tools can support consumers in similar scenarios.

The Issue: Unauthorized Renewal and Uncooperative Customer Service

After canceling my Skillshare subscription, I was surprised to see a renewal charge of $24 on my PayPal account. Recognizing that this was unwarranted, I contacted Skillshare customer support. They initially refused to issue a refund, offering instead a “12-month gift card” as a one-time courtesy—a response I found unsatisfactory.

My Approach: Staying Firm and Providing Evidence

To effectively advocate for myself, I adopted a multi-step approach:

1. Clear and Consistent Communication:
I maintained professionalism in my email exchanges, explicitly declining the gift card offer and insisting on a full refund.

2. Providing Definitive Proof:
I sent detailed transaction information, including my PayPal transaction ID, date, amount, and the last four digits of my card, to substantiate my claim.

3. Mentioning Escalation Strategies:
I informed Skillshare that I was prepared to escalate the issue through PayPal disputes, contact my bank, and file a consumer protection complaint if necessary. This often prompts companies to prioritize resolution to avoid further inconvenience.

4. Highlighting Public Complaints:
I pointed out that many others have faced similar issues with unauthorized renewals and refund refusals, emphasizing that such practices can harm their reputation.

The Role of AI Assistance: ChatGPT as a Strategic Ally

Throughout this process, I relied heavily on ChatGPT, an AI language model, to craft professional, clear, and assertive emails. It helped me stay calm and confident, especially when I felt tempted to give up. AI tools like ChatGPT can serve as valuable “second brains,” helping consumers articulate their rights effectively and maintain resolve in the face of corporate pushback.

The Outcome: Success Through Persistence

Thanks to a combination