Refund Policy for Gold Star Matchmakers

Effective Date: September 10, 2025

At Gold Star Matchmakers (https://www.goldstarmatchmakers.com), we are committed to providing exceptional matchmaking services while ensuring full compliance with Alberta’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and applicable Canadian regulations. This policy outlines your rights to refunds for our service-based offerings, promoting transparency and fairness. We do not engage in unfair practices as defined under the CPA, such as misleading representations or unconscionable transactions. Refunds are processed in accordance with provincial laws, which do not mandate refunds for non-defective services but require clear disclosure of terms.

Eligibility for Refunds

You may be eligible for a refund if:

• You cancel your service contract due to dissatisfaction or change of mind.

• The service is defective (e.g., fails to meet agreed-upon standards, such as not providing promised introductions).

• We fail to deliver services as outlined in your contract.

Refunds apply to paid memberships, consultations, or matchmaking packages. Eligibility requires proof of payment and a valid reason aligned with this policy.

Timeframes for Refunds

• Cooling-Off Period: You have 14 days from the date of signing the contract or making payment (whichever is later) to cancel and receive a full refund, provided no matchmaking services (e.g., profile creation, introductions) have been initiated. This exceeds Alberta’s CPA requirements, which provide a 10-day cooling-off only for direct sales over $25 conducted at home or public places.

• Post-Service Initiation: If services have begun, you may request a partial refund within 30 days of payment, prorated based on unused portions (e.g., unprovided matches or consultations). Full refunds apply if we breach the contract.

• Processing Time: Approved refunds will be issued to your original payment method within 10 business days of approval.

Conditions and Exceptions

• Conditions: Submit requests in writing via email to refunds@goldstarmatchmakers.com or mail to [Business Address, Alberta]. Include your name, contract details, payment proof, and reason. We may require verification to prevent abuse.

• Exceptions: No refunds for:

  • Services fully delivered and accepted (e.g., completed matches).

  • Third-party fees (e.g., event tickets).

  • Abuse of services (e.g., violations of our terms).

  • Changes due to client-provided inaccurate information.

  • After 30 days from payment, unless defective service is proven.

• Automatic renewals (if applicable) can be canceled anytime before renewal, with prorated refunds for unused periods, per CPA guidelines on continuous services.

• In cases of force majeure (e.g., unforeseen events), we may offer credits instead of refunds.

This policy ensures compliance by providing clear, written terms upfront, avoiding excess charges (limited to 10% over estimates per CPA), and allowing cancellations without penalty where required.

Comparison with Competitors

To demonstrate our commitment to superior fairness, here’s how our policy compares to leading Canadian matchmaking providers (based on publicly available terms as of September 2025):

• eHarmony Canada: Offers a 3-day cooling-off for full refunds on subscriptions; no prorated refunds for partial use. Our 14-day cooling-off and 30-day partial refund window provide more flexibility and time for consideration. 15

• Match.com: Generally non-refundable subscriptions, with 3-day cancellation in select jurisdictions; exceptions only if laws require. We surpass this with standard 14-day full refunds and prorated options, enhancing appeal for Alberta clients. 12

• EliteSingles Canada: Provides 3-14 day refunds depending on region, often limited to unused services; complaints note strict enforcement. Our policy is clearer and more generous, with explicit 30-day prorated refunds and no regional variations, prioritizing customer satisfaction. 16

For questions, contact us at support@goldstarmatchmakers.com. This policy may be updated; check our website for the latest version.