If you sell firearms related products online, you already know the truth.

Chargebacks can crush Ecommerce profitability.

One dispute can wipe out:

• your profit
• your product
• your shipping costs
• your chargeback fee
• and your time

And if chargebacks happen too often, they can trigger:

• account reviews
• higher processing fees
• reserves
• funding delays
• or even merchant account termination

At EPIC Merchant Systems, we work with firearms and firearms related businesses nationwide, including ecommerce sellers. We see what works and what fails in the real world.

Here is the good news.

There is no 100 percent guarantee of preventing chargebacks entirely.

But the merchants who implement the strategies in this article consistently:

• reduce chargebacks
• reduce fraud losses
• and improve their ability to win disputes when they happen

Let’s break down the most important steps.

Why Firearms Ecommerce Gets More Chargebacks

Firearms ecommerce is a target because many products are:

• high demand
• easy to resell
• high ticket
• and frequently purchased by first time buyers

That creates a perfect storm of:

• friendly fraud
• true fraud
• shipping disputes
• and buyer remorse

These are the most common ecommerce chargeback reasons for firearms related businesses.

1) Fraud and unauthorized card use

The buyer claims they did not authorize the purchase.

2) Item not received

The package was delivered, but the customer claims it was not.

3) Not as described

The buyer claims the item was different than expected.

4) Refund dispute

The customer tries to force a refund through their bank.

5) Buyer remorse disguised as fraud

The buyer changes their mind and disputes instead of following policy.

How to Prevent Firearms Ecommerce Chargebacks

To reduce chargebacks, you need a system built for ecommerce.

Here are the most effective tactics.

1) Use AVS, CVV, and Decline Mismatches for High Risk Orders

If you accept card not present transactions, you must use fraud controls.

At minimum:

• AVS verification
• CVV verification
• decline transactions with major mismatches, especially on high value orders

If you accept mismatch transactions, you accept higher liability.

This is one of the simplest ways to reduce fraud chargebacks fast.

2) Use Clear Product Pages That Reduce Confusion

Many “not as described” disputes happen because:

• the product page was vague
• the buyer misunderstood compatibility or specifications
• the buyer expected something different

Best practices:

• include clear photos
• include exact product specifications
• include compatibility notes
• include shipping expectations
• include refund policy and store credit policy in plain language

If you want fewer disputes, remove confusion before checkout.

3) Require Signature Confirmation Above a Dollar Threshold

For ecommerce, “item not received” is one of the most common chargeback types.

The best protection is:

• tracking
• delivery confirmation
• and signature confirmation for high value orders

If the product is expensive or easily resold, signature confirmation gives you stronger proof.

Pro tip: Set a threshold such as:

• any order over $250 requires signature
• any order over $500 requires adult signature

Then apply it consistently.

4) Save Proof of Delivery, Proof of Packaging, and Shipping Communication

Winning shipping related chargebacks requires more than a tracking number.

Strong ecommerce sellers also save:

• shipping label
• packing slip
• package photo before shipment
• carrier tracking page screenshot
• delivery confirmation
• and customer email updates

Why this matters:
When you can show the shipment process clearly, banks are far more likely to view the dispute as invalid.

5) Make Your Refund and Store Credit Policy Visible Before Checkout

A huge number of ecommerce disputes happen because the customer feels trapped after the purchase.

Your policies must be:

• visible on the product page
• visible at checkout
• acknowledged before the order is submitted
• repeated in confirmation emails

If you offer store credit instead of refunds on certain purchases, that must be disclosed clearly, not hidden.

6) Use Store Credit Strategically to Reduce Refund Disputes

Many firearms ecommerce sellers offer store credit instead of refunds for:

• special orders
• shipping costs
• opened accessories
• ammo
• clearance items
• certain regulated items

Store credit can reduce chargebacks because it:

• keeps value in your business
• reduces refund abuse
• and lowers customer frustration when properly disclosed

Important: store credit only works when the customer knew ahead of time.

That is why it must be clearly stated at checkout and in your terms.

How to Win a Firearms Ecommerce Chargeback

Chargebacks are won by documentation, organization, and speed.

Here is the approach that works.

Step 1: Identify the reason code and build the correct evidence

You must match your evidence to the dispute type.

Step 2: Respond quickly

If you miss the response window, you lose automatically.

Best practice: respond within 48 hours.

Step 3: Submit a “Perfect Packet”

Your ecommerce chargeback response should include:

• one page cover letter summarizing the case
• receipt and invoice
• customer checkout terms acknowledgment
• product description page screenshot
• refund or store credit policy screenshot
• shipping label and tracking
• delivery confirmation and signature
• proof of packaging photo if available
• customer communication logs

The goal is to make it easy for the bank reviewer to see:

• what was purchased
• what the customer agreed to
• and what proof exists that delivery and policy compliance occurred

Friendly Fraud in Firearms Ecommerce: How to Reduce It

Friendly fraud is one of the biggest threats in ecommerce.

It happens when:

• the buyer authorized the purchase
• but disputes it anyway
• often due to buyer remorse or household pressure

To reduce friendly fraud:

• use strong policy disclosures
• require signature confirmation on high value orders
• keep clean documentation
• use clear statement descriptors
• and provide responsive customer support

If customers can reach a real person quickly, many disputes never happen.

Important Reminder: No 100 Percent Guarantee

Chargebacks cannot be eliminated completely, especially in ecommerce.

Some disputes are unavoidable.
Some banks side with cardholders even when merchants provide strong proof.

However, ecommerce sellers who implement the steps above consistently see:

• fewer disputes
• fewer losses
• and improved win rates

Get the EPIC Merchant Systems Chargeback Prevention & Response Kit Free

To help firearms and firearms related businesses protect themselves, EPIC Merchant Systems created a Chargeback Prevention & Response Kit that includes:

✅ a firearms friendly policy acknowledgment form (initial + sign)
✅ sample receipt language that strengthens disputes
✅ store signage wording to reinforce your policies
✅ a one page chargeback response cover letter template
✅ evidence checklists based on dispute reason codes
✅ store credit language that protects you and reduces refund disputes

If you want the kit, contact EPIC Merchant Systems and we will provide it to you free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I prevent chargebacks on firearms accessories and optics?

Use AVS and CVV, decline mismatches, require signature confirmation above a set threshold, and disclose refund and store credit policies clearly before checkout.

What is the most common ecommerce chargeback reason?

Fraud and item not received disputes are the most common ecommerce chargeback categories.

How do I win an item not received chargeback?

Provide tracking, delivery confirmation, signature proof, shipping label, and customer communication that shows shipping updates.

Does store credit reduce chargebacks?

Yes, when disclosed clearly before purchase. Store credit can prevent refund disputes and reduce friendly fraud when customers understand the policy upfront.

FREE, NO OBLIGATION Chargeback Prevention & Response Kit

If you want help reducing ecommerce chargebacks, protecting your merchant account, and improving your ability to win disputes, contact EPIC Merchant Systems and request the free Chargeback Prevention & Response Kit.