11st Decides Full Refund for Merge Point Purchases on August 10th

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] On August 26, 11st announced that it would refund the full payment amount to customers who purchased 'Merge Point' through 11st on August 10. Among e-commerce companies, 11st is the first to initiate refunds for consumers' Merge Point purchase amounts.

11st stated, "We have proactively interpreted the Electronic Commerce Act provision that allows withdrawal of subscription within 30 days from the date of recognizing a defect in the product." Although some usage is still possible and there is no basis to judge the product as defective, in principle, refunds are only possible for unregistered products. However, since purchasers on the 10th registered immediately on the day of purchase but the affiliated stores were reduced the next day, limiting usage, they decided on a full refund. Sales of Merge Point within 30 days on 11st occurred only on August 10. Accordingly, consumers who purchased Merge Point on the 10th through 11st can contact the company to receive a refund.

Merge Plus, which promoted an 'unlimited 20% discount,' announced on the afternoon of the 11th that it would stop selling points and reduce usage locations due to a request from authorities to register as an electronic financial business. Since then, users' refund demands have surged. Police investigations are also underway.

After the Merge Point incident, responsibility was also raised for e-commerce companies that mediated sales, citing insufficient product verification. E-commerce companies have taken the position that refunds are difficult if users have registered Merge Point in the application and exchanged it for cash-equivalent 'Merge Money' after purchase. This is because the responsibility for the product lies with the seller. Concerns were also raised about the possibility of duplicate refunds when points registered in the app have already been used and refunds are requested from the online mall.

An 11st official said, "We judged that relief for purchasers and Merge Point affiliated stores should be prioritized," adding, "After consumer refunds, further measures will be discussed with Merge Plus, the operator of Merge Point."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.