Refund Policy
Refund Policy
Learn about our refund eligibility, cooling-off periods, and conditions for subscription and one-time purchases.
17
Sections
2026
Effective Date
1.0
Version
Podacium LLC
Registered Limited Liability Company (SARL) in Algeria
Language Notice
The official legal version of this document is in Arabic. Translations are provided for convenience only. In case of any discrepancy, the Arabic version shall prevail.
RC
RC: Registration in progress (Tribunal of Oran)
NIF
NIF: Pending attribution
NI
NIS: Pending attribution
Capital
Capital: 100,000 DZD (Subscribed)
Address
PC38+5MV, Bir El Djir, Oran, Algeria
podacium@podacium.com
Phone
+213 792 913 873
Website
www.podacium.com
www.podacium.dz · www.podacium.com.dz
Data Protection Officer (DPO)
merhabahmed@podacium.com
Effective Date
1 January 2026
Last Updated
1 January 2026
Version
1.0
1. Introduction
ImportantOverview and language notice
1.1 Policy Explanation
This Refund Policy governs all refund requests for products and services purchased through the Podacium platform, operated by Podacium SARL, an Algerian limited liability company registered in Algeria.
1.2 Language Notice
The official legal version of this document is in Arabic. Translations are provided for convenience only. In case of any discrepancy, the Arabic version shall prevail.
1.3 Multi-Pillar Ecosystem
Podacium operates a multi-pillar digital ecosystem comprising Education Platform (online courses, learning paths), Subscription Services (Student tiers, Business Intelligence access), Freelancing Marketplace (project-based services with feature-based pricing), and Digital Wallet System (PodaPoints payment processing and feature purchases).
1.4 Relationship to Terms of Service
This Refund Policy is incorporated into and forms part of the Podacium Terms of Service. In case of conflict between this Policy and the Terms, this Policy shall prevail for refund-specific matters.
View Terms of Service
This Refund Policy is incorporated into and forms part of the Podacium Terms of Service. In case of conflict between this Policy and the Terms, this Policy shall prevail for refund-specific matters.
View Privacy Policy
Data protection and privacy practices
View Cookie Policy
Cookie usage and tracking policies
2. General Refund Principles
ImportantCore principles governing all refunds
2.1 Digital Content Consumption Barrier
Once digital content is accessed (video viewed, document downloaded, quiz attempted, lesson completed), it is considered delivered and consumed. Refunds are not available for accessed content unless the content is materially defective or not as described.
Digital Content Barrier
Accessed content is considered delivered and consumed
Feature Purchase Policy
Feature purchases are final once activated
2.2 Service Performance vs. Product Delivery
Platform services (infrastructure access, payment processing, user matching, dispute resolution) are distinct from content or products purchased. Service fees for activated feature purchases are non-refundable once rendered, regardless of user satisfaction with outcomes.
2.3 Consumer Protection Rights
Nothing in this Refund Policy excludes or limits your mandatory rights under Algerian Law 09-03 on Consumer Protection (as amended by Law 18-09), including your rights to accurate product information, safe and quality services, redress for defective services, and filing complaints with consumer protection authorities.
Under Algerian consumer law (Law 09-03), consumers have a 14-day withdrawal right for distance contracts. However, pursuant to the exception for digital content (Article 4 of Executive Decree 14-134), you expressly consent to immediate access and lose your withdrawal right once the digital content is fully performed (course accessed, video streamed, or certificate issued). Our 7-day refund window exceeds the legal minimum guarantee period for digital content quality, and the 14-day right does not apply when you have expressly requested performance before the withdrawal period expired.
Consumer Protection Rights
Your rights under Algerian Law 09-03
3. Education Platform Refunds
Refunds for courses and educational content
3.1 Individual Course Purchases
You may request a full refund for an individual course purchase within 7 days of purchase if: You have not accessed any course content (0% progress), No certificate has been issued, The request is submitted through official channels.
- 0% progress
- No certificate issued
- Within 7 days
7-Day Cooling-Off Period
Full refund if no content accessed within 7 days
3.2 Course Bundles and Learning Paths
If you have accessed 1-30% of course content within the 7-day window, a refund may be granted at Podacium's discretion if you can demonstrate that the course content is materially different from the published description or specific advertised features are missing.
3.3 Live and Instructor-Led Courses
No refunds are available if: You have consumed more than 30% of course content, More than 7 days have passed since purchase, You have downloaded course materials or completed assessments, A certificate has been issued.
No refunds after certificate issuance
3.4 Certificates and Completion Credits
For live courses: Full refund available up to 48 hours before the scheduled start time. No refund within 48 hours of start time due to instructor scheduling and capacity commitments.
4. Subscription Service Refunds
ImportantRefunds for subscription plans
4.2 First 72 Hours (Cooling-Off Period)
Within the first 72 hours of a new subscription or tier upgrade, you may request a full refund if: You have not accessed any premium features or content, This is your first subscription to this tier.
4.3 Thirty-Day Minimum Commitment
The first 30 days of each billing cycle are non-refundable (except during the 72-hour cooling-off period). This ensures platform sustainability and prevents systematic subscription cycling.
4.4 Pro-Rata Refunds (After 30 Days - Discretionary)
After the first 30 days of a billing cycle, pro-rata refunds for unused subscription periods may be granted at Podacium's discretion, subject to Algerian consumer protection law requirements.
4.6 Subscription Pause Feature
You may pause your subscription for up to 3 months (90 days) through your Account settings. Pausing is not a refund – your payment obligation is suspended during the pause period. No refunds are issued for paused subscriptions.
Subscription Pause
Pause subscription for up to 3 months
5. Freelancing Marketplace Refunds
Refunds for freelancing services
5.1 Escrow-Protected Contracts
The Freelancing Marketplace uses a feature-based pricing model. There are no commissions on projects.
Feature purchases (project posts, featured listings, boosts, skill passport) are non-refundable once activated. If a feature has not been activated (e.g., project post not yet published), a refund may be requested within 48 hours of purchase.
Secure Feature Payments
All feature purchases secured by PodaPoints system
5.3 Platform Commission Non-Refundability
No platform commissions are charged on any project payments. The platform is funded through feature purchases and subscription plans.
6. Technical Issues and Platform Unavailability
Refunds for technical problems
6.1 Platform Downtime
Platform downtime <24 hours cumulative per month: No refunds issued, Subscription access periods automatically extended to compensate for downtime.
6.2 Technical Defects in Content
If purchased content contains technical defects (broken videos, inaccessible files, non-functional quizzes): Report within 30 days with evidence, Podacium investigates within 7 days, Choose full refund, replacement course, or 120% Platform credit.
- Broken videos
- Non-functional quizzes
- Corrupt downloads
7. Force Majeure and Extraordinary Events
Refunds during exceptional circumstances
7.1 Interruptions Less Than 14 Consecutive Days
Force majeure interruptions less than 14 consecutive days: No refunds issued, Access periods and subscription billing automatically suspended during event, Time lost is added to your access period.
7.2 Interruptions Exceeding 14 Consecutive Days
Force majeure interruptions exceeding 14 consecutive days: Podacium offers access period extension (2× downtime), Platform wallet credit (pro-rata), or cash refund (pro-rata) at Podacium's discretion.
8. Payment Processing and Currency
How refunds are processed
8.1 Refund Method
Refunds are processed using the original payment method unless: Original payment method is no longer valid, User explicitly requests Platform wallet credit, Payment processor does not support refunds.
8.2 Refund Processing Time
Standard timeline: 5-10 business days from approval to funds availability. Wallet refunds: Immediate (credited within 24 hours).
8.3 Currency and Exchange Rates
Algerian users: All transactions and refunds in Algerian Dinars (DZD). International users: Refunds in original transaction currency at original exchange rate. Platform credits issued in DZD for all users.
9. Platform Credits as Alternative to Cash Refunds
Using credits instead of cash refunds
9.1 Credit Bonus Program
For eligible refund requests, Podacium may offer Platform credits as alternative to cash refunds with bonus incentives: 110% credit bonus for refunds required by law or policy, 120% credit bonus for discretionary refunds.
Platform Credits
Receive 110-120% bonus when choosing credits
9.2 Credit Terms and Conditions
Platform credits: Valid for 12 months from issuance, Can be used for course purchases, subscriptions, freelancing services, May be gifted to other users, Cannot be converted back to cash, Expire after 12 months.
- Valid for 12 months
- Used for all platform services
- Can be gifted to others
- Cannot be converted to cash
10. Fraud, Abuse, and Chargebacks
ImportantPreventing refund abuse
10.1 Refund Abuse Prevention
Podacium reserves the right to deny refunds and suspend Accounts for systematic abuse including: More than 2 refund requests within 6 months, Refund requests on more than 30% of total purchases, High content consumption before refund request.
10.2 Large Refund Identity Verification
Refunds exceeding 10,000 DZD require identity verification to comply with Algerian anti-money laundering regulations, fraud prevention protocols, and tax compliance requirements.
Identity Verification
Required for refunds over 10,000 DZD
10.3 Chargeback Policy
Filing a chargeback waives your right to standard refund processing. Contact support before involving your bank. Most issues can be resolved faster through direct communication.
11. Special Cases and Exceptions
Unique refund scenarios
Gift Purchases
Refund rights belong to the original purchaser only
Duplicate Purchases
Full refund for accidental duplicates within 48 hours
Account Deletion
Pro-rata refunds for active subscriptions only
Deceased Users
Refunds available for authorized family members
12. Refund Request Procedures
How to request a refund
12.1 How to Request a Refund
Request refunds via:
- Platform Dashboard (Account Settings → Purchase History)
- Email to podacium@podacium.com
- Phone during business hours (+213 792 913 873)
Platform Dashboard
Email support
Phone support
12.3 Processing Timeline
Acknowledgment: 24-48 hours, Review and decision: 3-5 business days, Complex investigations: 7-14 business days, Refund processing: 5-10 business days to payment method.
- Acknowledgment: 24-48h
- Review: 3-5 days
- Complex: 7-14 days
- Processing: 5-10 days
13. Dispute Resolution and Appeals
ImportantResolving refund disputes
13.1 Internal Appeals Process
If refund request denied: Submit appeal within 14 days via email, Include reference number and detailed explanation, Senior reviewer assesses appeal, Final decision within 7 business days.
13.3 Voluntary Mediation
Before legal action, both parties may agree to voluntary mediation: Select mutually agreed mediator, Costs split equally, Typically concluded within 30-45 days, Non-binding unless both parties agree.
Voluntary Mediation
Resolve disputes amicably before legal action
14. Policy Updates and Amendments
How this policy may change
14.4 Grandfathering Provision
Purchases made before policy change are governed by policy in effect at time of purchase, unless change is legally required, provides greater protections, or both parties agree to new terms.
Grandfathering Provision
Purchases governed by policy at time of purchase
15. Contact Information
How to contact us about refunds
podacium@podacium.com
Phone
+213 792 913 873
Address
PC38+5MV, Bir El Djir, Oran, Algeria
Website
www.podacium.com
15.2 Response Time Commitments
Email inquiries: 24-48 hours, Refund requests: 3-5 business days decision, Appeals: 7 business days, Phone support: Immediate during business hours.
- Email: 24-48h
- Decision: 3-5 days
- Appeals: 7 days
16. Quick Reference Refund Table
Summary of refund eligibility
Legend: Full Refund - Automatic eligibility, Conditional/Discretionary - Requires evidence or review, No Refund - Not eligible, Alternative Compensation - Access extension or credit
| Product/Service | Scenario | Refund Status | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Course (Standard) | 0% accessed, within 7 days | Full Refund | 5-10 days |
| Individual Course (Conditional) | 1-30% accessed, within 7 days | Conditional/Discretionary | 10-17 days |
| Individual Course (No Refund) | >30% accessed or >7 days | No Refund | N/A |
| New Subscription (72h Cooling-off) | First 72 hours, no usage | Full Refund | 5-10 days |
| Subscription (First 30 Days) | First 30 days | No Refund | N/A |
| Freelancing Feature Purchase | 0% work completion | Full Refund | 5-10 days |
| Technical Issues / Platform Downtime | <24 hours/month downtime | Alternative Compensation | Automatic |
This table is a summary only. Refer to specific sections above for complete details and conditions.
Acknowledgment
By making a purchase on the Podacium Platform, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Refund Policy and agree to its terms and conditions.
Thank you for choosing Podacium. We are committed to providing fair and transparent refund processes in accordance with Algerian consumer protection laws.
Last Updated: 1 January 2026 • Version: 1.0 • Effective Date: 1 January 2026