Introduction
If you're a Google Workspace admin who has experienced an unexpected change in your storage plan, such as a reduction in allocated storage or a switch from individual to pooled storage without adequate notification, this guide will help you navigate how to potentially secure a refund.
Google recently made changes to their storage plans, affecting users who are part of a family or collaborative groups using a custom email address/domain. Users have reported experiencing automatic shifts to Corporate Enterprise settings without clear communication, leading to shared storage pools and a reduced individual capacity. This article will guide you in requesting a refund for storage that you can no longer access or use as intended.
Steps to Request a Refund
Gather Subscription Details
- Locate your Google Storage subscription details, including the purchase date, amount paid, and the service term (e.g., 1TB for a year).
Check Google Play Purchases
- If you purchased your storage plan through Google Play, you're eligible to request a refund via Google Play support.
- Visit the Google Play Help site for more information on refund policies and to submit a request.
Contact Google Workspace Support
- As an admin, use the Google Admin Console to reach out to Google Workspace support for issues related to storage plan changes.
- Log in to your Admin Console and navigate to the Support section.
- Explain the situation thoroughly, mentioning the lack of notification and changes that were not communicated properly.
Detail Your Situation
- Clearly outline where the communication breakdown occurred and how it has impacted your service access. Include any potential data loss risk due to non-availability of storage space.
Request for Exception
- Despite Google's standard non-refund policy on storage plans, you might be eligible for an exception due to improper notice. Mention this explicitly in your support request.
Avoiding Future Issues
- Stay updated on Google Workspace changes by checking emails associated with your admin account for announcements and by regularly visiting the Google Workspace Updates Blog.
By following these steps, you may increase your chances of receiving a refund or at the very least, a satisfactory resolution concerning your Google Workspace storage subscription.
