Refund requests can feel like a venue owner’s worst nightmare. What happens when a client cancels outside the deadline, demands their money back, and even threatens to blast your business on social media?

In this episode of The Venue Helpline, we dive into why refunds are so tricky, why the language in your contract matters, and how to protect your venue from getting stuck in this situation again. You’ll learn future-focused fixes plus real-world advice for handling refund demands in the moment.

• Why your venue’s most valuable asset is the date—and why refund timelines often don’t make sense.
• The legal pitfalls of using the word deposit (and examples of what to use instead)
• How to build clarity and protection into your contracts, including recommending or requiring event insurance.
• Practical strategies for handling refund demands and social media threats without losing your professionalism.

• Event Insurance: We recommend EventGuard - check them out here and let them know Venue Help Desk sent you! http://www.eventguard.ai

• Subscribe for new episodes: https://www.venuehelpdesk.com/thevenuehelpline#subscribe

• Call and leave us your venue frustration: (713) 367-1009

• Submit your challenge online: https://www.venuehelpdesk.com/thevenuehelpline

• Enjoying The Venue Helpline? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share this episode with a fellow venue owner.