The time it takes to receive a refund can vary depending on several factors, including the company's refund policy, the method of payment, and any intermediaries involved (like banks or credit card companies). Here are some general guidelines:
1. **Online Retailers**: Typically, it can take anywhere from 5 to 14 business days. Some companies may process refunds faster, while others may take longer.
2. **Credit/Debit Cards**: Refunds to credit or debit cards generally take 3 to 7 business days once processed by the merchant. However, it might take longer depending on the bank's processing times.
3. **Bank Transfers**: Refunds via bank transfer can take 5 to 10 business days, depending on the bank and country.
4. **PayPal or Other Payment Services**: Refunds through services like PayPal usually take 3 to 5 business days but can be instant in some cases.
5. **In-Store Purchases**: If you return an item to a store, cash refunds are immediate, while card refunds can take 3 to 7 business days.
Always check with the specific retailer or service provider for their refund policy and processing times.