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Reply to a refund request using your real cancellation policy

Practice: Keeping the AI to your sources. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

A customer canceled a custom cake and wants a full refund. Reply in at most 5 sentences: offer both options your policy allows with dollar amounts, explain in one sentence why the 7-day policy she quoted doesn't apply, never use the word 'unfortunately', and end by asking which option she'd like. Write a prompt that gets that reply.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Not limiting the length. The AI writes a long apology letter with policy details she doesn't need. Try: Be exact: "At most 5 sentences."
  • Not doing the math. The AI says "a partial refund" without numbers, so she has to ask again. Try: Add: "Give both amounts: $42 back or $84 store credit."
  • Ignoring her 7-day point. The AI skips her claim or, worse, agrees with it. Try: Add: "In one sentence, explain the 7-day policy is for unopened retail items."
  • Opening with "Unfortunately". AI almost always softens bad news with "Unfortunately" and ends with "Let me know if you have questions." Try: Add: "Never say 'unfortunately'. End by asking which option she wants."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Limits the sentences
  • Gives both amounts
  • Addresses the 7-day claim
  • Bans 'unfortunately'
  • Ends with a question

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