When chargebacks started piling up, Shopify responded the way it usually does: by locking payouts.
By the end of 2023, this business was facing a 10% rolling reserve on every transaction for three months. It wasn’t just a delay. It was a freeze that threatened their cash flow and nearly stalled operations.
Here’s how Chargeblast turned things around in less than 30 days.
The Backstory: A Chargeback Spike Triggers a Shopify Reserve
Like many Shopify merchants, this business ran into a surge of chargebacks in late 2023. That triggered Shopify’s internal risk systems, which led to a complete payout hold. Eventually, Shopify released the funds, but only under a strict reserve condition: 10% of all new payments would be held for 3 months.
This created a cycle of cash flow instability. Each refund triggered another reserve calculation. The business was spiraling.
What Changed: Chargeblast Intercepts Disputes Before Shopify Sees Them
The merchant found Chargeblast and set it up with direct support. Within 24 to 48 hours, the system was active.
Chargeblast allowed them to refund customers before the chargeback hit Shopify’s platform. That alone made a difference, because a dispute that’s refunded directly doesn’t show up as a chargeback in Shopify’s records. The merchant avoided penalties and reserve recalculations with each resolved case.
The Result: Reserve Removed, Cash Flow Restored
Within a month, Shopify released the 10% reserve. The business stopped seeing payout holds. They were able to maintain good standing on Shopify while still supporting customers through easy refunds.
It was a win across the board:
- Customers got fast refunds
- Shopify avoided chargebacks
- The merchant got paid without restrictions
Real-World Takeaway
If you’re dealing with a chargeback spike, don’t wait for Shopify to apply a rolling reserve. Once that kicks in, reversing it can take months.
Chargeblast gave this merchant a simple way to respond to disputes before they escalated without needing to overhaul their payment setup or dispute process.
“Couldn’t rave about this company more. 10/10.”
Don’t Let a Reserve Hold Shut You Down
Chargeblast helps merchants respond to chargebacks before platforms like Shopify ever see them. That means fewer holds, better cash flow, and a cleaner record—without the stress.
If you’re stuck with a 10% reserve, you don’t have to stay there. Let Chargeblast get you out.
