Mercado 28: Your Cancellation Policy Guide

Mercado 28 functions as a collection of independent vendors, and as such, there is no centralized cancellation or refund policy that applies universally. Generally, all sales are considered final. This means that once you purchase an item, whether it's a handicraft, clothing, or food, you cannot return it for a refund.

Deposits for custom orders, if arranged directly with a vendor, are typically non-refundable. Similarly, if you arrange a specific service or tour through a vendor at Mercado 28, their individual terms will apply, but refunds are unlikely. No-shows for any pre-arranged services will forfeit any payment made.

Weather is also not typically a reason for refunds, as the market operates under covered stalls, though extreme conditions could lead to temporary closures at the vendor's discretion, with no guarantee of compensation.

Given the final sale nature of purchases at Mercado 28, trip insurance that covers non-refundable purchases is generally not applicable here, as most items are low-cost souvenirs. However, if you were to arrange a significant custom order or a high-value item, understanding the vendor's terms is crucial.

For credit card purchases, chargebacks are a last resort. They are typically reserved for situations where goods were not received or were significantly not as described, and you have exhausted all other avenues with the vendor. For typical market purchases, initiating a chargeback is unlikely to be successful unless there is clear evidence of fraud or non-delivery.

Since Mercado 28 operates on a final sale basis, the primary strategy if you regret a purchase or cannot use an item is to resell it. You might find another tourist interested in your item, perhaps even back at your resort or through online local marketplaces. Transferring ownership is straightforward for physical goods.

If you've paid for a service or tour through a vendor and cannot attend, inquire directly with that specific vendor about rescheduling. While refunds are not standard, some vendors might be willing to accommodate a date change, especially if you provide advance notice. This is not guaranteed, however, and depends entirely on the individual vendor's flexibility.