The webshop went bankrupt before delivering — do I get my money back?
From the shop itself, rarely — unsecured customers are last in line. From your payment method, often: a card payment can be charged back for "goods not received", PayPal and similar have buyer protection, and some bank transfers under a buyer-protection scheme are covered. Call Your bank — card and payment line first, within their deadline. File your claim with the administrator anyway — it is free and you might get a percentage. Citizens Advice consumer helpline (0808 223 1133) publishes what customers of a bankrupt shop should do; County Court — money claim online (gov.uk) is where the insolvency is registered and where the administrator's details are.
🗣️ What to say
"I ordered [item] on [date], order [number], paid [amount] by [method] and never received it. The company is insolvent. I request a chargeback / buyer-protection refund for goods not received. Order confirmation and payment attached."
🪜 Step by step
- Payment method firstCard: chargeback within the scheme's deadline (often 120 days). PayPal / buyer protection: open a dispute. Transfer: ask the bank anyway.
- Find the administratorThe insolvency register at County Court — money claim online lists the case and the administrator; file your claim with the order and payment proof.
- Did it ship?Check tracking — parcels already handed to the carrier sometimes still arrive; ask the carrier to deliver, not return.
- Gift cards and credit notesUsually worthless after bankruptcy; file them as claims too.
- Warranty on things you did receiveLost with the shop, but the manufacturer's guarantee survives. Contact the brand directly.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
How long does the insolvency take?
Years, and consumers typically get a few percent if anything. Treat the administrator claim as a lottery ticket, the chargeback as the real route.
I paid by bank transfer
Ask the bank: some countries and payment apps have transfer buyer protection. Otherwise it is the administrator only.
The shop still takes orders
Some continue trading under the administrator. Only pay by a method you can charge back.
📎 Sources
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “webshop bankrupt money back the UK”
- “chargeback goods not received bankruptcy”
- “file claim insolvency administrator consumer”
- “online shop insolvent order not delivered”
- “buyer protection bank transfer”
🧭 Is this still correct?
We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.
⚠️ Readers report that something here may have changed — we are checking it.
✅ Thank you — this keeps the page up to date for everyone.