According to 99design, they are supposed to refund your money as long as you do not guarantee the prize money, which was my error. I had enough good designs that I liked that I chose to do that with the intent on getting more designs. I did, but they were not as good. The issue with me was after I selected a design, the designer sent me emails saying I had to pay for the image, which was not noted in 99design literature (at least I never found it). I refused and 99design persuaded the designer to use free images. After selecting a design, I had to award the money to get the files. When I did so, the designer sent me files that were not editable nor could be used for a book cover. Long story short, 99design sided with the designer (they did not provide a reason) and I ended up with nothing for my money.

Yes, if done within the timeframe specified in the rules (I cannot remember what that is, but off the cuff believe you have a couple days). If it progresses to the next stage which I believe it does automatically after the given period, moving to the mid or final selection round then your payment is non-refundable. Now, this all said, I did not have to exercise this, but it was close. My initial logo used a stock image chosen by the designer they did not have rights to, no 99design's fault and they had no control in that as the designer is independent. It was resolved and I love the logo, however one option immediately offered by the 99designs staff was a full refund, I chose to work through it as I really liked the logo. I was actually impressed I was dealing with real humans, in a timely fashion on my concerns. I feel a little awkward here as the reviews are so negative, but even through the hiccup my experience was overwhelmingly positive.