# Initial Setup

Before using Forter’s Chargeback Recovery solution, merchants must complete a **one-time** setup process. These steps ensure Forter can receive claims, prepare dispute packages, and submit them effectively on your behalf.

1. ### [Forward Claims to Forter](https://docs.forter.com/initial-setup#forward-claims-to-forter)  
   Set up one of the supported methods to forward claims and chargeback data to Forter:
   - **Processor Webhook (recommended)**
   - Dispute API
   - SFTP
   - S3 CSV File Upload

2. ### [Establish Processor Access](https://docs.forter.com/initial-setup#establish-processor-access)  
   Allow Forter to submit representments to your payment processor when applicable. This typically involves:
   - Configuring user roles or API keys
   - Whitelisting Forter credentials
   - Enabling submission permissions in your PSP or acquiring platform

3. ### [Provide Available Evidence Types](https://docs.forter.com/initial-setup#provide-available-evidence-types)  
   Types of post-purchase evidence your business can provide in response to chargebacks:
   - Proof of delivery or tracking information
   - Refund history
   - Order confirmation details
   - Customer service interactions
   - Usage logs or fulfillment records

4. ### [Upload Static Evidence](https://docs.forter.com/initial-setup#upload-static-evidence)  
   General pieces of evidence to be reused across all your disputes, such as:
   - Checkout experience screenshots
   - Terms & Conditions (T&Cs)
   - Return policy
   - Refund/cancellation policy
   - Subscription terms (if applicable)
   - Product/service descriptions
   - Logos or brand identity files
   These are stored securely and reused automatically when relevant.

5. ### [Select Business Policies](https://docs.forter.com/initial-setup#select-business-policies)  
   Providing Forter with your business strategy so we can tailor our recommendations and dispute flows to your business needs, such as:
   - Evidence types you can provide
   - Manual vs automatic dispute submissions
   - Minimum threshold for claim amounts to be disputed
   - Minimum claim amounts threshold for additional evidence to be provided

6. ### [(Optional) Automate Evidence Request and Collection](https://docs.forter.com/initial-setup#optional-automate-evidence-request-and-collection)  
   Once chargebacks are ingested into Forter, our recommendation engine will suggest additional evidence to add to your dispute to bolster your win rate. For an automated flow, Forter enables a call-and-response workflow:
   - **Forter → Merchant:** Forter sends a notification to customers of recommended evidence to upload ([Request for Evidence Webhook](https://docs.forter.com/request-for-evidence-webhook))
   - **Merchant → Forter:** Customers provide compelling evidence to Forter ([Evidence API](https://docs.forter.com/evidence-api))