Why do refunds take longer?

In this world of instant, get-it-now philosophy we have to have our bank accounts automatically drafted when we purchase anything with a check or debit. And if there are still some merchants who don't have that capability or choose not to use it, they are rare. But, why do we have to wait for deposits to go it? I mean, even with direct pay: my husband's job pays using direct deposit on Thursdays, and it doesn't clear until sometime on Friday. I can check my account on Friday morning and it sits in the "Pending" items. But if I go to a store and purchase something, that will clear before the deposit does. And the banks rip you off if you overdraft!

That's not the bone I wanted to pick though. I went through a "free" trial of something to get something else "free." This so-called free trial charged my bank account with a processing fee, which came out of my account immediately. I cancelled the account (it definitely wasn't worth the monthly charge) a week ago, 4 days before the trial period ended. Now, 7 days later, I am still waiting for my refund. I called to inquire the status of the refund and was told that it could take up to 10 business days to process and show on my bank account.

I just don't get it.....