How to cancel SolidWorks and protect your refund eligibility in canada
Why you might want to cancel SolidWorks and what you need to know first
SolidWorks is a professional 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software suite developed by Dassault Systèmes. Engineers, product designers and manufacturers use it to model, simulate and visualize complex designs before production. You can purchase SolidWorks as an annual subscription, quarterly term, monthly plan, or perpetual license through authorized resellers across Canada.
If SolidWorks no longer fits your workflow, budget or project scope, you have the right to cancel your subscription under Canadian consumer protection law. Whether you are switching to a competitor, finishing a short-term project or reducing software expenses, this guide walks you through the cancellation process step-by-step. Yafee has helped thousands of Canadian users navigate subscription cancellations and recover refunds they believed were lost.
Who should consider cancelling SolidWorks
You may be a strong candidate for cancellation if you primarily work with 2D design instead of 3D modelling, you have found a more affordable alternative, your organization has shifted to a different CAD platform, or your subscription auto-renews without adequate notice. Some users also cancel because they purchased a longer subscription term than they actually needed, or they discover hidden renewal fees after the initial purchase.
The critical 15-day refund window
SolidWorks offers a 15-day refund window for new annual and quarterly web subscriptions purchased directly or through most authorized resellers. This window begins on your original purchase date. If you miss this deadline, you typically forfeit your refund eligibility entirely, even if you cancel immediately afterward. This is why Yafee strongly recommends you act within 15 days of purchase if you want your money back.
Your consumer rights and what they mean for you in canada
Canadian consumer protection law provides you with enforceable rights when disputing unfair billing or cancellation practices.
Federal and provincial consumer protection act framework
Every Canadian province has consumer protection legislation that requires vendors to honour cancellation requests and respect refund policies. Under federal and provincial consumer law, you have the right to cancel a subscription before auto-renewal occurs. Furthermore, vendors must make cancellation at least as easy as signup. If SolidWorks or an authorized reseller makes cancellation deliberately difficult, obfuscates the cancellation option, or charges you after you request cancellation, that conduct may violate your statutory rights.
The 15-day cooling-off period for certain digital products and subscriptions applies in most provinces. If SolidWorks fails to honour this window or refuses to process a valid refund request, you can escalate your complaint to your provincial consumer protection authority or file a chargeback through your credit card company.
Your legal position when you cancel
You have the right to cancel SolidWorks at any time. If you cancel within 15 days of purchase, you are entitled to a full refund. If you cancel after 15 days, your right to a refund depends on whether you purchased a monthly subscription (which you can cancel without penalty) or an annual/quarterly term (which may be non-refundable after the cooling-off period). If the vendor refuses to refund you after 15 days, you may file a complaint with your provincial consumer protection authority or contact your credit card company to dispute the charge. Yafee recommends documenting all cancellation requests and vendor responses to strengthen any dispute you file.
Keep detailed records from purchase to cancellation
Collect and store screenshots of your original purchase receipt, the exact order date, your account number and all communication with SolidWorks or your reseller. Save confirmation emails, subscription terms, any marketing materials that promised a refund, and records of all cancellation requests. This documentation is your legal protection if you need to dispute a charge or escalate to a consumer protection authority.
How to cancel SolidWorks through your 3DEXPERIENCE account
Most Canadian users purchase SolidWorks directly through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform or via an authorized reseller. Web-based cancellation is the most straightforward path for direct purchases.
Step 1: sign in to your 3DEXPERIENCE account
- Navigate to the 3DEXPERIENCE login page at 3ds.com
- Enter your username and registered email address.
- If you cannot recall your password, click the "Forgot password" link on the login screen and follow the reset instructions sent to your email.
Step 2: locate your subscription management section
- After logging in, navigate to "My Account" or "Subscriptions" from the main menu
- The exact label varies by interface updates; look for a gear icon, your account name dropdown, or a "Manage Account" link.
- If you cannot find a subscription section, scroll to the bottom of the page and look for "Account Settings" or "Billing".
Step 3: identify your active SolidWorks subscription
- In the subscriptions section, locate your active SolidWorks licence
- You will see the subscription type (annual, quarterly, or monthly), the start date and the renewal date.
- Note your renewal date; this is critical for calculating whether you are within the 15-day refund window.
Step 4: request cancellation and document the date
- Select your SolidWorks subscription and look for a "Cancel Subscription", "Deactivate" or "Request Cancellation" button
- Click this button and confirm your cancellation request when prompted.
- The system will display a confirmation message; take a screenshot of this message and note the exact date and time you submitted your cancellation request.
- You should receive a confirmation email at your registered address within 24 hours
- This email is your proof of cancellation. Save it in a dedicated folder for future reference.
Step 5: verify cancellation and confirm refund status
- Return to your account within 24 to 48 hours and verify that your subscription status now shows "Cancelled" or "Inactive"
- If it still shows "Active", contact SolidWorks customer support immediately (see contact details in the "Next steps and contact information" section below).
- If you purchased within 15 days and want to confirm your refund eligibility, send a follow-up email to SolidWorks customer support requesting written confirmation that your refund has been processed
- Include your original receipt number, cancellation confirmation number and purchase date.
If you purchased through an authorized reseller
You must contact your reseller directly if you purchased SolidWorks through an authorized dealer rather than through 3DEXPERIENCE. Resellers have their own refund and cancellation policies, though they are bound by the same 15-day cooling-off period under Canadian law.
Contact your reseller for cancellation
- Locate the invoice or confirmation email from your reseller purchase
- This email will include the reseller's name, phone number and customer support website.
- Contact the reseller's customer support team by phone or email and request cancellation of your SolidWorks subscription
- Provide your invoice or order number, the original purchase date and a brief reason for cancellation (optional).
- Request written confirmation of your cancellation and the status of any refund
- The reseller must provide this confirmation within 5 to 10 business days.
- If the reseller claims they cannot cancel or refuses to process your request, escalate the issue to Yafee or your provincial consumer protection authority (see section below)
Refund timelines and what to expect after cancellation
Once you submit your cancellation request, the refund process follows a specific timeline under Canadian law and payment processor policies.
Refund processing timeline
| Timeframe |
What happens |
| Days 1 to 15 (within cooling-off period) |
You are eligible for a full refund. SolidWorks must acknowledge your cancellation within 24 hours and process the refund within 5 to 10 business days. |
| Days 16+ (after cooling-off period) |
Refund eligibility depends on your subscription term. Monthly subscriptions are typically cancelled without penalty. Annual or quarterly subscriptions may be non-refundable unless SolidWorks offers prorated refunds. |
| 5 to 10 business days after approval |
The refund appears in your original payment method (credit card, bank account or PayPal). |
| 10 to 15 business days after refund issued |
Your credit card company or bank processes the credit. Monitor your bank statements to confirm receipt. |
| After 15 business days |
If you do not see the refund, contact SolidWorks immediately with your refund confirmation number. Yafee recommends escalating unresolved refund issues to your bank or credit card company. |
Protect yourself after cancellation
Monitor your bank account and credit card statements for at least 30 days after your cancellation date to ensure that SolidWorks does not attempt to charge you again. If you see unexpected charges, contact your bank immediately. Yafee has helped many users reverse erroneous post-cancellation charges by providing proof of their cancellation request and refund eligibility.
Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them
Cancellation disputes are often avoidable if you know the common traps that trip up SolidWorks users. Take a moment now to avoid these costly errors.
Mistake 1: cancelling outside the system and assuming it worked
Simply deleting your SolidWorks account or stopping your use does not cancel your subscription. You must formally submit a cancellation request through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform or contact your reseller directly. Until you receive written confirmation of cancellation, you remain liable for renewal charges. Always wait for a confirmation email before assuming your cancellation is complete.
Mistake 2: missing the 15-day refund window
The 15-day cooling-off period is absolute. If you cancel on day 16, you typically lose your refund eligibility for annual and quarterly subscriptions. Mark your purchase date on a calendar immediately after you buy SolidWorks, and set a phone reminder for day 13 if you are unsure about keeping your subscription.
Mistake 3: not saving your cancellation confirmation
If SolidWorks later denies that you cancelled, you need proof. Take screenshots of your cancellation request submission, save all confirmation emails and note the date and time of your request. Without this evidence, SolidWorks can claim your cancellation never arrived.
Mistake 4: ignoring auto-renewal notices
Many SolidWorks subscriptions auto-renew without explicit reminder emails. Check your account settings to see your renewal date and subscription term. If you do not plan to renew, submit your cancellation request at least 5 business days before the renewal date to prevent the next charge from processing.
Pricing overview and refund scenarios
Understanding SolidWorks' pricing structure helps you calculate your refund eligibility and plan your cancellation timing.
| Subscription type |
Typical cost (CAD) |
Refund within 15 days |
Refund after 15 days |
| Monthly subscription |
$400 to $600 |
Full refund |
No refund; cancel to stop future charges |
| Annual subscription |
$4,200 to $6,500 |
Full refund |
Prorated or no refund (depends on vendor) |
| Quarterly subscription |
$1,200 to $1,800 |
Full refund |
Prorated or no refund (depends on vendor) |
| Perpetual licence |
$8,000 to $15,000+ |
Full refund |
No refund (permanent purchase) |
Prices vary by region, reseller and subscription tier. Yafee recommends confirming your exact price and refund policy in your purchase confirmation email before proceeding with cancellation.
What to do if SolidWorks refuses to cancel or refund
If SolidWorks or your reseller refuses to process your cancellation or honour your refund request, you have multiple enforcement options under Canadian law.
Step 1: send a formal written cancellation notice
- Draft a clear email or letter to SolidWorks customer support
- Include your account number, full name, registered email address, original purchase date and a clear statement: "I am requesting cancellation of my SolidWorks subscription effective immediately."
- If you are within 15 days, add: "I am requesting a full refund under the 15-day cooling-off period provided by Canadian consumer protection law."
- Keep a copy of this email for your records.
- Send this email to SolidWorks customer support and request a read receipt
- This creates a timestamped record of your cancellation request.
Step 2: escalate to your provincial consumer protection authority
If SolidWorks does not respond within 10 business days or refuses your refund claim, file a complaint with your provincial consumer protection authority. Each province has a dedicated office:
- Ontario: Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (for digital product refunds, consult the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services).
- British Columbia: BC Consumer Protection Authority.
- Alberta: Alberta Fair Trading Act Administrator.
- Québec: Office of the Protecteur du Consommateur.
- Other provinces: Contact your provincial consumer protection office directly (search "[Your Province] consumer protection" online).
Yafee recommends gathering your documentation (purchase receipt, cancellation request, all emails from SolidWorks) before filing a complaint. Your provincial authority can compel SolidWorks to honour your cancellation or refund request.
Step 3: file a credit card chargeback
- Contact your credit card company or bank and request a chargeback for your SolidWorks charge
- Explain that you cancelled within the legal refund window and SolidWorks refused to refund you.
- Provide your cancellation confirmation email and any written responses from SolidWorks as evidence.
- Your bank will typically reverse the charge within 5 to 10 business days if the evidence supports your claim.
You are now equipped with the legal framework and practical steps to cancel SolidWorks confidently. To proceed, follow this checklist:
| Action |
Timeline |
| Confirm your purchase date and calculate your 15-day deadline |
Today |
| Log in to your 3DEXPERIENCE account and submit your cancellation request |
Within 15 days of purchase (if you want a refund) |
| Save your cancellation confirmation email and take screenshots |
Immediately after cancellation submission |
| Verify that your subscription status shows "Cancelled" in your account |
Within 48 hours |
| Monitor your bank account for the refund to appear |
5 to 15 business days |
| If no refund appears, contact SolidWorks customer support |
After 15 business days |
SolidWorks customer support contact details
Direct your cancellation request to SolidWorks customer support using one of these methods:
- Email: Send your cancellation request to support at the official SolidWorks domain (verify the correct email on the 3DEXPERIENCE website to avoid phishing).
- Phone: Contact SolidWorks customer support directly through 3ds.com and request the Canadian customer service line.
- In-person or registered mail: If email and phone do not succeed, send a formal cancellation notice via registered mail to Dassault Systèmes' Canadian headquarters. Request a return receipt to prove delivery.
Seek assistance from yafee if SolidWorks refuses to cancel
If you encounter resistance from SolidWorks or your reseller after following these steps, Yafee can help. Yafee specializes in resolving subscription disputes and securing refunds for Canadian consumers. Visit yafee.com to learn how Yafee has helped thousands of users cancel SolidWorks, reverse unwanted charges and recover thousands of dollars in owed refunds. Yafee's team will guide you through escalation to your provincial consumer protection authority if SolidWorks refuses to cooperate.
Your right to cancel SolidWorks is protected by law. Act within 15 days to secure your full refund, document every step of your cancellation, and escalate immediately if the company resists. Yafee is here to support you at every stage of this process.