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Frequently asked questions
Cancel Empire Magazine: The Right Way
How to cancel your Empire magazine subscription and reclaim your money
About Empire magazine and your subscription rights
Empire Magazine stands as the United Kingdom's leading film and entertainment publication, delivering monthly coverage of cinema, exclusive interviews, and detailed reviews to dedicated readers since 1989. Published by Bauer Media Group, the magazine offers both print and digital subscription options, each creating a legally binding contract between you and the publisher. Understanding your rights as a subscriber is essential before you attempt to cancel.
Your subscription agreement is protected under UK consumer law, specifically the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. These laws grant you statutory rights to cancel distance selling contracts within 14 calendar days of purchase, regardless of what Empire Magazine's terms state. This protection exists to safeguard you as a consumer, and no company can remove or reduce these rights through their own terms and conditions.
Yafee specialises in helping consumers understand their cancellation entitlements and navigate the process with confidence. Whether you are cancelling within the cooling-off period or terminating an ongoing agreement, this guide walks you through every step and ensures you understand exactly what you are entitled to under UK law.
What makes Empire magazine subscriptions legally binding
When you subscribe to Empire Magazine, you enter into a contract with the publisher. This contract specifies the frequency of delivery (monthly, quarterly, or annual), the price you will pay, and the content you will receive. The contract is binding on both sides: Empire Magazine must deliver as promised, and you must pay according to the agreed schedule.
The critical point is this: the moment you purchase a subscription, the Consumer Contracts Regulations give you 14 calendar days to change your mind and cancel without penalty or cost. This cooling-off period applies whether you subscribed online, by telephone, or through a third-party retailer. After those 14 days, your cancellation rights depend on the contract terms, but you can still cancel, and you may qualify for a pro-rata refund under certain circumstances.
Your legal protection as a UK consumer
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 establishes that all terms in a consumer contract must be fair and transparent. If Empire Magazine's cancellation procedure is deliberately obscured, costs you money unexpectedly, or contradicts your statutory rights, those terms are likely unfair and unenforceable under UK law. You always have the right to escalate complaints to the relevant authority if the publisher refuses to honour your rights.
Empire magazine subscription pricing and plans
Understanding the cost of your subscription and what you are locked into is essential before you decide whether to cancel.
Print subscription options and costs
Empire Magazine's print edition arrives monthly at your door. The publisher offers several payment models to suit different preferences: monthly rolling subscriptions, quarterly bundles, and annual prepaid contracts. Annual subscriptions typically offer the best per-issue value but require a larger upfront commitment, which can complicate cancellation if circumstances change.
| Subscription type | Payment frequency | Typical cost (approx.) | Flexibility | Cancellation ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly rolling | Monthly | £5.99 | High | Easiest |
| Quarterly | Every 3 months | £16.99 | Medium | Moderate |
| Annual prepaid | One payment | £59.99 | Low | Requires refund claim |
| Digital only | Monthly | £2.99 | High | Easiest |
Digital subscription options and costs
Empire Magazine also offers a digital-only subscription via their website and partner platforms. Digital subscriptions are typically cheaper than print and offer greater flexibility, as you can cancel immediately without waiting for refunds on physical deliveries. However, the cancellation process varies depending on whether you subscribed directly or through a third-party app or reseller.
Should you cancel your Empire magazine subscription?
Before you proceed with cancellation, consider whether cancelling is the right step for you.
Reasons to cancel your subscription
You may wish to cancel if you no longer read the magazine regularly, if you have switched to digital-only content, if the cost is no longer affordable, or if you have changed your entertainment preferences. Additionally, if Empire Magazine has failed to deliver issues on time, has charged you unexpectedly, or has breached the terms of your contract, cancellation may be your best recourse.
Reasons to keep your subscription
If you enjoy the physical magazine, value the exclusive interviews and reviews, or have negotiated a discounted rate, keeping your subscription may be worthwhile. Monthly rolling subscriptions offer the lowest commitment, and you can always cancel within your next billing cycle if circumstances change.
How to cancel your Empire magazine subscription
The cancellation process depends on where you subscribed and which payment method you used.
Step 1: locate your original subscription confirmation
Find the email confirmation you received when you first subscribed to Empire Magazine. This email will contain your subscription reference number, the subscription type (monthly, quarterly, or annual), and the cancellation policy for your specific agreement. If you cannot locate this email, search your inbox for "Empire Magazine" or "Bauer Media" to retrieve it.
Step 2: determine where you subscribed
Your cancellation method depends on where you purchased your subscription:
- Direct from Empire Magazine's website or customer service
- Through a third-party retailer (Amazon Prime Reading, Apple News+, Google Play, or similar)
- Via a standalone app on your mobile device or tablet
- Through a partner subscription box service
Each route has a different cancellation process, so identifying your purchase source is critical.
Step 3: cancel via direct subscription (Empire Magazine website)
If you subscribed directly with Empire Magazine:
- Visit the Empire Magazine website and log into your subscriber account
- Navigate to "My Account" or "Manage Subscription" in your profile settings
- Select "Cancel Subscription" or "End Subscription"
- Follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation request
- Request written confirmation of your cancellation by email
- Save this confirmation in a safe place for your records
Yafee recommends always requesting written confirmation, as this creates a paper trail if any dispute arises later.
Step 4: cancel via third-party platform
If you subscribed through Amazon Prime Reading, Apple News+, Google Play, or another third-party platform:
- Log into your account on that platform (Amazon, Apple, Google, etc.)
- Navigate to your subscription settings or "Manage Subscriptions"
- Find "Empire Magazine" in your active subscriptions list
- Select "Cancel Subscription" and confirm the cancellation
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation page
- Check your email for a cancellation confirmation message within 24 hours
Third-party platforms often process cancellations immediately, but some may continue billing until your current billing cycle ends.
Step 5: cancel by contacting customer service directly
If you cannot cancel online or prefer to speak with someone directly:
- Locate the customer service contact information on Empire Magazine's website or your subscription confirmation email
- Call or email the subscription team with your subscription reference number
- Clearly state that you wish to cancel your subscription and request confirmation in writing
- Ask about your entitlement to a refund, particularly if you are within the 14-day cooling-off period
- Obtain the name and reference number of the representative you spoke with
- Keep a record of the date, time, and content of your conversation
Yafee advises using email rather than telephone when possible, as written communication creates a permanent record of your cancellation request.
Your legal position on cancellation and refunds
Your right to cancel and receive a refund depends on when you wish to cancel and what you have already received.
Within the 14-day cooling-off period
If you are cancelling within 14 calendar days of your purchase, you have an unconditional legal right to cancel and receive a full refund under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. This period starts from the date you receive your order confirmation email, not from the date you receive your first physical magazine. Empire Magazine cannot charge you a cancellation fee or restocking charge during this period.
To claim your cooling-off refund, you must submit your cancellation request in writing (by email or letter) and include your subscription reference number and the original purchase date. Empire Magazine must process your refund within 14 days of receiving your cancellation request, typically back to your original payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal account).
After the 14-day cooling-off period
Once the 14-day period has expired, your right to cancel depends on the specific terms of your subscription contract. Nevertheless, you can still cancel, and you may be entitled to a pro-rata refund if your subscription runs to an agreed end date.
For example, if you paid £59.99 for an annual subscription and cancel after 6 months, you may be entitled to a refund of approximately £29.99 (the remaining half of your subscription cost). However, Empire Magazine may also be entitled to deduct a reasonable charge for the magazines you have already received if this is specified in your contract terms.
Your legal position
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have the right to cancel any subscription at any time by giving reasonable notice, even after the cooling-off period. "Reasonable notice" typically means 30 days or until the end of your current billing cycle, whichever is sooner. If Empire Magazine refuses to cancel or to provide a refund to which you are entitled, you can escalate your complaint to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service or Ofcom (the regulator for media services in the UK).
Understanding your refund entitlements
Refund timings and amounts depend on the circumstances of your cancellation.
Refund timescales
Once you submit a valid cancellation request, Empire Magazine must acknowledge your cancellation within 2 business days and process your refund within 14 calendar days. The refund will typically be returned to your original payment method. If you paid by credit or debit card, your bank may take a further 3-5 working days to process the refund into your account.
What you will and will not be refunded for
The following table sets out what you can expect to reclaim:
| Scenario | Your entitlement | Refund amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel within 14 days of purchase | Full refund (no deductions) | 100% of subscription cost |
| Cancel after 14 days (monthly subscription) | Pro-rata refund minus delivery costs | Remaining balance after current month |
| Cancel annual subscription mid-term | Pro-rata refund for unused months | Cost per month x remaining months |
| Physical magazines already received | No refund (you have received the product) | £0 |
What happens after you cancel your subscription
Understanding what to expect after cancellation will help you plan your next steps.
Confirmation of cancellation
Within 2 business days of submitting your cancellation request, Empire Magazine should send you a confirmation email containing your cancellation reference number, the effective cancellation date, and details of any refund. If you do not receive this confirmation within 3 business days, contact customer service again and escalate your request.
When your subscription ends
Your subscription will end on the date specified in the cancellation confirmation. For monthly rolling subscriptions, this is typically at the end of your current billing cycle. For annual subscriptions, cancellation is usually immediate, but you retain access to your digital copy (if applicable) until the end of your current billing period.
Continuing to access your magazines
If you subscribed to the digital edition, you may lose access to new issues immediately upon cancellation, or you may retain access until the end of your current billing cycle, depending on Empire Magazine's policy. Check your cancellation confirmation email to clarify this. For print subscriptions, you will receive any issues already in transit but will not receive future issues.
Handling unwanted deliveries
If you receive a physical magazine after your cancellation date, contact customer service to report the unwanted delivery. You are not obligated to pay for it, and you can refuse delivery or return it to the sender. Yafee recommends taking a photograph of any unsolicited delivery as evidence.
Common cancellation mistakes to avoid
Cancelling your subscription should be straightforward if you follow the correct procedure. The most common errors are easily avoidable with careful planning.
Mistake 1: confusing account closure with subscription cancellation
Some consumers close their entire account (e.g., Amazon Prime account or Apple ID) thinking this will cancel their Empire Magazine subscription. Account closure and subscription cancellation are separate actions. Always cancel your subscription first, then close your account if you wish. Closing your account without cancelling your subscription may result in continued billing.
Mistake 2: missing the 14-day cooling-off deadline
The 14-day cooling-off period is a statutory right that you lose after 14 calendar days. The clock starts from the date you receive your order confirmation email, not from when you receive your first magazine. Mark this deadline in your calendar immediately after subscribing, or set a phone reminder so you do not miss this window.
Mistake 3: failing to request written confirmation
Verbal cancellation requests or cancellations submitted via chat support are difficult to verify if a dispute arises later. Always insist on written confirmation via email, and keep copies of all communication. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers resolve billing disputes simply by having documented proof of their cancellation request.
Mistake 4: not checking the effective cancellation date
Your subscription may not end on the date you submit your cancellation request. Read your cancellation confirmation carefully to identify the exact date when your subscription ends and billing ceases. If the date is later than you expected, contact customer service to clarify.
Mistake 5: attempting to cancel through social media only
Private messages to Empire Magazine's social media accounts are not reliable evidence of a cancellation request. Use only official channels: the website, email, or telephone. Social media messages can be deleted, and there is no guarantee that your message reached the right department.
Cancellation address and contact information
If you need to cancel by post or require further assistance, contact the subscription team at the following address:
Empire Magazine Subscriptions
Bauer Media Group
Media House
Peterborough
PE1 1FB
United Kingdom
Email: [email protected] (or check the Empire Magazine website for the current email address)
Telephone: Contact the subscription line via the magazine's website for the current number
Always include your subscription reference number, full name, and the email address associated with your account when you contact them.
Escalation and consumer protection
If Empire Magazine refuses to cancel your subscription or denies you a refund to which you are legally entitled, you have formal escalation routes available to you.
Formal complaint procedure
First, submit a formal written complaint to Empire Magazine's customer service department, clearly setting out why you believe you are entitled to a refund and referencing the relevant legislation (Consumer Rights Act 2015 or Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013). Provide copies of all supporting documentation: your cancellation request, confirmation emails, and payment records. Empire Magazine must respond to your complaint within 8 weeks under the standard complaint handling procedure.
Escalation to the citizens advice consumer service
If Empire Magazine does not resolve your complaint satisfactorily, you can escalate the matter to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, the independent body responsible for enforcing consumer rights in the United Kingdom. The Citizens Advice Consumer Service can investigate your complaint and take action against the publisher if they have breached consumer law. There is no cost to you for this service.
Small claims court proceedings
If the disputed amount is under £10,000, you can bring a claim in the small claims court without requiring a lawyer. The small claims process is designed to be accessible to consumers and does not require legal representation. You can recover the cost of your claim from the defendant if you win.
Frequently compared subscription services
If you are considering alternative entertainment publications after cancelling Empire Magazine, the following table compares cancellation policies:
| Publication | Cooling-off period | Typical cost per month | Cancellation ease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Magazine | 14 calendar days | £5.99 | Moderate |
| Sight & Sound | 14 calendar days | £4.99 | Moderate |
| Total Film | 14 calendar days | £4.99 | Moderate |
| Digital streaming (Netflix/Disney+) | 14 calendar days | £5.99-£17.99 | Very easy |
Summary and next steps
Cancelling your Empire Magazine subscription is a straightforward process if you follow the correct procedure and understand your legal rights. Whether you are cancelling within the 14-day cooling-off period or terminating an ongoing subscription, you are protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. Always request written confirmation of your cancellation, save all documentation, and escalate to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service if the publisher refuses to comply with your legal entitlements.
Yafee is committed to helping consumers navigate subscription cancellations with confidence. Our guides cover cancellation procedures for hundreds of services, from magazines and streaming platforms to gym memberships and software subscriptions. Whether you are cancelling one service or multiple subscriptions, Yafee has helped thousands of consumers reclaim their money and understand their consumer rights. Visit Yafee.com today to explore our full library of cancellation guides and consumer law resources, and take control of your subscriptions with the knowledge and tools you deserve.
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