How to cancel SkinnyFit in new zealand and protect yourself from unwanted charges
Why you need to cancel SkinnyFit before your trial ends
SkinnyFit is a United States-based wellness company that operates subscription trials designed to convert automatically into recurring monthly charges once your trial period expires. You typically receive promotional offers at a reduced cost during your initial 21 or 30 day trial window, then face automatic enrollment in a paid subscription unless you take action to cancel beforehand. Understanding this mechanism is essential to protecting your finances and exercising your rights as a New Zealand consumer.
Many New Zealand customers discover unexpected charges weeks after their trial ends because they missed the cancellation deadline by a single day or were unaware of the automatic renewal clause. Yafee has created this guide to walk you through every cancellation method available, explain your legal protections under New Zealand consumer law, and help you avoid the financial traps that catch thousands of subscribers annually. Whether you are unhappy with the product, forgot about your trial end date, or simply wish to move on, this guide provides actionable steps and concrete timelines.
How SkinnyFit's subscription model works
SkinnyFit offers trial periods at a promotional cost, requiring you to pay shipping and handling upfront. Once your trial window closes, the company automatically enrolls you in a full-price monthly subscription unless you submit a cancellation request before your next billing date. Trial periods typically run for 21 or 30 days, though promotional terms vary. Your credit or debit card will be charged a recurring monthly fee, which in New Zealand typically ranges from NZD $35 to NZD $65, depending on the product purchased.
Why timing your cancellation correctly saves money
Each day your subscription remains active after you decide to leave, you risk incurring another monthly charge. Missing your trial end date by even one day can result in an unwanted renewal charge of NZD $40 to NZD $60 or more. Cancelling at least 24 hours before your next billing cycle ensures you avoid this trap. Yafee recommends setting a phone reminder on your trial start date so you have a clear checkpoint to cancel in time.
Your legal position under new zealand consumer law
As a New Zealand consumer, you benefit from specific protections under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986. These laws require that SkinnyFit operate transparently, honour cancellation requests made within reasonable timeframes, and not mislead you about the terms of your subscription or the automatic renewal clause.
Consumer guarantees act 1993 protections
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 guarantees that goods and services supplied to you are of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and safe. If you believe SkinnyFit products have not met these standards, you have the right to seek a remedy from the supplier. Furthermore, the Act requires that the terms of your subscription be clearly disclosed upfront, and that automatic renewal clauses be prominent and easy to understand. If SkinnyFit fails to disclose these terms clearly, you may have grounds to dispute charges or request a refund.
Fair trading act 1986 and your cancellation rights
The Fair Trading Act 1986 prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct in trade. This means SkinnyFit cannot use aggressive sales tactics, hide cancellation options, or make the cancellation process unnecessarily difficult. In accordance with this Act, you have the right to cancel your subscription, and the company must provide you with a straightforward mechanism to do so. If SkinnyFit refuses to honour a valid cancellation request, you may lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission, New Zealand's primary consumer enforcement body.
Cancellation methods available to you
SkinnyFit provides multiple pathways to cancel your subscription, each with different processing times and confirmation requirements.
Cancel via online account portal
The fastest method is to log into your SkinnyFit account online and use the self-service cancellation tool. You should be able to access your account settings, locate the subscription management section, and submit a cancellation request immediately. This method generates an instant confirmation, which you should screenshot for your records. Processing typically takes 24 to 48 hours, and you will receive a confirmation email once the cancellation is complete.
Cancel by contacting customer support
If you prefer direct communication or encounter difficulties with the online portal, you may contact SkinnyFit's customer support team by email or phone. You should request written confirmation of your cancellation request and note the date and time you submitted it. Yafee recommends sending your cancellation request by email rather than phone, as this creates a written record that protects you if a dispute arises later. Customer support typically responds within 48 hours and confirms your cancellation within 5 to 7 business days.
Cancel by formal written letter
For maximum legal certainty, you may submit a cancellation request by formal letter addressed to SkinnyFit's Legal Department at their Denver, Colorado address. This method creates an official record and is particularly useful if the company refuses to honour your cancellation or disputes the validity of your request. Send your letter by registered mail so you have proof of delivery. Include your full name, account number, email address, date of subscription purchase, and a clear statement that you wish to cancel immediately. Allow 10 to 14 business days for processing when using this method.
Step-by-step cancellation process
Follow these steps in order, documenting each action as you proceed.
- Log into your SkinnyFit account on their official website or mobile app
- Enter your email address and password
- Navigate to "Account Settings" or "Subscription Management"
- Look for the "Cancel Subscription" or "Manage Billing" button
- Select the cancellation option and review the terms
- Read any messages asking why you wish to cancel
- Do not allow surveys or feedback to delay your cancellation
- Proceed to confirm cancellation even if offered a discount or incentive
- Confirm your cancellation request
- Click the final "Confirm Cancellation" or "Complete Cancellation" button
- Screenshot the confirmation page showing your cancellation was successful
- Note the date and time displayed on the confirmation
- Collect your cancellation confirmation email
- Check your inbox and spam folder within 24 hours
- If no email arrives, contact customer support with your screenshot
- Save the email and screenshot together in a dedicated folder
- Check your bank statement on your next billing date
- Verify that no new charge appears 5 to 7 days after your cancellation date
- If a charge appears after successful cancellation, contact your bank immediately
- Request that your bank provide you with evidence of the transaction for your dispute
- If cancellation fails, escalate to formal letter or complaint
- Allow 48 hours, then attempt cancellation again online
- If still unsuccessful, send a formal letter to the Legal Department
- If the company refuses to respond, contact the Commerce Commission
Pricing and what you may be charged
Understanding SkinnyFit's pricing structure helps you calculate whether cancellation will trigger any unexpected fees.
| Plan type |
Trial cost (NZD) |
Monthly subscription (NZD) |
Billing frequency |
Cancellation window |
| 21-day trial |
$9.95 (shipping only) |
$39.95 |
Monthly auto-renewal |
21 days from purchase |
| 30-day trial |
$9.95 (shipping only) |
$49.95 |
Monthly auto-renewal |
30 days from purchase |
| Multi-product bundle |
$14.95 (shipping only) |
$69.95 |
Monthly auto-renewal |
30 days from purchase |
| Standard monthly subscription (no trial) |
N/A |
$39.95 |
Monthly auto-renewal |
Cancel anytime |
Yafee advises you to cancel before your trial period ends to avoid the full subscription charge. If you miss your cancellation deadline by one day, SkinnyFit will charge you the full monthly rate, and you will need to cancel again to prevent future charges. The company does not typically offer partial refunds for subscriptions cancelled after the trial period ends, so timing is critical.
Refunds and what to expect after cancellation
Your refund eligibility depends on when you submit your cancellation request and which products you ordered.
Trial period cancellations
If you cancel before your trial period ends, you generally will not be charged the full subscription price. However, SkinnyFit may decline to refund your initial shipping and handling fee of NZD $9.95 to NZD $14.95, as this is considered payment for delivery of the trial product. Yafee recommends contacting customer support to request a refund of the shipping fee if you believe the product was faulty or misrepresented, as you may have grounds under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Charges after trial period ends
If SkinnyFit charges you for a full month after your trial ends, and you cancelled on time, you have the right to request a refund. Contact customer support with evidence of your cancellation (screenshot or confirmation email) and ask them to reverse the charge. Most companies process these refunds within 5 to 10 business days. If the company refuses, you may escalate your claim to your bank or the Commerce Commission.
Dealing with unauthorised charges
If you receive a charge after you cancelled, and customer support refuses to refund it, you have the right to dispute the transaction with your bank or credit card issuer. Contact your bank immediately and provide your cancellation confirmation, screenshots, and any correspondence from SkinnyFit. Your bank will typically reverse the charge within 10 to 15 business days while investigating. Yafee recommends keeping all documentation for at least 12 months in case further disputes arise.
Common mistakes that delay or prevent cancellation
Cancellation is straightforward when you know what to avoid, and most issues arise from oversights rather than intentional obstruction by the company.
Missing your trial end date by a single day
SkinnyFit's system charges you automatically when your trial period expires, typically at midnight on your 21st or 30th day. If you cancel on day 22 or day 31, you will be charged the full monthly subscription price. Set a calendar reminder at least three days before your trial ends to ensure you have a buffer. Do not rely on the company to send you a reminder email, as these sometimes arrive late or end up in your spam folder.
Attempting to cancel via social media
Some customers message SkinnyFit on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, believing this will speed up the process. Social media cancellation requests are rarely processed as formal cancellations and often lead to confusion or delayed response. Always use the official online portal, email to customer support, or a formal letter to the Legal Department. Social media contact is useful only for escalating a complaint after formal channels have failed.
Not saving your cancellation confirmation
If you do not screenshot or save your cancellation confirmation, you have no proof that you cancelled on time if a dispute arises later. Immediately after cancelling, take a screenshot of the confirmation page and save the confirmation email. Store these in a dedicated folder labelled "SkinnyFit Cancellation" so you can retrieve them quickly if needed.
Confusing returns with cancellations
Returning an unopened or unused product is not the same as cancelling your subscription. You may return products to SkinnyFit's Denver address only after obtaining a Return Merchandise Authorisation (RMA) number from customer support. Yafee emphasises that you must cancel your subscription separately through the methods described in this guide, even if you have initiated a product return. Returns and cancellations are processed by different departments and do not automatically trigger each other.
What happens after you successfully cancel
Cancellation is complete when you receive written confirmation from SkinnyFit, not simply when you click a button online.
Confirmation timeline
You should receive a cancellation confirmation email within 24 to 48 hours of submitting your request online, or within 5 to 7 business days if you submitted a formal letter. If you do not receive confirmation within these windows, contact customer support again and provide evidence of your original cancellation request. Do not assume silence means approval; always obtain written confirmation.
Final billing and account closure
Once your cancellation is confirmed, your account will close, and you will no longer receive charges on your credit or debit card. Your final bill will include any charges accrued up to and including the day before your cancellation was processed. After the billing cycle completes, your account will no longer appear in the SkinnyFit system, and you will not be able to log in using your original credentials.
What to do if a charge appears after cancellation
Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately if a charge appears on your statement after you received cancellation confirmation. Provide your bank with your cancellation confirmation email and any screenshots, then request that they reverse the charge and investigate the transaction. Yafee recommends writing a short email to SkinnyFit's customer support simultaneously, attaching your cancellation confirmation and the bank transaction details, asking them to explain the charge. Keep records of all correspondence for your dispute file.
Escalation and complaints process if the company refuses
If SkinnyFit refuses to honour your cancellation or disputes your request, you have formal avenues to escalate your complaint.
Step one: formal written demand
Send a formal letter to SkinnyFit's Legal Department demanding cancellation and explaining that you cancelled in accordance with the terms of the subscription. Include your account number, original cancellation date, and copies of your confirmation screenshots. Request a written response within 14 days. Send this letter by registered mail so you have proof of delivery. This step often prompts the company to respond and resolve the dispute.
Step two: commerce commission complaint
If SkinnyFit does not respond to your formal demand within 14 days, or refuses to honour your cancellation, you may lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission, New Zealand's official consumer protection agency. The Commerce Commission investigates breaches of the Fair Trading Act 1986 and can force companies to refund consumers and cease misleading conduct. You can lodge a complaint online at www.comcom.govt.nz or by post. The Commission typically investigates complaints within 30 to 60 days and will advise you of the outcome.
Step three: chargeback dispute with your bank
As a final step, you may dispute any charges that appear after your cancellation confirmation by contacting your bank or credit card issuer. Request a chargeback dispute, which means your bank will investigate the transaction and attempt to recover the funds. Provide your bank with all documentation, including your cancellation confirmation, the company's refusal to refund, and copies of your Communications Commission complaint if you have filed one. Banks typically reverse the charge within 15 to 30 days if you have clear evidence that you cancelled.
Key documents and cancellation checklist
Use this checklist to track your cancellation and ensure you have all necessary documentation for future reference or disputes.
| Document or action |
Completed? |
Date completed |
Notes |
| Screenshot of cancellation confirmation |
Yes / No |
___________ |
Include date and time shown on screen |
| Cancellation confirmation email received |
Yes / No |
___________ |
Save email and check subject line |
| Bank statement checked for final charge |
Yes / No |
___________ |
Verify no charge appears after cancellation date |
| Formal written demand sent (if needed) |
Yes / No |
___________ |
Use registered mail; keep delivery proof |
| Commerce Commission complaint filed (if needed) |
Yes / No |
___________ |
Reference number: ___________ |
| Bank chargeback dispute initiated (if needed) |
Yes / No |
___________ |
Reference number: ___________ |
Use these official contact methods to ensure your cancellation reaches the correct department.
Online account cancellation
Log into your SkinnyFit account at www.skinnyfit.com, navigate to Account Settings, and use the self-service cancellation tool. This is the fastest method and provides immediate confirmation.
Customer support email
Send your cancellation request to SkinnyFit's customer support team via email. Include your full name, account email address, account number, and a clear statement that you wish to cancel your subscription effective immediately. Customer support typically responds within 48 hours.
Legal department formal cancellation address
For formal cancellation letters, mail your request to:
SkinnyFit Legal Department
[Denver, Colorado address - to be confirmed with current legal department contact]
Include your full name, account email address, account number, subscription purchase date, and the date you wish your subscription to terminate. Send by registered mail and keep the delivery receipt as proof. Allow 10 to 14 business days for processing.
Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers successfully cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover unauthorised charges. By following this guide step-by-step, documenting each action, and understanding your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986, you protect yourself from ongoing charges and have clear grounds to escalate if the company refuses to cooperate. Start your cancellation today, save your confirmation, and monitor your bank statement carefully in the days that follow.