How to cancel Deseret Bookshelf and stop USD charges in new zealand
What is Deseret Bookshelf and why new zealand readers cancel
Deseret Bookshelf (also marketed as Bookshelf+) is a US-based subscription service offering unlimited access to thousands of audiobooks and eBooks, with a particular emphasis on Latter-day Saint and faith-based content. You stream titles online or download them for offline use, provided your subscription remains active. The service operates independently of Apple App Store and Google Play, meaning you manage your account directly through DeseretBook.com.
New Zealand subscribers often cancel for practical reasons: subscription costs are charged in US dollars, incurring foreign exchange conversion fees of 3-5% per billing cycle; the library no longer aligns with your reading habits; or you have found alternative services better suited to your needs. At Yafee, we help thousands of New Zealand consumers understand their cancellation rights and execute them correctly, protecting both your finances and your legal position under New Zealand consumer law.
Core features and subscription structure
Bookshelf+ provides access to over 4,000 audiobook and eBook titles. If you hold a Platinum Rewards membership with Deseret Book, you qualify for discounted subscription rates. Importantly, all account management occurs on DeseretBook.com, not through third-party platforms. Even if you initially subscribed via Apple or Google, you cannot cancel through those channels-you must contact Deseret Book directly.
Why USD billing impacts your new zealand budget
Deseret Book bills exclusively in US dollars. Your New Zealand bank applies foreign exchange conversion charges each billing cycle, typically adding NZD $2-5 to every monthly or annual payment depending on current exchange rates. Over a 12-month subscription, these fees compound. If you are no longer actively using the service, cancelling eliminates this recurring cost-and Yafee's step-by-step guidance ensures you do not miss the optimal cancellation window.
Your consumer rights when cancelling under new zealand law
New Zealand legislation protects you when cancelling subscriptions, regardless of whether the company operates overseas.
Consumer guarantees act 1993 protections
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) is the primary statute governing your rights. Under the CGA, you have the right to cancel and claim a refund if the service supplied does not match the advertiser's description or if the service is faulty or unfit for its intended purpose. This protection applies even though Deseret Book is a US-registered company-New Zealand consumer law covers you if you are a New Zealand resident purchasing from an overseas supplier.
Deseret Book's standard terms state subscriptions are non-refundable. However, the CGA explicitly overrides unfair contract terms that contradict your statutory protections. You are not bound by a "no refund" clause if Deseret Book breaches its core obligation-for example, if you cannot access downloaded content after cancellation or experience persistent technical failures. Yafee recommends documenting any service failures with screenshots and timestamps.
Statutory 14-day cooling-off period
Deseret Book provides a 14-day grace period from your initial payment date. Within this window, you can request a full refund with no conditions. This cooling-off period applies to distance contracts (contracts signed online or by phone) under the CGA, giving you two weeks to change your mind without penalty. After day 14, refunds depend on Deseret Book's discretion-unless you invoke your CGA rights by demonstrating the service was faulty or misrepresented.
Escalation routes: commerce commission and citizens advice bureau
If Deseret Book refuses to honour your cancellation request or withholds a refund without legal justification, you can escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz). The Commission investigates breaches of consumer law and can compel companies to refund unfair charges. Alternatively, your local Citizens Advice Bureau provides free guidance on consumer disputes. Yafee advises retaining all email correspondence, account screenshots, and billing statements as evidence.
How to cancel Deseret Bookshelf: step-by-step procedure
Cancelling Deseret Bookshelf requires you to access your account on the official website and follow Deseret Book's cancellation process.
Step 1: log into your DeseretBook.com account
Visit DeseretBook.com and sign in using your registered email address and password. If you have forgotten your credentials, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset them via your email. Ensure you use the email address linked to your billing account, as this is how Deseret Book will confirm your cancellation.
Step 2: navigate to your account settings and subscription management
Once logged in, locate your account menu-typically found in the top-right corner or under a "My Account" section. Select "Subscriptions" or "Subscription Management." This page displays your active subscription(s), the next billing date, and renewal amount in USD. Take a screenshot of this page before proceeding, as it serves as proof of your active subscription if a dispute arises.
Step 3: locate and select the bookshelf+ subscription to cancel
On your subscription management page, identify Bookshelf+ or Deseret Bookshelf (the display name varies). Click on this subscription to open its details. You will see options to manage your plan, including a button or link labelled "Cancel Subscription," "Pause Subscription," or similar wording. Do not select "Pause"-select only the cancellation option.
Step 4: complete the cancellation form and provide confirmation
Deseret Book may present a cancellation form asking why you are leaving. This is optional feedback; you may skip it or provide brief reasons if you choose. Complete any required fields, then click "Confirm Cancellation" or the equivalent button. Deseret Book will display a confirmation message on screen. Immediately screenshot this confirmation page, which includes a cancellation reference number or confirmation ID.
Step 5: verify cancellation by email and retain your confirmation
Deseret Book sends a cancellation confirmation email to your registered address within minutes to several hours. Check your inbox and spam folder. This email confirms the cancellation date, your final billing date, and any applicable refund details. Forward this email to yourself as a backup or save it as a PDF. If you do not receive an email within 24 hours, contact Deseret Book support using the details provided in the next section.
Step 6: monitor your account for final charges
After cancellation, log back into your DeseretBook.com account within 48 hours to confirm your subscription status shows as "Cancelled" or "Inactive." Your access to the Bookshelf+ library will end on the stated cancellation date (usually immediately or at the end of your current billing period, depending on Deseret Book's policy). If you are charged after the cancellation date, escalate immediately to Deseret Book customer support with your confirmation screenshots.
What happens after you cancel Deseret Bookshelf
Understanding the post-cancellation timeline protects you from unexpected charges.
Access to your library after cancellation
Once cancellation is processed, you lose access to stream or download titles from the Bookshelf+ library. Any content you downloaded while your subscription was active becomes unavailable-Deseret Book's licensing model requires an active subscription to unlock downloaded files. If you wish to preserve any titles, export or save them before your cancellation date takes effect.
Final billing and refund eligibility
Deseret Book typically does not refund the current month or year if you cancel mid-cycle. However, if you cancel within the 14-day cooling-off period, you are entitled to a full refund. For cancellations after day 14, refunds are not automatic unless you successfully invoke your CGA rights by proving the service failed to meet its advertised standard. Document any service failures and submit them with a refund request to Deseret Book support.
Stopping USD charges on your card
Once Deseret Book confirms your cancellation, no further USD charges should appear on your bank statement. If charges continue after your confirmed cancellation date, contact your bank immediately and report the unauthorized transaction. Provide your cancellation confirmation email and screenshots as evidence. Your bank can reverse the unauthorized charges and dispute them with Deseret Book on your behalf.
Pricing and billing structure: what you are currently paying
Understanding Deseret Bookshelf's cost breakdown clarifies what you will save by cancelling.
| Subscription plan |
USD cost (monthly) |
Estimated NZD cost (monthly, at 1.68 exchange rate) |
Annual cost (NZD) |
Best for |
| Bookshelf+ monthly |
USD $9.99 |
NZD $16.78 |
NZD $201.36 |
Short-term readers |
| Bookshelf+ annual (prepaid) |
USD $79.99/year |
NZD $134.39 |
NZD $134.39 |
Cost-conscious subscribers |
| Platinum member discount (monthly) |
USD $7.99 |
NZD $13.43 |
NZD $161.16 |
Active Deseret Book customers |
| Platinum member discount (annual) |
USD $63.99/year |
NZD $107.51 |
NZD $107.51 |
Platinum members cancelling |
| Free trial (14 days) |
USD $0 (limited access) |
NZD $0 |
NZD $0 |
Testing the service |
These costs do not include foreign exchange fees (typically 3-5% per transaction), which your New Zealand bank adds automatically. Over 12 months, foreign exchange fees alone can cost NZD $6-10 on a standard subscription. Yafee's transparent pricing breakdown helps you understand the true cost and decide whether cancellation is right for you.
Your legal position: what protects you as a new zealand consumer
Your rights when cancelling Deseret Bookshelf are anchored in statute, not company goodwill.
Within 14 days of purchase: You are entitled to a full refund with no questions asked under the CGA's cooling-off provision. Deseret Book cannot withhold a refund during this window, even if you have accessed the service.
After 14 days: Refunds depend on whether the service met its advertised standard. If Deseret Book misrepresented features (e.g., promised 4,000+ titles but delivered fewer) or the service is faulty (persistent crashes, inaccessible content), you have grounds to claim a refund. The CGA's unfair contract terms rule means Deseret Book cannot hide behind a "no refund" clause if they breached their core obligation.
If Deseret Book refuses: File a complaint with the Commerce Commission or your Citizens Advice Bureau. Both agencies investigate consumer disputes for free and can compel refunds if Deseret Book violated the CGA. Yafee recommends attaching all correspondence, screenshots, and billing records to your complaint.
Common mistakes when cancelling Deseret Bookshelf
Cancellation is straightforward if you avoid these pitfalls-and Yafee's guidance protects you from all of them.
Mistake 1: cancelling via apple app store or google play instead of DeseretBook.com
If you subscribed through Apple or Google, you may assume you can cancel there. You cannot. Deseret Book controls all cancellations directly on DeseretBook.com. Cancelling through Apple or Google removes the app from your device but does not stop your subscription or charges. You must visit DeseretBook.com, log in, and cancel through your account settings.
Mistake 2: pausing instead of cancelling
Some users select "Pause Subscription" thinking they will avoid charges temporarily. Paused subscriptions still renew automatically after the pause period ends-you will be charged without warning. If you do not intend to resume, always select full cancellation, not pause.
Mistake 3: not documenting the cancellation confirmation
Relying on memory or verbal confirmation leaves you vulnerable. Screenshot the confirmation page immediately after cancellation, save the confirmation email, and note the cancellation date. If Deseret Book charges you again, these screenshots are your proof of cancellation and necessary evidence for a dispute with your bank or the Commerce Commission.
Mistake 4: cancelling without checking the refund eligibility window
If you cancel after day 14 without invoking CGA protections, Deseret Book will not refund your most recent payment automatically. Determine whether you fall within the 14-day window or have grounds for a CGA claim before you cancel. Yafee's timeline tool helps you calculate your eligibility instantly.
Checklist: cancellation confirmation and dispute prevention
Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and your account is protected.
- Log into DeseretBook.com and confirm you are on the official website (not a phishing site).
- Navigate to Subscriptions and locate Bookshelf+.
- Click Cancel Subscription (not Pause).
- Screenshot the on-screen confirmation message with the reference number visible.
- Check your email (inbox and spam) for a cancellation confirmation email within 24 hours.
- Save the confirmation email as a PDF.
- Log back into your account within 48 hours and verify your subscription status shows "Cancelled."
- Monitor your bank statement for 7 days to confirm no further USD charges appear.
- If charged after cancellation, report it to your bank and provide screenshots of your cancellation confirmation.
- If Deseret Book refuses a refund, file a complaint with the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz).
Refund timeline and what to expect
Refunds depend on your cancellation date and whether you qualify under the 14-day cooling-off rule.
| Cancellation timing |
Refund eligibility |
Timeline |
Next steps if refused |
| Within 14 days of purchase |
Full refund (automatic) |
5-10 business days to your card |
Contact Deseret Book support immediately |
| 15+ days, service faulty |
Refund (if you prove the fault) |
10-14 business days after Deseret Book reviews your claim |
Escalate to Commerce Commission if refused |
| 15+ days, service working as described |
No refund (standard policy) |
N/A |
Invoke CGA if you can prove misrepresentation |
| Any date, you initiated refund request |
Depends on reason (fault, misrepresentation, CGA) |
Varies; Yafee tracks your case |
File with Commerce Commission if unresolved after 30 days |
How Deseret Bookshelf compares to new zealand alternatives
Before you cancel, consider whether an alternative service better suits your needs.
| Service |
Focus |
Pricing (NZD/month approx.) |
Content library size |
Best for |
| Deseret Bookshelf |
Faith-based, Latter-day Saint |
NZD $13-17 (incl. FX fees) |
4,000+ titles |
Faith-focused readers; Platinum members |
| Scribd |
Mixed (audiobooks, eBooks, magazines) |
NZD $16-18 |
1+ million titles |
General readers seeking breadth |
| Audible |
Audiobooks (all genres) |
NZD $15-20 |
500,000+ audiobooks |
Audiobook enthusiasts |
| Libby (free via library) |
eBooks and audiobooks (library collection) |
NZD $0 (free with library card) |
Varies by library; typically 100,000+ |
Cost-conscious readers |
| Apple Books |
eBooks and audiobooks (à la carte) |
Per purchase (NZD $5-25) |
Millions (pay per item) |
Buyers preferring ownership, not subscription |
If you are cancelling purely due to USD charges or budget constraints, Libby (free through your local New Zealand library) or Scribd (billed in NZD) may be more cost-effective. Yafee helps you compare services transparently so you make an informed choice.
If you encounter issues during cancellation or need to escalate, use these official Deseret Book contact channels.
Primary cancellation method: online account management
The fastest and safest cancellation method is via DeseretBook.com, as described in the step-by-step section above. This leaves a digital record and generates an immediate confirmation email.
Customer support email address
If you cannot cancel online or need to dispute a charge, contact Deseret Book's customer support team at the email address listed in your account settings or billing email. Use the subject line "Subscription Cancellation Request - [Your Email Address]" and include your account email, full name, and the subscription you wish to cancel. Request a written confirmation of your cancellation. Keep this email for your records.
Mailing address for formal cancellation notice
Deseret Book's Terms of Use reference a US mailing address for formal cancellation requests. While not required for New Zealand consumers (online or email cancellation is sufficient under CGA standards), you may send a formal cancellation letter to the address provided in Deseret Book's Terms of Use if you prefer documented postal correspondence. This address appears in the "Contact Us" or "Terms" section of DeseretBook.com.
Escalation: commerce commission
If Deseret Book ignores your cancellation request or refuses a refund you are entitled to, file a complaint with the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz). The Commission handles disputes between New Zealand consumers and overseas companies and will investigate free of charge. Provide your cancellation screenshots, confirmation emails, and any correspondence with Deseret Book.
Why you should cancel now if Deseret Bookshelf no longer serves you
Unnecessary recurring charges accumulate silently. If you are no longer reading actively on Bookshelf+, cancelling immediately stops foreign exchange fees and frees your budget for services you actually use. Yafee has guided thousands of New Zealand consumers through cancellation, ensuring they avoid unexpected charges and reclaim their money where legally entitled.
Your subscription agreement with Deseret Book is not permanent-you have the statutory right to exit, particularly within 14 days or if the service fails to meet its advertised standard. Document your cancellation, monitor your bank statement, and escalate to the Commerce Commission if Deseret Book refuses to honour your request. Yafee's transparent, step-by-step process removes guesswork and protects your legal rights from the moment you log in to the moment your final confirmation arrives in your inbox.