How to cancel The Social Man and recover your money in new zealand

What is The Social Man and why people cancel

The Social Man is an online coaching platform that delivers digital courses, self-paced learning modules, and live coaching sessions focused on social confidence, dating, and personal development. You purchase access to content either as one-time course purchases or recurring subscriptions, typically through their website or via Apple App Store and Google Play. When you subscribe, recurring charges continue until you actively cancel - and many New Zealand users find themselves paying for content they no longer use or that does not match their expectations.

New Zealand consumers cancel The Social Man for several practical reasons. The coaching style may not align with your learning preferences, the content becomes repetitive after initial modules, or subscription charges accumulate faster than you anticipated. Some users complete their personal development goals and no longer need ongoing access. Others discover that free alternatives deliver equivalent value. Whatever your reason, you deserve a straightforward cancellation process and a refund if you act within the legal window. Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand users navigate this exact situation, and we have mapped the correct procedure for you below.

How The Social Man operates and charges

The platform operates entirely through digital delivery. You access recorded courses, live coaching content, and membership communities online through a web portal or mobile application. Payment structures vary depending on your purchase method:

• Direct website purchase: you may pay once for a single course or commit to a recurring subscription charged to your payment method at intervals you agreed to
• App store purchase: your subscription may be billed through Apple App Store or Google Play, which adds an extra layer to your cancellation process
• Coaching bundles: multi-month payment plans that lock you in for a fixed term

The key issue is that recurring subscriptions do not stop automatically. You must actively cancel through the correct channel, or charges will continue indefinitely. Yafee recommends checking your credit card or bank statements immediately if you are unsure whether you are currently subscribed.

Common reasons new zealand users cancel

Understanding why cancellation happens helps you assess whether you should cancel too. New Zealand users typically cite:

• Unmet expectations: the coaching content does not deliver the results promised in marketing materials
• Poor learning fit: the teaching style, pace, or format does not suit your preferences
• Content repetition: modules feel redundant or recycled from earlier lessons
• Unexpected costs: subscription charges mount faster than anticipated; bundled payment plans require a larger commitment than expected
• Goal completion: you have achieved what you set out to do and no longer need ongoing access
• Budget pressure: monthly or annual recurring charges strain household finances
• Better alternatives: you find free or cheaper platforms that deliver comparable value

If any of these apply to you, the process outlined in this guide will help you cancel efficiently and claim a refund where you are legally entitled to one.

Your legal rights under new zealand consumer law

New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 protects you when you purchase services online, even from international providers like The Social Man.

The consumer guarantees act and digital coaching services

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, every service supplied to you in New Zealand must be delivered with due care and skill, be fit for the purpose for which it was supplied, and match any description the supplier provided. This means:

• The coaching and course content must match what was advertised or described when you bought access
• The service must be of acceptable quality - if the platform is buggy, content is missing, or coaching is negligent, you have grounds for a refund
• The service must be capable of achieving the goals or outcomes the supplier promised

Importantly, this protection applies even if The Social Man is based overseas. The Commerce Commission, New Zealand's primary consumer authority, enforces these guarantees against international suppliers operating in our market. If The Social Man refuses a legitimate refund claim, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission or use an approved dispute resolution service.

Yafee advises you to document everything: your purchase date, screenshots of what was promised when you bought, and evidence of why the service failed to meet those promises (for example, incomplete lesson modules, unresponsive coaching, or technical failures). This evidence is critical if you need to lodge a formal complaint.

Your legal position on refunds

You have the right to cancel and request a full refund in the following circumstances:

• You are within 60 days of your purchase date (The Social Man's stated refund window - longer than the statutory cooling-off period for most digital services)
• The service has not been delivered as promised under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993
• You are cancelling a subscription before the initial billing period ends and can demonstrate the service was not fit for purpose

If The Social Man refuses a refund on these grounds, the Commerce Commission is the escalation authority. You can also initiate a dispute through your bank or payment provider, which may reverse the charge if The Social Man cannot justify it.

Pricing, payment methods, and subscription tiers

The Social Man offers multiple purchasing options, each with different cancellation mechanics.

If you purchased through an app store, your cancellation path is fundamentally different from a direct website purchase. Yafee recommends identifying your purchase method first - check your confirmation email or credit card statement to determine where the charge originated. This single detail determines your next steps.

How to cancel The Social Man step by step

Your cancellation process depends on whether you purchased directly from The Social Man's website or through an app store platform. Follow the correct pathway for your purchase type.

Step one: gather your purchase information

Before you cancel, collect these details:

1. Locate your original order confirmation email
   • Check your inbox, spam folder, and promotions folder for any email from The Social Man or their billing partner
   • Note the exact purchase date - this determines whether you are within the 60-day refund window
   • Save the confirmation email or take a screenshot; you will need it if you dispute the charge later
2. Check your payment method for recent charges
   • Log into your credit card, debit card, or online banking and search for "Social Man" or similar charges
   • If you see multiple charges, note the dates of each; recurring subscriptions often charge monthly on the same day
   • Write down the exact amount charged so you can verify it during the refund process
3. Identify where you made your purchase
   • Was the charge from The Social Man's website directly, or from Apple App Store, Google Play, or another platform?
   • This determines which cancellation path you take

Step two: cancel a direct website subscription

If you bought your course or subscription directly from The Social Man's website, follow this procedure:

1. Log into your Social Man account
   • Visit the main website and use your email and password to access your account dashboard
   • If you cannot log in, click "Forgot Password" and reset your access
2. Navigate to your subscription or billing settings
   • Look for menu options labelled "Account," "Settings," "Billing," "Subscriptions," or "My Purchases"
   • These are usually found in a dropdown menu under your profile icon or in the main navigation
   • If no billing menu is visible, proceed to step three (contact support)
3. Locate and click the cancel or pause subscription button
   • Select "Cancel Subscription," "Stop Billing," "Unsubscribe," or similar language
   • You may be asked to confirm your decision or select a reason for cancellation; provide honest feedback
   • Complete the cancellation process
4. Capture proof of cancellation
   • Take a screenshot of any confirmation message stating your subscription has been cancelled
   • If a confirmation email arrives, save it immediately
   • Record the date and time of cancellation
5. Request a refund if you are within 60 days of purchase
   • If the cancellation page offers a refund option, select it
   • If not, proceed to step four to contact support in writing

Step three: cancel an app store subscription (Apple or google play)

If you purchased The Social Man through Apple App Store or Google Play, you must cancel through the app store itself, not through The Social Man's website.

1. Cancel via Apple App Store (iPhone, iPad, or Mac)
   • Open the App Store app on your Apple device
   • Tap your profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Subscriptions"
   • Find "The Social Man" in the list and tap it
   • Tap "Cancel Subscription" and confirm your cancellation
   • You will receive a confirmation email from Apple; save this as proof
2. Cancel via Google Play (Android)
   • Open Google Play on your Android device
   • Tap your profile icon in the top right, then select "Payments and Subscriptions"
   • Select "Subscriptions" and find "The Social Man"
   • Tap "Cancel subscription" and confirm
   • Google will send a confirmation email; retain this for your records
3. Verify cancellation with your payment provider
   • Check your credit card or bank statement within 5-10 days to confirm no further charges appear
   • If a charge appears after you cancel, contact your bank immediately and dispute the transaction

Yafee emphasises that cancelling through the app store stops future charges, but it does not automatically trigger a refund from Apple or Google. If you want a refund for charges already made, you must request it from the app store itself or escalate to The Social Man's support team in writing.

Step four: request a refund by contacting support

If the self-service cancellation offered no refund option, or if you want to claim a refund for a reason permitted under the Consumer Guarantees Act, contact The Social Man's support team in writing.

1. Draft a written cancellation and refund request
   • Use email or the support form on The Social Man's website to send your request
   • Include your full name, email address, and account details
   • State the date you purchased and the amount charged
   • Clearly request both cancellation of your subscription and a full refund
   • If applicable, explain why the service failed to meet the Consumer Guarantees Act standard (poor quality, unfit for purpose, or not as described)
   • Attach screenshots of your original purchase confirmation and your cancellation attempt (if applicable)
2. Specify the refund method and timeline
   • Request that your refund be issued to the original payment method (credit card, debit card, or app store account)
   • Ask for a timeframe (e.g., "within 14 days") and retain proof of your request
3. Send your request to The Social Man's support email or contact form
   • Yafee recommends using a method that creates a record (email or web form, not a phone call)
   • If no support email is publicly available on their website, use the contact form and take a screenshot
   • If you purchased through an app store, you may also need to submit a refund request directly to Apple or Google
4. Follow up if you receive no response within 5 business days
   • Send a second email referencing your original request and the date sent
   • State that if you do not receive a response or refund within a further 5 business days, you will escalate to the Commerce Commission

What happens after you cancel The Social Man

Once you cancel, several things occur in sequence. Understand what to expect so you can monitor the process and catch any problems early.

Immediate effects of cancellation

Within minutes to hours of clicking "cancel," your subscription access is typically revoked. You will no longer be able to log into your account or access course materials, coaching sessions, or community forums. If you had scheduled a live coaching session, you may be able to attend sessions already booked, but future sessions will be blocked. Your login credentials remain valid in case you decide to resubscribe later, but active membership features are disabled.

If you cancelled through an app store, the app may take up to 24 hours to reflect the cancellation locally on your device. You should still be unable to access paid content once your subscription officially ends.

Refund processing timeline

If The Social Man approves your refund request, the timing depends on your payment method:

• Credit card or debit card: refund appears on your statement within 3-10 business days (your bank must process the credit)
• Apple App Store or Google Play account credit: refund may appear instantly or within 24 hours
• PayPal: refund typically appears within 3-5 business days

During this time, check your payment method regularly. If no refund appears after 10 business days, contact The Social Man again. If they ignore a second request, you have grounds to escalate to the Commerce Commission or dispute the original charge with your bank.

Monitoring your bank statements

After cancellation, watch your statements closely for the next two billing cycles. Occasionally, systems fail and a duplicate charge or a charge that should have stopped continues to process. If you see an unexpected Social Man charge after your cancellation:

1. Take a screenshot of the charge immediately
2. Contact your bank and report it as an unauthorised or unwanted transaction
3. Email The Social Man's support team with proof of the charge and your cancellation request, demanding an immediate refund
4. If The Social Man does not respond within 5 business days, escalate to the Commerce Commission

Common cancellation mistakes to avoid

Cancellation feels straightforward once you know the correct steps, but New Zealand users often stumble on preventable issues. Here are the traps that catch people off guard - and how to sidestep them.

Mistake one: confusing account deletion with subscription cancellation

Deleting your account does not automatically cancel a recurring subscription. Many users believe that if they no longer log in or use the platform, charges will stop. They do not. The subscription continues to bill your payment method indefinitely until you explicitly click a "cancel subscription" button or contact support in writing. If you simply delete your account without cancelling the underlying subscription first, you will continue to be charged. Always cancel the subscription before deleting your account.

Mistake two: waiting beyond the 60-day refund window

The Social Man offers a 60-day refund period from purchase. After day 60, your right to a straightforward refund expires. You may still have grounds under the Consumer Guarantees Act if the service was not fit for purpose, but it becomes harder to argue. If you are unsure about the service, request a refund within 60 days while you have maximum leverage. Do not delay hoping the charges will mysteriously stop.

Mistake three: cancelling through the wrong channel

If you bought via Apple App Store, you must cancel via Apple - not by logging into The Social Man's website and clicking cancel there. The website cancellation will not affect your app store billing. Similarly, if you bought directly on their website, cancelling the app will not stop the website subscription. Yafee emphasises this point: identify your purchase source first, then cancel through the exact same channel.

Mistake four: not requesting a refund in writing

If you phone The Social Man or use live chat to cancel, keep records of the conversation. Better still, follow up with a written email summarising what you discussed and requesting confirmation. Phone calls leave no paper trail, and disputes become much harder to prove. Email or web form submission creates documented evidence that stands up if you need to escalate to the Commerce Commission.

Mistake five: assuming the refund will be automatic

Cancelling your subscription stops future charges, but it does not automatically generate a refund for charges already made. You must actively request a refund. If you believe you are entitled to a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act (because the service was poor quality or not as described), state this explicitly in your cancellation request. Do not assume the company will offer it unprompted.

Escalation: what to do if The Social Man refuses to cancel or refund

If The Social Man ignores your cancellation request, refuses to refund a charge you believe is illegal, or continues to bill you after you have cancelled, you have escalation options backed by New Zealand consumer law.

Step one: escalate to The Social man's management

Before involving external authorities, send a final written demand to The Social Man. Use language that makes clear you understand your legal rights:

• "I am requesting cancellation of my subscription and a full refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, which guarantees that services must be fit for purpose and delivered with due care and skill."
• "I expect a response within 10 business days. If you do not comply, I will escalate this matter to the Commerce Commission and dispute the charges with my bank."
• Send this via email and keep a copy

Often, formal language triggers a faster response from customer service teams who recognise the legal exposure.

Step two: lodge a complaint with the commerce commission

The Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz) enforces consumer law in New Zealand. If The Social Man refuses your legitimate refund claim, you can lodge a formal complaint online. The Commerce Commission investigates breaches of the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act and can compel refunds or compensation. You do not need to be a lawyer to lodge a complaint; the process is open to all New Zealand consumers.

Step three: dispute the charge with your bank or payment provider

Your bank or credit card provider can reverse a charge if you claim it was unauthorised or if the merchant failed to deliver the service as promised. This is called a chargeback or disputation. Provide your bank with:

• Your cancellation request email
• Screenshots proving you cancelled
• Evidence that the service was not fit for purpose (if applicable)
• A clear summary of why you believe the charge should not have been made or should be refunded

Your bank will typically investigate within 10-15 business days and may reverse the charge pending The Social Man's response. If The Social Man cannot justify the charge, the reversal becomes permanent and you recover your money.

Step four: pursue alternative dispute resolution

Some providers are members of approved dispute resolution schemes (DRS providers) that offer free mediation between you and the company. Yafee recommends asking The Social Man in your written complaint whether they are members of a DRS scheme and, if so, requesting that the dispute be referred to mediation. This avoids formal litigation and is often faster.

Deciding whether to cancel: checklist and comparison

Before you cancel, pause and ask whether cancellation is right for you. Sometimes the issue is temporary or solvable.

If you see yourself in the "keep" column across multiple rows, consider pausing your subscription temporarily instead of cancelling outright. Ask The Social Man if they offer a pause or freeze option; many do, and it preserves your access without ongoing charges. However, if you see yourself in the "cancel" column, follow the steps in this guide without hesitation.

Contact information for The Social Man

If you need to contact The Social Man to cancel or request a refund, use the following addresses. Note that The Social Man does not appear to maintain a New Zealand-specific postal address; these are the international legal addresses associated with the service:

Email support: Check The Social Man's website for a current support email address, typically [email protected] or [email protected] (verify on their official website before sending)

International mailing address: Contact details are typically found in The Social Man's terms of service or privacy policy on their website. If you cannot locate an address, request it directly from support@

Yafee recommends always using email for cancellation requests rather than phone or live chat. Email creates a documented record that protects you if you need to escalate to the Commerce Commission or dispute the charge with your bank.

Final steps: your action plan to cancel The Social Man

Cancelling The Social Man is achievable in minutes once you understand the correct process. Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel subscriptions, claim refunds, and protect their rights. Here is your clear action plan:

1. Check your purchase confirmation email and bank statement to determine whether you bought via The Social Man's website or an app store
2. If direct website purchase: log in and use the self-service cancel button; if app store: use Apple or Google Play's subscription menu to cancel
3. If no self-service option exists or you want a refund, email support with a clear cancellation and refund request within 60 days of purchase
4. Take screenshots of every step and keep all emails
5. Monitor your bank statement for 10 days; if the refund does not appear, follow up with a second email
6. If The Social Man refuses, escalate to the Commerce Commission or dispute the charge with your bank

You have legal backing under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. The Social Man cannot ignore a cancellation request or refuse a legitimate refund claim. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel digital subscriptions, claim refunds, and stand firm against companies that try to keep charging. Follow this guide, stay calm, and your cancellation will succeed. If you encounter resistance, remember that the Commerce Commission is there to enforce your rights.