How to cancel Chatbooks in new zealand and protect your subscription rights
What Chatbooks is and why you might want to cancel
Chatbooks is an online photo book printing service that allows you to create and order custom photo books directly from your mobile app or web browser. The service accepts orders from your device, sends them to print production, and delivers physical photo books to your door in New Zealand. Many subscribers in your region sign up to recurring monthly plans that deliver photo books or printing credits automatically until you choose to cancel.
You might want to cancel for several reasons: you have completed a project, subscription costs have accumulated unexpectedly, you have found a cheaper alternative, or you simply no longer need printed photo books. Whatever your reason, Yafee walks you through the cancellation process step by step so you can cancel cleanly and avoid ongoing charges.
Understanding Chatbooks' subscription model
Chatbooks operates on two distinct tracks. You can place one-off web or in-app orders for individual photo books, or you can join a recurring subscription plan (such as Monthbooks or Monthly Minis) that delivers books or credits to you automatically each month. The key difference: one-off orders stop after delivery, but subscriptions continue to charge you until you actively cancel them. Before you start the cancellation process, verify which type of service you are actually using, because the steps differ slightly between the two models.
Why Chatbooks subscriptions catch customers off guard
Many New Zealand subscribers report that recurring charges accumulate faster than expected because the app makes it easy to overlook monthly debits. If you have been charged for several months without receiving books, or if you cancelled in the past and charges continued, you have consumer rights under New Zealand law. Yafee provides detailed guidance on those rights below.
Chatbooks pricing and billing in new zealand dollars
Understanding your costs before cancellation helps you identify billing issues and verify refund entitlements under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
| Plan type |
Cost (NZD) |
Billing cycle |
What you receive |
| Standard shipping (one-off orders) |
NZ$4.99 |
Per order |
Delivery to New Zealand address |
| Monthbooks subscription |
USD conversion required |
Monthly recurring |
One photo book automatically created and shipped each month |
| Monthly Minis subscription |
USD conversion required |
Monthly recurring |
Multiple smaller books or printing credits per month |
| Premium shipping (express) |
Variable |
Per order |
Faster delivery to New Zealand |
Critical point: Chatbooks subscription pricing often displays in USD within the app, even if you are based in New Zealand. Before you cancel, take a screenshot of your current billing amount so you know exactly what you are paying and can verify the currency conversion using your bank's exchange rate on the charge date.
Your consumer rights and legal position
New Zealand consumer law gives you specific protections when cancelling a subscription service like Chatbooks.
Your legal position under the consumer guarantees act 1993
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) is the primary legal framework protecting you when you purchase goods or services. In accordance with the CGA, you have the right to cancel a subscription service if Chatbooks has failed to deliver books on time, charged you for books you did not receive, or continued billing after you attempted to cancel. Consequently, if Chatbooks refuses to honour your cancellation or process a refund, you can escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission, New Zealand's consumer enforcement authority.
Furthermore, the CGA entitles you to refunds or remedies (such as replacement books) if the service fails to meet its obligations. Chatbooks must prove it delivered what you paid for. If the company cannot demonstrate delivery or proof of your explicit consent to continued billing, the burden of proof rests with them, not you.
Contract formation and unilateral cancellation rights
When you sign up for a Chatbooks subscription, you enter a contract with the company. That contract typically includes a cancellation clause, but New Zealand law permits you to cancel even if the published terms are vague, provided you give reasonable notice. If Chatbooks' terms state you must cancel by a certain deadline each month, you must observe that deadline to avoid being charged for the next billing cycle. Nevertheless, if the company fails to provide clear cancellation instructions in your account settings, you can argue the contract term is unfair under the Fair Trading Act 1986 and cancel regardless.
How to cancel Chatbooks: step-by-step for each method
Your cancellation process depends on whether you are using the iOS app, Android app, or web browser; follow the method that matches your account setup.
Cancel Chatbooks on iOS app
If you signed up via the iOS app through Apple App Store, your subscription is managed partly through Apple's billing system and partly through Chatbooks.
- Open the Chatbooks app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Ensure you are logged in with the email address tied to your subscription.
- Tap your account profile icon (usually located in the top-left or top-right corner).
- Look for labels such as "Account", "Settings", "My Account", or a profile silhouette icon.
- Navigate to "Subscriptions" or "Billing" within account settings.
- You may see a menu item labelled "Manage Subscription" or "Active Plans".
- Select your active subscription plan (for example, "Monthbooks" or "Monthly Minis").
- Tap "Cancel Subscription" or "End Subscription".
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your cancellation.
- Chatbooks may ask why you are leaving; answering helps the company improve but is not mandatory.
- Retain the cancellation confirmation screen or email for your records.
- Screenshot the message showing your subscription is cancelled, including the date and time.
If the app does not display a subscription management option, your subscription may be managed through Apple's billing system instead. In that case, proceed to cancel via Apple App Store settings (see below).
Cancel Chatbooks on android app
If you signed up via the Android app through Google Play, your subscription is managed through Google's billing system.
- Open Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Tap the profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select "Payments and subscriptions".
- Then tap "Subscriptions".
- Find and tap "Chatbooks" from your active subscriptions list.
- If you have multiple subscriptions, ensure you select the correct one (for example, "Monthbooks" vs "Monthly Minis").
- Tap "Cancel subscription".
- Google Play will display the cancellation effective date.
- Confirm your cancellation on the final screen.
- Screenshot the confirmation message for your records.
- Verify that the subscription no longer appears in your active subscriptions list.
- Return to the Subscriptions menu to double-check.
Cancel Chatbooks via web browser
If you manage your account through the Chatbooks website, use your web browser to cancel directly.
- Go to the Chatbooks website and log in with your email and password.
- Ensure you are logged into the account linked to your subscription.
- Navigate to your account settings or profile menu (usually found in the top-right corner or under "My Account").
- Look for a "Settings", "Profile", or "Account" link.
- Find the "Subscriptions", "Billing", or "My Plans" section.
- You should see a list of all active subscription plans tied to your account.
- Click on the active subscription you wish to cancel.
- Select "Manage Subscription" or "Edit Subscription".
- Click "Cancel Subscription" or "End Plan".
- The website will ask you to confirm; do so by clicking "Yes, cancel" or a similar button.
- Save or screenshot the cancellation confirmation page.
- Note the cancellation effective date and confirmation number if provided.
- Check your email for a cancellation confirmation message from Chatbooks.
- If you do not receive an email within 24 hours, contact Chatbooks directly to verify cancellation.
What happens after you cancel Chatbooks
Cancellation takes effect immediately, but billing timing and access to your account require clarification to avoid surprises.
Billing and access after cancellation
Once you cancel, Chatbooks will not charge you for future billing cycles. However, if you cancel mid-cycle (for example, on the 15th of the month when you were charged on the 1st), you may not receive a refund for the unused portion unless Chatbooks' terms specifically permit it or you request one. Your access to the Chatbooks app and web account typically remains active until the end of the current billing period. You can still view your photo books and order history during that window, but you cannot place new subscription orders.
Verify cancellation on your next billing date
The most reliable way to confirm your cancellation worked is to check your bank account or credit card statement on your next scheduled billing date. If Chatbooks charges you again after you cancelled, you have the right to dispute that charge. Log into your bank's app, find the charge, and select "Dispute Transaction" or "Report Unauthorized Charge". Provide your bank with screenshots of your cancellation confirmation and explain that you cancelled before the charge date.
Refunds and disputes under the consumer guarantees act
If Chatbooks continues to charge you after cancellation, or if you were charged for books you did not receive, you are entitled to a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
How to request a refund from Chatbooks
Contact Chatbooks directly by email or mail and request a refund in writing. Provide the following information: your account email, the dates of charges you dispute, the amount charged in NZD, and proof of cancellation (such as your screenshot). Yafee recommends sending your request via registered mail or email with a read receipt so you have proof of delivery. Chatbooks has a legal obligation to respond within a reasonable timeframe; in practice, this typically means 10 to 15 business days under New Zealand consumer practice.
Escalate to the commerce commission if Chatbooks refuses
If Chatbooks ignores your refund request or denies it without justification, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission. The Commerce Commission is New Zealand's consumer protection authority and can investigate whether Chatbooks has breached the Fair Trading Act 1986 or the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. You can file a complaint online at www.comcom.govt.nz or by telephone at 0800 943 600. Include copies of all correspondence, screenshots, and bank statements showing the disputed charges.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Chatbooks
Cancellations sometimes fail or charges continue due to small but critical oversights; knowing what to watch for protects you from unwanted bills.
Cancelling only the app without addressing platform billing
If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, simply deleting the app does not cancel your subscription. The subscription continues through Apple or Google's billing system, and you will be charged on your next billing date. You must explicitly cancel the subscription within the App Store or Google Play settings, not just delete the app from your device.
Assuming cancellation took effect immediately without checking
Always verify that your cancellation was processed. Log back into your account a few hours after cancelling and confirm that the subscription no longer appears in your "Active Subscriptions" list. If you see it still listed, repeat the cancellation steps or contact Yafee for guidance on escalation.
Ignoring charges after cancellation
If you see a charge appear on your bank statement after cancellation, contact your bank within 60 days to dispute it. Do not wait several months hoping the problem resolves itself, because your bank's dispute window is limited. Once you dispute the charge, your bank will contact Chatbooks on your behalf and request a refund.
Not keeping cancellation evidence
Screenshots and confirmation emails are your proof that you cancelled. Without them, if a dispute arises, you must rely on Chatbooks' internal records, which the company may not provide in your favour. Save all cancellation confirmations in a folder on your device or email them to yourself for safekeeping.
Checklist before and after cancellation
Use this checklist to ensure you complete every step correctly and protect your consumer rights.
| Task |
Before cancellation |
After cancellation |
| Take a screenshot of your billing amount |
Yes |
- |
| Identify which platform you subscribed through (app or web) |
Yes |
- |
| Locate the cancellation option in your account settings |
Yes |
- |
| Confirm cancellation on screen or via email |
- |
Yes |
| Save the cancellation confirmation for your records |
- |
Yes |
| Check your bank statement on the next billing date |
- |
Yes |
If you cannot locate the cancellation button in your account, your cancellation fails, or charges continue after you cancel, contact Chatbooks customer support.
How to reach Chatbooks customer support
Chatbooks does not maintain a dedicated New Zealand postal address for customer service. In accordance with Chatbooks' general contact policy, you should send cancellation requests to the company's United States headquarters or use the contact email provided in your account or on the Chatbooks website. Yafee recommends checking your account settings first for an in-app support chat option or email contact form, as these routes often produce faster responses than postal mail.
If you are unable to find current contact details within the app or on the website, check your original subscription confirmation email from Chatbooks; it typically contains customer service contact information. Alternatively, you can search for "Chatbooks customer support" on the company's official website to locate the most current email address or support portal.
What to include in your cancellation request
Whether you contact Chatbooks by email or in-app chat, include the following details: your account email address, the full name on your account, your account creation date, the subscription plan you wish to cancel (for example, "Monthbooks"), and the reason for cancellation (optional but helpful). If you are requesting a refund alongside cancellation, specify the charges you dispute and the dates they were made. Yafee advises sending your request in writing so you have a record of the request and Chatbooks' response, which may be necessary if you later escalate to the Commerce Commission.
Comparison: Chatbooks vs alternative photo printing services
If you are considering cancelling Chatbooks to switch to another service, this comparison may help you evaluate alternatives available in New Zealand.
| Service |
Subscription model |
Typical cost (NZD) |
Cancellation ease |
Shipping to NZ |
| Chatbooks |
Monthly recurring |
USD conversion |
In-app or web |
Yes |
| Snapfish |
One-off orders |
NZ$5 - NZ$50 |
Not applicable (no subscription) |
Yes |
| Shutterfly |
Optional recurring |
USD conversion |
In-app or web |
Yes |
| Artifact Uprising |
One-off orders |
NZ$30 - NZ$100 |
Not applicable (no subscription) |
International shipping available |
| Photobox NZ |
One-off orders |
NZ$8 - NZ$60 |
Not applicable (no subscription) |
Yes (local NZ business) |
Final steps and confirmation
Cancelling your Chatbooks subscription protects you from unwanted future charges and ensures you only pay for services you actively use. Follow the step-by-step instructions above for your platform (iOS, Android, or web), save your cancellation confirmation, and verify that no charge appears on your next billing date. If Chatbooks ignores your cancellation request or continues to bill you, file a complaint with the Commerce Commission using the contact details provided. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and dispute fraudulent charges by following this proven process, and we remain here to guide you through every stage of your cancellation journey. Your consumer rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 are absolute, and no subscription company in New Zealand may continue charging you after you have given clear cancellation notice.