How to cancel your Lovehoney order and protect your consumer rights in new zealand
What Lovehoney is and why you might want to cancel
Lovehoney is an online retailer that sells adult products, lingerie and sexual wellbeing items directly to New Zealand customers. The service operates on a one-off purchase model, which means you buy products without recurring subscription charges. Unlike many subscription services, Lovehoney does not lock you into ongoing payments or automatic renewals.
If you have second thoughts about a purchase, Lovehoney does not offer a direct online cancellation system for orders already placed. You will need to act quickly and understand your options. At Yafee, we help thousands of New Zealand consumers navigate cancellation and returns processes every year, and Lovehoney cancellations are a common enquiry. This guide walks you through your legal rights and the practical steps to stop or return an order.
When you might need to cancel a Lovehoney order
You may want to cancel a Lovehoney order if you change your mind within minutes of placing it, receive a duplicate order by mistake, or realise the product does not match your needs. If you discover you were charged twice or if the item is no longer suitable, cancellation before shipment is your fastest route. Once an order ships, the returns process becomes your primary option.
What makes Lovehoney different from other retailers
Lovehoney offers a 100 Day Pleasure Guarantee on selected items, a one-year product warranty and discreet packaging. However, the company does not allow order cancellations through its website after purchase is confirmed. This is a critical distinction from many competitors. Yafee advises that you contact customer support immediately if you need to stop an order before it ships, as the cancellation window is narrow once payment is processed.
Your consumer rights under new zealand law
New Zealand consumer law provides you with protections that go beyond Lovehoney's stated policies, even though you do not have access to the statutory 14-day cooling-off period (which applies only to European Union and United Kingdom consumers).
Consumer guarantees act protections
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, goods you purchase must be of acceptable quality, fit for their intended purpose and match the description provided by the seller. If Lovehoney has sold you a faulty product, one that does not work as promised or an item that fails prematurely, you have the legal right to seek a remedy. This protection exists independently of Lovehoney's own returns policy and is your statutory safety net.
Document any defects with photographs and keep all original packaging and correspondence. If Lovehoney refuses your claim, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission or a dispute resolution service approved under the Disputes Resolution Schemes Act 2008. Yafee recommends preserving all evidence from the moment you discover a fault.
Faulty goods and your remedies
If you receive a faulty item, you can request repair, replacement or refund at no cost to yourself. The retailer cannot charge you for remedying a fault that existed at the time of sale. This right exists independently of Lovehoney's one-year warranty and supersedes any restrictive terms in their policy. The Consumer Guarantees Act places the burden on Lovehoney to prove the fault arose after you received the goods.
Your legal position
You have the right to cancel or return goods on the following grounds: goods are not of acceptable quality; goods are unfit for purpose; goods do not match the description; goods are unsafe; or goods are not delivered within a reasonable time. Lovehoney's failure to offer a cancellation system does not remove these statutory rights. You can enforce them by contacting the Commerce Commission, which investigates breaches of consumer law at no cost to you.
How to cancel your Lovehoney order before shipment
Cancellation success depends on how quickly you act after placing your order and whether shipment has already begun.
Step one: check your order status
Log into your Lovehoney account or retrieve your order confirmation email immediately. Your order confirmation will state whether the item is in stock and give you an estimated dispatch date. If the order shows "Processing" or "Pending", you have a window to cancel before it ships. Once the status changes to "Dispatched" or "Shipped", you cannot cancel and must use the returns process instead.
Step two: contact Lovehoney customer support
Contact Lovehoney customer support as soon as possible after placing your order. You have two primary contact methods:
- Email customer support with your order number, email address and cancellation reason
- Send your cancellation request to the support email listed on the Lovehoney NZ website.
- Use the subject line "Cancellation Request: Order #[your order number]".
- Keep a copy of your email and any response for your records.
- Email provides documented proof that you requested cancellation in time.
- Call Lovehoney customer service during business hours for same-day response
- Retrieve the phone number from your order confirmation or the help section of the Lovehoney NZ website.
- Have your order number and email address ready before you call.
- Ask the representative to confirm cancellation in writing via email.
- Note the date, time and name of the representative you spoke with.
Step three: provide clear cancellation instructions
When you contact Lovehoney, be explicit that you wish to cancel the order and do not proceed with shipment. Do not frame this as a return or complaint. State clearly: "I am requesting cancellation of order #[number] before dispatch." Provide a brief reason if asked, such as "change of mind" or "duplicate order". Avoid lengthy explanations, as these may be interpreted as requests for a return instead of a cancellation.
Step four: confirm cancellation and refund timeline
Ask Lovehoney for written confirmation that your order has been cancelled and when you can expect a refund. The representative should provide a cancellation confirmation number or reference. Request that Lovehoney send this confirmation by email. If cancellation is approved, Lovehoney will issue a refund to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days in most cases. Check your bank account to confirm the refund has been processed.
How to return your Lovehoney order after shipment
If your order has already shipped and you cannot cancel, you can use Lovehoney's returns process to recover your money.
Step one: initiate a return within the Lovehoney guarantee period
Lovehoney offers a 100 Day Pleasure Guarantee on selected products. Log into your account and navigate to "My Orders", then select the order you wish to return. Follow the online return process to generate a returns label. If you purchased an item not covered by the guarantee, you still have consumer rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 if the product is faulty or misdescribed.
Step two: pack and ship your return
Pack the item securely in its original packaging if possible. Use the returns label provided by Lovehoney or follow the address listed on the returns instruction page. Lovehoney processes returns via an Australian postal address due to regional logistics. Retain your tracking number from the courier to confirm delivery. This proof is essential if a dispute arises about whether Lovehoney received your return.
Step three: monitor your refund
Once Lovehoney receives and inspects your return, you will receive a refund to your original payment method. This typically takes 5 to 10 business days from the date Lovehoney processes the return in its system. Check your bank account and credit card statements to confirm the refund has cleared. If you do not see a refund after 14 days from return receipt, contact Lovehoney again with your return tracking number.
Refund timeline and payment methods
Your refund speed depends on your original payment method and your bank's processing time.
| Payment method |
Lovehoney processing time |
Bank processing time |
Total time |
| Credit card |
5-10 business days |
2-5 business days |
7-15 business days |
| Debit card (recommended for refunds) |
5-10 business days |
1-3 business days |
6-13 business days |
| PayPal |
3-5 business days |
Instant to account |
3-5 business days |
| Bank transfer |
5-10 business days |
2-5 business days |
7-15 business days |
| Apple Pay or Google Pay |
5-10 business days |
Depends on linked card |
5-15 business days |
Lovehoney will not process a refund until the returned item has been inspected and logged in their system. If you paid by credit card and the refund appears as a credit rather than a negative charge, this is normal and reflects your account correctly.
What happens after cancellation or return
Cancellation and returns are stressful moments, and it is reassuring to know that Lovehoney must honour your request if you act within the correct timeframe and your item meets the return criteria.
Confirming your cancellation status
After you receive written cancellation confirmation from Lovehoney, your order is legally concluded. You should not receive the item. If it arrives anyway, you have the right to refuse delivery or return it unopened. Contact Lovehoney immediately with your cancellation confirmation number and request instructions for the unwanted package.
Disputing a denied cancellation or return
If Lovehoney refuses to cancel your order or accept your return, and you believe this breaches consumer law, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission. Yafee advises gathering all supporting documents: order confirmation, cancellation request email, payment receipt and any correspondence from Lovehoney. The Commerce Commission investigates breaches of the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986 at no cost to you.
Chargeback or payment dispute as a last resort
If Lovehoney refuses a legitimate refund and does not respond to your complaint, you can dispute the transaction with your bank or credit card provider. This process, known as a chargeback, asks your bank to recover the funds on your behalf. Provide your bank with copies of all relevant correspondence, order numbers and cancellation requests. Your bank will investigate and either reverse the charge or provide a full explanation if they cannot.
Common mistakes when cancelling Lovehoney orders
Thousands of consumers cancel retail orders every week, and small procedural errors can cost you time and money. Yafee has identified the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Mistake one: waiting too long to contact Lovehoney
Many customers delay their cancellation request, hoping to think the purchase through. This is a critical error. Lovehoney processes orders quickly, and once an item enters the fulfillment queue, cancellation becomes impossible. Contact customer support within 2 to 4 hours of placing your order. Do not wait until the next day or business day to act.
Mistake two: relying on a phone call without written confirmation
If you cancel by phone, Lovehoney may log your request incorrectly or the representative may misunderstand your instruction. Always request that cancellation confirmation be sent to your email address. Written proof protects you if a dispute arises later and Lovehoney claims they never received a cancellation request.
Mistake three: returning an item without using the official returns process
Do not send a return directly to Lovehoney without generating an official returns label or following their returns procedure. If your package arrives without a returns number, Lovehoney may refuse it or process it as a lost item. Always use the returns label provided in your account or contact customer support for instructions.
Mistake four: assuming the 100 day pleasure guarantee applies to all products
The 100 Day Pleasure Guarantee only covers selected items. Some products carry a shorter return window or no return option at all. Check the product description before you purchase. If you buy an item not covered by this guarantee, your only recourse is the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 if the product is faulty.
Mistake five: not tracking your return shipment
If you return an item without tracking, you cannot prove Lovehoney received it. Always obtain a tracking number from the courier and retain it until your refund is processed. If a dispute arises, this tracking number is your only evidence that you fulfilled your obligation to return the goods.
Common questions about Lovehoney cancellations in new zealand
Yafee receives regular enquiries about Lovehoney cancellations and consumer rights. The following scenarios cover the most frequent issues.
Can i cancel a Lovehoney order that has already shipped?
No, once an order is dispatched, cancellation is not possible. You must use the returns process instead. Contact Lovehoney customer support immediately and ask to return the item using the 100 Day Pleasure Guarantee or Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 protections. If you refuse delivery, you may avoid the need to open the package.
Does Lovehoney offer a cooling-off period in new zealand?
Lovehoney does not offer a statutory 14-day cooling-off period in New Zealand, as this right is specific to European Union and United Kingdom consumers. However, Lovehoney voluntarily offers a 100 Day Pleasure Guarantee on many products. Check your product page to confirm whether your item is covered. If it is not, you still have consumer rights under New Zealand law if the product is faulty or misdescribed.
What if i paid by credit card and need to reverse the charge?
Contact your bank or credit card provider and request a chargeback. Provide all relevant documentation: order confirmation, cancellation request email, payment receipt and Lovehoney's response (or lack thereof). Your bank will investigate and either reverse the charge or explain why they cannot. This process typically takes 7 to 30 business days.
Can i cancel a Lovehoney order if the product is faulty?
Yes. If you receive a faulty item, you are entitled to a remedy under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. You can request repair, replacement or refund at no cost. Contact Lovehoney with photographs of the fault and a clear description of the defect. If Lovehoney refuses, escalate to the Commerce Commission.
Lovehoney cancellation checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you follow every required step and protect your rights.
| Action |
Deadline |
Status |
| Log into your account and check order status |
Immediately after placing order |
[ ] Done |
| Contact Lovehoney customer support by email or phone |
Within 2-4 hours of placing order |
[ ] Done |
| Provide order number and clear cancellation request |
Same communication as above |
[ ] Done |
| Request written cancellation confirmation via email |
Same communication as above |
[ ] Done |
| Save all correspondence and confirmation numbers |
On receipt of response |
[ ] Done |
| Monitor your bank account for refund |
Within 5-15 business days |
[ ] Done |
How yafee can help you cancel Lovehoney
Cancelling a Lovehoney order involves legal knowledge, timing and documentation. Many consumers struggle to navigate the process alone and lose money because they miss deadlines or fail to follow the correct procedure. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel Lovehoney orders and recover their money by ensuring every step complies with New Zealand consumer law.
At Yafee, our contract law specialists can review your situation, check whether Lovehoney has breached the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or Fair Trading Act 1986, draft cancellation and dispute letters on your behalf and escalate your case to the Commerce Commission if necessary. We provide expert guidance at every stage, from initial cancellation to final refund confirmation.
Lovehoney processes returns via the following address. Note that despite serving New Zealand customers, returns are directed to Australia due to regional logistics.
Lovehoney returns address:
Lovehoney Australia
Returns Department
[Australian postal address as per Lovehoney's current returns instructions]
Contact Lovehoney customer support through the help portal at the Lovehoney NZ website to obtain the current email address and phone number. These details may change, and the official website always carries the most up-to-date contact information.
Yafee specializes in cancellation law and consumer protection across New Zealand. If Lovehoney refuses your cancellation or return request, or if you encounter any delay in processing your refund, Yafee is here to help. Our team knows the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 inside out and can ensure you receive the remedy you are entitled to under law. Visit Yafee today to discuss your cancellation case with a contract law specialist.