How to cancel Vinyl me, Please in new zealand: your legal rights and next steps
Understanding Vinyl me, Please and why you need to act now
Vinyl Me, Please (VMP) operated as a subscription-based vinyl record club, delivering curated monthly pressings and exclusive releases to collectors worldwide. The service marketed itself on expert curation, limited editions, and early access to hard-to-find recordings. However, in October 2024, VMP discontinued all international memberships, including New Zealand.
This operational shutdown means you can no longer renew or activate a membership through the platform. If you held an active subscription before the cutoff, your account remains flagged for potential auto-renewal-and that creates legal and financial exposure for you under New Zealand consumer law.
Yafee has compiled this cancellation guide to help you understand your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, identify the safest cancellation method, and protect yourself from unexpected charges. Whether your membership is dormant or still active, the steps outlined here will secure your position.
Why VMP stopped serving new zealand customers
VMP's withdrawal from international markets appears tied to broader operational restructuring, possibly including financial difficulty or liquidation proceedings. The company no longer processes renewals for New Zealand addresses, but this does not automatically cancel existing memberships. Your responsibility is to terminate the contract formally.
The immediate risk: auto-renewal charges
Many subscription services retain archived accounts and continue billing attempts even after suspending new sales. If VMP's system attempts to renew your membership, you could face a charge for a service the company explicitly stated it no longer delivers in your region. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, this would constitute a breach-but prevention is simpler than recovery.
Your legal position under new zealand consumer law
New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986 establish your rights as a consumer purchasing a subscription service. This section explains the legal framework that protects you during and after cancellation.
What the consumer guarantees act guarantees you
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 mandates that goods and services supplied to you must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and delivered within a reasonable timeframe. When VMP discontinued international memberships, it breached this guarantee-it no longer supplies the service to your region, rendering the contract unperformable.
Consequently, you have grounds to request a refund for any pre-paid membership periods that will not be fulfilled. The company cannot rely on a "no refunds" clause to override statutory consumer protections. Yafee recommends documenting any pre-paid balance immediately.
Your cancellation rights under the fair trading act
The Fair Trading Act 1986 prohibits suppliers from engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct. If VMP continues to bill you after publicly stating it no longer serves New Zealand, this may constitute a breach. You have the right to cancel without penalty if the service cannot be delivered as promised.
Furthermore, automatic renewal terms must be transparent and clearly disclosed. If VMP's cancellation process is deliberately obscured or non-functional, the Commerce Commission-New Zealand's consumer regulator-can investigate and enforce remedies on your behalf.
Enforcement: the commerce commission pathway
If VMP refuses to cancel your account or disputes a refund claim, you may escalate to the Commerce Commission, which oversees compliance with consumer protection legislation. Yafee advises keeping all correspondence and payment records to support any formal complaint. The Commission investigates breaches and can compel refunds or compensation.
Methods to cancel Vinyl me, Please
VMP's operational status means cancellation methods are limited and may require persistence. This section maps your available options in order of reliability.
Primary method: cancellation via the website account dashboard
The most direct path is to log into your VMP account and locate the membership cancellation option. However, given the company's withdrawal from international markets, the website may not recognise New Zealand as a valid region for account management, or cancellation buttons may be non-functional. If this occurs, document the error and proceed to the secondary method.
Secondary method: email contact and written confirmation
If the website cancellation fails, contact VMP by email and request written cancellation confirmation. Yafee emphasises the importance of email over phone support because it creates a dated, retrievable record. You will need this if you later dispute a charge or file a complaint with the Commerce Commission.
Tertiary method: credit card chargeback and dispute
If VMP fails to respond to cancellation requests or continues billing after you have cancelled, you may instruct your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge. This is a protective measure, not a substitute for formal cancellation, but it prevents unauthorised deductions while your complaint is being resolved.
Step-by-step cancellation process
Follow these steps in order to cancel your Vinyl Me, Please membership and create enforceable proof of termination.
Step 1: gather your account information
- Locate the email address you used to register your VMP account.
- Check your email provider's search function for messages from "vinylmeplease.com" or "vmp.com".
- Save the subject line of any recent billing notification or membership confirmation.
- Identify your membership start date and any pre-paid balance.
- This information appears on your account dashboard or in billing emails.
- Screenshot or save PDFs of all invoices for your records.
- Note the date of VMP's October 2024 announcement withdrawing international membership.
- This establishes that the service became undeliverable to your region on a specific date.
Step 2: attempt website-based cancellation
- Visit the Vinyl Me, Please website using a desktop browser (mobile may have display issues).
- Mobile browsers sometimes truncate account menu options.
- Log in using your registered email address and password.
- If you cannot remember your password, use the "Forgot Password" link and reset it via email.
- Check your spam folder if you do not receive the reset email within 5 minutes.
- Navigate to your account settings, typically located in the top-right menu or an "Account" dropdown.
- Look for tabs labelled "Membership," "Subscription Status," or "Billing".
- Select the option to manage or cancel your membership.
- VMP may present a confirmation screen or survey before processing the cancellation.
- Complete all required fields and click "Confirm Cancellation".
- Screenshot the cancellation confirmation page immediately.
- This becomes your primary evidence of cancellation if you need to dispute a future charge.
- Save the URL and any reference or confirmation number displayed.
- Check your email inbox for a cancellation confirmation message from VMP within 1 hour.
- If no email arrives, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: send written cancellation request by email
- Draft an email to VMP's support address with the subject line: "Cancellation Request - [Your Email Address]".
- Include the following information in the body:
- Your full name and the email address associated with your account.
- Your membership ID or customer number (if visible on your account dashboard).
- The date you wish your membership cancelled (specify "effective immediately" or "as of today's date").
- A clear statement: "I request that my membership be cancelled and any pending charges be reversed. I confirm that Vinyl Me, Please discontinued New Zealand service on [insert October 2024 date], and I am no longer able to receive the service I paid for."
- A request for written confirmation of cancellation within 5 business days.
- Send the email from the address registered to your VMP account.
- This establishes that the cancellation request originates from the account holder.
- Save a copy of the sent email in a dedicated folder labelled "VMP Cancellation".
- Do not delete the email even after you receive a response.
- Set a reminder to follow up if you do not receive a response within 7 business days.
- If VMP does not respond, you may escalate to the Commerce Commission.
Step 4: monitor your bank account for 60 days
- Check your credit card or bank statement weekly for any charges from "Vinyl Me, Please," "VMP," or variations.
- Authorised charges may appear under a processing company's name rather than VMP directly.
- If an unauthorised charge appears after cancellation confirmation:
- Contact your bank immediately and request a dispute or chargeback.
- Provide your bank with screenshots of cancellation confirmation and your cancellation email.
- Your bank must investigate within 30 days under debit and credit card regulations.
- Keep all bank statements for a minimum of 12 months.
- The Commerce Commission may request them if you lodge a formal complaint.
What happens to your account after cancellation
Once your cancellation is processed, your membership terminates and you lose access to member-exclusive discounts and early purchase opportunities. However, this does not automatically erase your account history or personal data.
Account deletion and data retention
VMP retains your account information for accounting and tax purposes, typically for seven years. You cannot force the company to delete your account, but you may request confirmation that your membership is inactive. Yafee recommends sending a follow-up email 30 days after cancellation requesting written confirmation that your account is "dormant and no further billing will occur".
Refund eligibility and claims
If you held a pre-paid membership balance or were charged after the October 2024 international withdrawal, you have grounds for a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. VMP's standard "no refunds" policy does not override this statutory right because the company cannot deliver the service to your region.
To claim a refund, include the following in your cancellation email or a follow-up message:
- The date and amount of any pre-paid balance or recent charge.
- A statement that the service is no longer deliverable to New Zealand.
- Your bank account or credit card details for the refund (only if you trust the company-otherwise request a credit card reversal through your bank).
- A request for refund confirmation within 14 days.
Pricing and cancellation summary
This table outlines VMP's typical subscription tiers before the October 2024 withdrawal and indicates which memberships now qualify for refund claims.
| Membership tier |
Monthly charge (NZD) |
Renewal cycle |
Cancellation impact |
| Standard vinyl |
$36 |
Monthly auto-renewal |
Cancel immediately to stop future charges |
| Essentials (discounted annual) |
$320 |
Annual renewal |
Highest refund priority-pre-paid balance at risk |
| Plus membership |
$42 |
Monthly auto-renewal |
Cancel before next billing date |
| Rap/Hip-Hop exclusives |
$36 |
Monthly auto-renewal |
Refund eligible for unfulfilled months |
| Reissue track |
$24 |
Monthly auto-renewal |
Cancel to prevent future deductions |
| No active membership |
$0 |
N/A |
No action required-you are protected |
Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them
You are not alone if your first cancellation attempt fails-VMP's international withdrawal has left many customers in limbo. These mistakes are preventable with foresight.
Mistake 1: relying on app store subscription cancellation
VMP's subscriptions are managed directly on the company's website, not through Apple App Store or Google Play. If you attempt to cancel through an app store, you will not cancel your VMP membership-you will only remove the app from your device. The underlying subscription will continue to renew. Always cancel through the official VMP website.
Mistake 2: assuming silence equals cancellation
If VMP does not send a confirmation email, your membership may not be cancelled. Log in to your account 3-5 days after your cancellation attempt and verify your membership status. If it still shows as active, send an email confirmation request immediately. Yafee advises never assuming a cancellation is complete without written proof.
Mistake 3: forgetting to screenshot confirmation pages
Confirmation pages often disappear or are not saved in your email. Take screenshots of every step, including the final "Cancellation Confirmed" message, the URL, and any reference number. These images are your only evidence if you later dispute a charge with your bank or the Commerce Commission.
Mistake 4: not documenting the october 2024 shutdown announcement
When you contact VMP or file a complaint with the Commerce Commission, you must reference the specific date VMP announced the discontinuation of international memberships. Save the announcement page or any public statement confirming the New Zealand withdrawal. This establishes that the service became undeliverable on a documented date.
If VMP refuses to cancel or disputes your refund
If you have attempted cancellation and received no response, or if the company disputes your refund claim, escalation is your next step. Yafee has outlined the formal process below.
Step 1: send a final demand letter
Draft a formal letter (email is acceptable) to VMP containing:
- A detailed chronology of your cancellation requests, including dates and methods.
- Copies of all correspondence (attach screenshots and emails).
- The specific amount of any refund owed and the basis under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
- A statement: "If I do not receive a response and refund within 14 days, I will lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission."
- The date by which you expect a response (typically 14 days).
Send this letter by email and keep a copy for your records.
Step 2: lodge a complaint with the commerce commission
If VMP does not respond or refuses your claim, visit the Commerce Commission's website (beehive.govt.nz or commerce.govt.nz) and file a formal complaint. Provide:
- Your contact details and account information.
- A summary of the dispute (cancellation refusal or billing after withdrawal).
- Copies of all emails, screenshots, and bank statements.
- Your final demand letter and VMP's response (if any).
The Commerce Commission will investigate at no cost to you and may compel VMP to refund your money or provide compensation for losses.
Step 3: pursue a chargeback through your bank
If the Commerce Commission's investigation is slow or unsuccessful, instruct your bank to dispute any charges made after your documented cancellation date. Provide your bank with your cancellation email and any confirmation messages. Under New Zealand's debit and credit card rules, your bank must investigate and reverse unauthorised charges.
Practical checklist for cancelling Vinyl me, Please
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed every step and created enforceable proof of your cancellation.
| Action |
Completed? |
Date completed |
| Saved all billing emails and account statements |
[ ] |
___________ |
| Logged into VMP account and attempted website cancellation |
[ ] |
___________ |
| Screenshotted the cancellation confirmation page (if successful) |
[ ] |
___________ |
| Sent written cancellation email to VMP support |
[ ] |
___________ |
| Received confirmation email from VMP |
[ ] |
___________ |
| Verified no charges appear on bank statement (7 days post-cancellation) |
[ ] |
___________ |
| Requested refund for pre-paid balance (if applicable) |
[ ] |
___________ |
| Saved all correspondence in a dedicated folder |
[ ] |
___________ |
| Ready to escalate to Commerce Commission if needed |
[ ] |
___________ |
When to keep your Vinyl me, Please account active
In most cases, you should cancel immediately. However, these scenarios might justify waiting or maintaining a dormant account.
| Scenario |
Recommendation |
Action |
| You are awaiting a refund decision from VMP |
Keep account active and monitor billing |
Send a follow-up email requesting a timeline for resolution |
| You have an outstanding trade-in or resale order |
Wait until the order completes |
Contact VMP to confirm order status before cancelling |
| You wish to preserve your purchase history |
Account remains accessible after cancellation |
Cancel now-you can still view past orders |
| You are unsure if VMP will resume New Zealand operations |
Risk of ongoing auto-renewal charges |
Cancel immediately-you can reactivate if they return |
| You hold an annual pre-paid membership |
Cancel and claim refund for unused months |
Send cancellation + refund request simultaneously |
| You have zero outstanding balance or pending orders |
Cancel today-no downside to cancellation |
Follow the step-by-step process above |
Summary and next steps
Vinyl Me, Please has withdrawn from New Zealand as of October 2024, making cancellation the urgent priority for any current or recent members. Your cancellation is protected under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986, which give you the right to cancel a service that is no longer deliverable to your region.
The safest path is to cancel via the website account dashboard, followed by a written email confirmation if the initial attempt fails. Save all screenshots and emails, monitor your bank account for 60 days, and escalate to the Commerce Commission if VMP refuses to cancel or disputes a refund claim.
Yafee understands the frustration of subscription services withdrawing without clear exit paths, which is why we have created this comprehensive guide to protect your rights. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover refunds by following the documented, step-by-step processes outlined above. Your cancellation evidence-screenshots, emails, and dated bank statements-is your legal foundation if any dispute arises.
Start your cancellation today by visiting the VMP website and logging into your account. If you encounter obstacles or receive no response from VMP, Yafee recommends escalating to the Commerce Commission without delay. Consumer law in New Zealand is on your side, and your documentation is the key to enforcement.
If you require further assistance cancelling Vinyl Me, Please or disputing a charge, use these contact details and resources.
Vinyl me, Please support
- Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
- Website: vinylmeplease.com (account dashboard login)
- Expected response time: 5-7 business days (may be slower due to operational changes)
Consumer protections and complaints
- Commerce Commission: www.commerce.govt.nz | File a formal complaint via their online portal
- Citizens Advice Bureau (Aotearoa): www.citizensadvice.org.nz | Free consumer advice and dispute resolution assistance
- Your bank or credit card issuer: Contact them directly to dispute unauthorised charges or request a chargeback
Yafee resources
Yafee (yafee.com) provides guides for cancelling hundreds of subscription services across New Zealand. If you encounter issues cancelling VMP or any other service, Yafee's contract law specialists are available to review your situation and advise on your next steps. Yafee combines legal precision with practical guidance to ensure you retain control of your subscriptions and accounts.