How to cancel Sittercity and protect your subscription rights in singapore
What Sittercity is and why you might cancel
Sittercity is an online marketplace that connects families with vetted caregivers for childcare, pet sitting, and senior care services. The platform lets you browse sitter profiles, read reviews, post jobs, and upgrade to Premium Membership for enhanced features like priority support and advanced search filters.
Families across Singapore use Sittercity to find local and remote care solutions. However, subscription costs accumulate, service quality may vary, or you may have found alternative providers that better suit your needs. Understanding how to cancel cleanly and knowing what your consumer rights are puts you back in control of your finances and service commitments.
Common reasons families cancel Sittercity
You might cancel because you found a more affordable service, needed only temporary help, or discovered that Premium features do not deliver the value you expected. Service gaps, unresponsive sitters, or changes in your care needs are also legitimate reasons to exit. Whatever your reason, you deserve a straightforward cancellation process. Yafee empowers you to exit subscriptions on your terms, with full transparency about your rights and obligations.
Your consumer rights in singapore
Singapore's Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act provides important safeguards for subscription purchases, though application to digital services remains evolving and fact-specific.
What singapore law covers for online subscriptions
The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act protects you against unfair trading practices, misleading claims, and unsolicited sales. A 14-day cooling-off period applies to certain distance contracts-including online purchases-under the Act's distance transaction rules. This means you have the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase if you have not used the service substantially or consumed the core benefits.
The critical question: does Sittercity's Premium subscription qualify as a "distance contract" under Singapore law? If it does, you may have statutory cancellation rights beyond Sittercity's own policy. Sittercity's terms do not explicitly reference Singapore Consumer Protection law, creating potential ambiguity. Nevertheless, the burden lies with Sittercity to prove that a subscription service falls outside the scope of consumer protection rules.
Consequently, if you cancel within 14 days of purchase and have made minimal use of Premium features, you hold a strong legal position. Document your cancellation date and use patterns to support any refund claim.
Your legal position under singapore law
You have the right to cancel any subscription acquired through distance contract (online purchase) within 14 days of purchase, provided you have not substantially consumed the service. Sittercity may charge a small administration fee only if explicitly disclosed in its terms at the point of sale. If Sittercity refuses a refund you believe you are entitled to, you may escalate to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) without cost. Your card issuer or bank may also dispute the charge if you believe you were billed without proper consent or within your statutory cooling-off window.
How to enforce your rights if Sittercity refuses
If Sittercity denies a refund you believe you are entitled to under Singapore law, escalate your complaint to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). CASE mediates disputes between consumers and businesses at no cost to you. Document all communications, cancellation requests, and billing statements before escalating.
CASE will review whether Sittercity breached the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act in your case. You can lodge a complaint online at case.org.sg or contact CASE directly by phone. The process is free and does not require legal representation.
You can also dispute the charge through your card issuer or bank if you believe you were billed without proper consent or within your statutory cooling-off window. Banks and credit card companies in Singapore take consumer protection seriously and will investigate your claim within 30 days.
How to cancel Sittercity via the website
The most direct path to cancellation is through your account settings on Sittercity's website, accessible on any device with a web browser.
Step 1: sign in to your Sittercity account
Open your web browser and navigate to Sittercity's login page. Enter your registered email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it before proceeding.
Step 2: navigate to account settings
Once logged in, locate the account menu. This typically appears in the top-right corner of the screen, often marked by your profile icon or a "Menu" button. Select "Account Settings" or "Account & Billing"-the exact label may vary depending on recent platform updates.
Step 3: find your membership or subscription section
Within Account Settings, look for a section labeled "Membership," "Premium Subscription," "Billing," or "Plans." This section displays your current subscription status and renewal date.
Step 4: select the cancel or downgrade option
- Locate the button or link to cancel Premium or downgrade to Basic Membership.
- Sittercity often labels this as "Downgrade to Basic" rather than outright "Cancel." Both actions end your Premium subscription and stop recurring charges.
- Click the button to proceed. Sittercity may display a survey or retention offer asking why you want to cancel. You are not required to complete this survey; you may skip it and proceed to confirmation.
Step 5: confirm your cancellation
Review the confirmation screen carefully. It should display your cancellation effective date and confirm that no further charges will be applied after the current billing period ends. Select "Confirm Cancellation" or the equivalent button. Sittercity will send a confirmation email to your registered address within 5 minutes.
Step 6: save your confirmation email
Check your inbox (and spam folder) for the confirmation email from Sittercity. This email serves as your proof of cancellation and should contain your cancellation date, refund status (if applicable), and the date your Premium access ends. Save this email in a dedicated folder or take a screenshot for your records.
How to cancel Sittercity via the apple app store
If you subscribed to Sittercity Premium through Apple's App Store on an iPhone or iPad, you must cancel through Apple's subscription management system, not through Sittercity's website.
Step 1: open the app store on your apple device
On your iPhone or iPad, tap the App Store icon. If you use a Mac, open the App Store from your Applications folder.
Step 2: access your account and subscriptions
Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner of the App Store. Select "Subscriptions" from the menu that appears. You will see a list of all active subscriptions tied to your Apple ID.
Step 3: find the Sittercity subscription
Locate "Sittercity" in your subscriptions list. Tap on it to view details, including your renewal date and billing amount.
Step 4: cancel the subscription
Tap the "Cancel Subscription" button. Apple will ask you to confirm. Select "Confirm" to finalize the cancellation. Apple will send a confirmation email to your Apple ID email address immediately.
Step 5: verify cancellation status
Return to your Subscriptions list and confirm that Sittercity no longer appears or now shows a "Cancelled" status. Your Premium access will end on your next renewal date; you will not be charged further. Save Apple's confirmation email for your records.
How to cancel Sittercity via google play
If you subscribed to Sittercity Premium through Google Play on an Android device, you must cancel through Google's subscription management system.
Step 1: open google play on your android device
Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
Step 2: access your account menu
Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner. Select "Manage your Google Account" or "Payments and subscriptions," depending on your device and Android version.
Step 3: navigate to subscriptions
Select "Subscriptions" or "Manage subscriptions" from the menu. You will see a list of all active subscriptions linked to your Google account.
Step 4: find and select Sittercity
Locate "Sittercity" in your active subscriptions. Tap on it to view your plan details, renewal date, and billing amount.
Step 5: cancel the subscription
Tap "Cancel subscription." Google will display a confirmation screen explaining when your access will end and confirm that you will not be charged again. Select "Cancel subscription" once more to confirm. Google will send a confirmation email to your registered Google account email address.
Step 6: confirm cancellation in your email
Check your email for Google's confirmation. Your Premium subscription will end on your renewal date; no further charges will apply. Save this email as proof of cancellation.
Refund timelines and what to expect after cancellation
After you cancel, your financial situation depends on the timing of your cancellation relative to your billing cycle and your jurisdiction's consumer protection rules.
Refunds if you cancel within 14 days
If you cancel within 14 days of your purchase date and have not substantially used Premium features, you are entitled to a full refund under Singapore's Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. Sittercity must process your refund within 30 days of your cancellation request. If payment was made by credit card or debit card, the refund will return to that card. If you paid via another method, refund processing may take 5 to 10 business days once initiated by Sittercity.
Non-refundable charges if you cancel after 14 days
If you cancel after the 14-day cooling-off period, Sittercity may treat your subscription as a service already consumed. However, if you cancel before your next renewal date, you will not be charged again. Your Premium access will end on your current billing period's expiration date. You will lose access to Premium features immediately upon cancellation, though your Basic Membership account remains active.
Partial refunds for mid-cycle cancellations
Sittercity's standard policy does not provide prorated refunds for cancellations mid-billing cycle. Your Premium subscription remains active until your next renewal date. If you believe a partial refund is justified-for example, due to service failures or misleading claims-contact Sittercity's support team with evidence. If Sittercity refuses, you may file a complaint with CASE.
What happens to your account after cancellation
Cancelling Premium does not delete your account. Your Basic Membership remains active, and you retain access to core features: browsing sitter profiles, posting jobs, and communicating with sitters you have already contacted. Your saved favorites, job postings, and messaging history remain intact. If you wish to delete your account entirely, you must submit a separate data deletion request to Sittercity's support team.
Cancellation fees and pricing overview
Understanding Sittercity's pricing structure helps you assess the value of your subscription and determine whether cancellation is the right decision.
| Plan type |
Monthly cost (SGD) |
Key features |
Cancellation policy |
| Basic Membership |
Free |
Browse sitters, post jobs, unlimited messaging |
N/A (no subscription to cancel) |
| Premium Membership (monthly) |
$9.99 to $14.99 |
Priority support, advanced search, featured listings |
Cancel anytime; 14-day refund period applies |
| Premium Membership (annual) |
$99.99 to $149.99 |
Same as monthly plus discounted rate |
14-day refund period; prorated refunds not guaranteed after 14 days |
| Background check add-on |
$24.99 one-time |
Verified identity and background screening for sitters |
Non-refundable (one-time purchase) |
Sittercity does not charge a cancellation fee. However, if you cancel mid-billing cycle outside the 14-day window, you will not receive a refund for the unused portion of your current billing period. Yafee recommends timing your cancellation to coincide with your renewal date to avoid unnecessary charges.
Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them
Cancellation is straightforward, but several pitfalls can delay your refund or leave you charged unexpectedly. Awareness protects your rights and your wallet.
Mistake 1: cancelling only through the app without confirming on the website
If you subscribed via the Apple App Store or Google Play, you must cancel through that same platform. Cancelling through Sittercity's website alone will not stop Apple or Google from charging you. Similarly, if you subscribed via the website, cancelling through an app will not work. Always verify cancellation through the platform you used to subscribe.
Mistake 2: failing to save your confirmation email
Your confirmation email is your proof of cancellation. Without it, you have no documentation if Sittercity claims you never cancelled or if a charge dispute arises. Save the email to a cloud service (Google Drive, OneDrive) or print it as a backup.
Mistake 3: assuming your access ends immediately
Cancelling Premium does not end your access instantly. You retain Premium features until your current billing period expires. If your renewal date is in two weeks, you will have Premium access for another two weeks. Plan your cancellation accordingly if you wish to avoid the final charge.
Mistake 4: not requesting a refund within 14 days of purchase
Singapore's Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act grants you a 14-day cooling-off period. If you wait longer, you lose your statutory right to a full refund. Document your purchase date and cancel within this window if you are entitled to a refund. Yafee advises cancelling as soon as you decide Premium does not meet your needs.
Mistake 5: ignoring retention offers
When you initiate cancellation, Sittercity may display a discount offer or retention message. These offers are optional. If you have already decided to cancel, you are under no obligation to accept a discounted rate. Accepting a discount restarts your subscription and may reset your billing cycle, potentially delaying your cancellation.
What to do if Sittercity refuses your cancellation
In rare cases, Sittercity may deny a cancellation request or refuse a refund you believe you are entitled to. Clear escalation steps protect your rights.
Step 1: contact sittercity's customer support in writing
Email Sittercity's support team at their official email address (typically [email protected] or a form on their website). Request a written explanation for the refusal. Include your account email, the date of purchase, your cancellation request date, and the specific reason you believe you are entitled to a refund. Attach your confirmation email and any relevant screenshots. Keep a copy of this email for your records.
Step 2: wait for a formal response
Sittercity should respond within 7 to 10 business days. If they deny your refund, ask them to explain which clause of their terms justifies the refusal and request a copy of their full refund policy. Do not accept a verbal response; insist on written confirmation.
Step 3: file a complaint with CASE
If Sittercity refuses to engage or denies a refund you believe violates Singapore law, lodge a free complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). Visit case.org.sg, call 6100 0315, or visit CASE's office in person. Provide CASE with copies of your purchase receipt, cancellation request, confirmation email, and all correspondence with Sittercity. CASE will mediate on your behalf at no cost.
Step 4: dispute the charge with your bank or card issuer
If Sittercity continues to charge you after you have cancelled, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Request a chargeback (for credit cards) or reversal (for debit cards). Provide your bank with copies of your cancellation confirmation and correspondence with Sittercity. Banks in Singapore are required to investigate disputed charges within 30 days.
Checklist before and after cancellation
Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and your rights are protected.
| Task |
Status |
Notes |
| Note your purchase date and billing cycle |
[ ] |
Determines your 14-day refund eligibility |
| Confirm which platform you used to subscribe (website, App Store, or Google Play) |
[ ] |
You must cancel through the same platform |
| Document your current billing amount and renewal date |
[ ] |
Prevents unexpected charges |
| Complete your cancellation request |
[ ] |
Use the appropriate platform method above |
| Save your cancellation confirmation email |
[ ] |
Your proof of cancellation; store in cloud or print |
| Verify no charges appear on your next billing date |
[ ] |
Check your bank statement or card activity 5 days after renewal date |
| File a CASE complaint if refund is denied (if within 14 days) |
[ ] |
Free mediation; case.org.sg |
Should you cancel Sittercity or keep your subscription
This comparison helps you weigh the value of Sittercity Premium against alternatives and your current care needs.
| Factor |
Cancel if... |
Keep if... |
| Cost |
You use Basic features only or have found cheaper alternatives |
Priority support and advanced search justify $10 to $15 per month |
| Service quality |
Sitters are unresponsive or you experience frequent cancellations |
You have found reliable sitters and value the verified listings |
| Care needs |
You no longer need regular childcare or pet sitting services |
You book sitters regularly and use messaging and scheduling daily |
| Usage pattern |
You have not posted a job or messaged a sitter in the last 30 days |
You post jobs weekly or communicate with sitters multiple times per month |
| Refund eligibility |
You are within 14 days of purchase and have not used Premium features substantially |
You are beyond 14 days or have made heavy use of advanced search and filters |
Yafee recommends cancelling if you have exhausted your 14-day refund window and find that Premium features do not improve your care-booking experience. The money saved by downgrading to Basic ($10 to $15 per month) can be invested in other childcare solutions or quality-of-life improvements for your family.
If you need to cancel by mail or wish to send formal correspondence, use the following addresses. In accordance with Sittercity's terms, the primary mailing address is:
Sittercity (Main Office)
20 West Kinzie Street
Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 60654
United States
For general correspondence and account inquiries, an alternative address is also listed:
Choice Sitter Solutions, LLC
2 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA
United States
You may submit written cancellation requests to either address via registered mail. Include your full name, account email, current billing date, and a clear statement: "I request cancellation of my Premium subscription effective immediately." Retain proof of postage and delivery. Nevertheless, online cancellation through the methods described above is faster and provides immediate digital confirmation.
Final steps and your path forward
Cancelling Sittercity is straightforward once you know your platform and your consumer rights under Singapore law. You hold statutory protections under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, including a 14-day cooling-off period for online purchases and the right to escalate disputes to CASE at no cost.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscription services with confidence and recover refunds they are entitled to. Whether you cancel via the website, Apple App Store, or Google Play, follow the steps above, save your confirmation email, and verify that no further charges appear on your statement. If Sittercity refuses to honour your cancellation or refund, CASE mediation and your bank's chargeback rights stand behind you.
Your subscription should serve your needs, not the reverse. If Sittercity Premium no longer fits your care-booking routine, downgrade to Basic at no cost and redirect your budget elsewhere. Yafee empowers you to cancel on your terms and reclaim control over your digital subscriptions and spending.