How to cancel Carbonmade and protect your portfolio rights in south africa
What Carbonmade is and why creatives subscribe
Carbonmade is a subscription-based portfolio platform that allows creative professionals to build and showcase their work online without technical expertise. The service removes the complexity of web development, letting designers, photographers, illustrators, and visual artists focus on presenting their projects in a polished, professional format.
The platform offers tiered monthly plans with customizable templates, drag-and-drop site builders, project galleries, and media hosting. You pay a recurring monthly fee in USD, which converts to South African Rands at the current exchange rate. If you're considering cancelling your subscription, Yafee has prepared this legal guide to walk you through every procedural step and your consumer rights under South African law.
Who uses Carbonmade
Carbonmade users include freelance creatives managing small portfolios and established agencies running hundreds of projects. The platform scales from beginner plans with limited project slots to unlimited tiers for high-volume professionals. Students, emerging designers, and seasoned creatives all use the platform to maintain their online presence and attract clients.
Why you might want to cancel
You may choose to cancel if you've switched to a competitor platform, no longer maintain an active creative practice, want to reduce monthly expenses, or prefer building your site using WordPress or another content management system. Whatever your reason, cancellation should be straightforward and transparent. Yafee understands that ending a subscription should not involve hidden barriers or unclear procedures.
Understanding carbonmade's pricing structure
Before deciding whether to cancel, review your current plan and what you're paying each month.
Current plans and approximate south african rand costs
Carbonmade bills monthly in United States Dollars, so your exact Rand amount fluctuates with exchange rates. The table below shows approximate conversions to guide your cancellation decision.
| Plan name |
Monthly cost (approx. ZAR) |
Key features |
Best for |
| Beginner |
R171 to R180 |
8 projects; unlimited images and videos; basic blocks; standard upload quality |
Students and emerging creatives |
| Pro |
R228 to R240 |
50 projects; custom domain; premium blocks; unbranded interface; HD uploads; priority support |
Freelancers and established professionals |
| Unlimited |
R418 to R440 |
Unlimited projects and pages; all Pro features; maximum flexibility and storage |
Agencies and high-volume creatives |
How to verify your current billing amount
Log into your Carbonmade account and navigate to Account Settings or Plan. Your exact monthly charge appears in your billing history. Cross-check this amount against your bank statement to confirm the ZAR conversion at the time of billing. Your next billing date is also shown in this section, which helps you time your cancellation if you wish to stop charges before the next cycle begins.
Evaluating whether to cancel or downgrade
Cancellation is permanent; your site goes offline unless you export your data first. Consider whether downgrading to a lower-cost plan might better serve your needs.
Reasons to keep your Carbonmade subscription
If your portfolio actively attracts clients, displays ongoing work, or serves as your professional online presence, maintaining your subscription keeps your site live and accessible. Cancelling immediately removes your portfolio from the web. You lose your custom domain (if applicable) and your projects become inaccessible unless you've downloaded backup copies beforehand.
Reasons to cancel your subscription
Cancel if you no longer require an online portfolio, have migrated to a competitor platform such as Squarespace or Wix, or find the monthly cost unsustainable. You might also cancel if you prefer building your own website using WordPress, if you've retired from active practice, or if you've consolidated your online presence elsewhere.
Alternative option: downgrade instead of cancelling
If cost is your primary concern, downgrade to the Beginner plan instead of cancelling entirely. This keeps your portfolio online and accessible while reducing your monthly expense to approximately R171. Contact Carbonmade support to discuss downgrading options before you cancel.
Your legal position and consumer rights in south africa
Your cancellation rights are protected under South African consumer law, specifically the Consumer Protection Act, No. 68 of 2008, and the Protection of Personal Information Act, No. 4 of 2013. Understanding your legal standing ensures you cancel on your own terms and recover any owed refunds.
Consumer protection act and subscription rights
The Consumer Protection Act governs all consumer transactions in South Africa, including digital subscriptions. Section 14 of the Act grants you the right to cancel a service agreement, and Section 48 requires suppliers to provide clear, accurate information about pricing, terms, and cancellation procedures. Carbonmade must disclose cancellation methods prominently in your account or terms of service. If they do not, this breach strengthens your legal position if disputes arise.
Your legal position
You have the statutory right to cancel your Carbonmade subscription at any time. The supplier must honour your cancellation request within a reasonable timeframe, typically 5 to 10 business days. If you cancel before your next billing date, you should not be charged again. If you are charged after submitting a valid cancellation request, you have grounds to dispute the charge with your bank or credit card provider under the Consumer Protection Act. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is the enforcement body for consumer rights disputes in South Africa; you may escalate complaints to the NCC if Carbonmade refuses to acknowledge your cancellation or refund claim.
Protection of personal information act and data deletion
When you cancel, your personal data held by Carbonmade is subject to POPIA. You have the right to request deletion of your personal information within 30 days of cancellation, subject to legal storage obligations. Contact Carbonmade's data protection officer to request confirmation that your data has been securely deleted or archived in accordance with POPIA.
How to cancel Carbonmade: step-by-step procedure
Follow this procedure to cancel your subscription and ensure your request is documented for dispute resolution if needed.
Step 1: log into your Carbonmade account
Visit the Carbonmade website and enter your login credentials. Once logged in, navigate to your Account Settings or Profile menu. Look for a Billing, Plan, or Subscription section. This section contains your cancellation options and billing history.
Step 2: locate your subscription management page
Within Account Settings, find the Plan or Billing tab. This page displays your current subscription tier, monthly billing amount, and renewal date. You will also see an option to downgrade, upgrade, or cancel your subscription. If you cannot locate this section, contact Carbonmade support via the Help or Contact Us link on their website.
Step 3: initiate the cancellation request
Click the Cancel Plan or Cancel Subscription button. Carbonmade will typically ask you to confirm your decision and may present you with a retention offer or discount. You are under no obligation to accept these offers. Proceed with the cancellation confirmation.
Step 4: confirm your cancellation in writing
After you submit the cancellation request online, send a follow-up email to Carbonmade's support address with the subject line "Cancellation Request and Confirmation". Include your account email, the date you requested cancellation, and your final billing date. Request written confirmation of the cancellation from Carbonmade within 5 business days. This creates a documented record for your protection under the Consumer Protection Act.
Step 5: export your portfolio data before the final date
Before your account closes, download all your portfolio content. Carbonmade allows you to export your projects, images, and metadata. Use the Export or Download function in your account settings. Save all files to your computer or cloud storage. This ensures you retain your creative work even after cancellation.
Step 6: verify cancellation and billing cessation
Monitor your bank account or credit card statement for 30 days after your cancellation date. Confirm that no further charges appear after your final billing date. If you are charged after cancellation, dispute the charge immediately with your bank and provide them with your written cancellation confirmation email.
Refunds and billing adjustments
Your refund entitlement depends on when you cancel within your billing cycle and Carbonmade's refund policy.
Pro-rata refunds and partial billing cycles
If you cancel mid-cycle (for example, 15 days into a 30-day billing period), you may be entitled to a pro-rata refund for the unused portion of your subscription. Yafee recommends requesting this refund explicitly when you submit your cancellation email. Quote Section 48 of the Consumer Protection Act, which requires suppliers to refund unused portions of prepaid services.
How to request a refund
Include this language in your cancellation confirmation email: "I am entitled to a pro-rata refund for any unused days in my current billing cycle under Section 48 of the Consumer Protection Act, No. 68 of 2008. Please process this refund to my original payment method within 10 business days of this cancellation." Carbonmade should respond within 5 business days with a refund timeline or explanation. If they refuse the refund without valid reason, you may escalate to the National Consumer Commission.
Refund processing timeline
Once Carbonmade approves your refund, the money typically returns to your payment method (bank account or credit card) within 5 to 10 business days. Check your bank statement to confirm the refund has been received. If the refund does not appear after 10 business days, contact both Carbonmade and your bank to investigate the delay.
Common mistakes when cancelling Carbonmade
Cancellation is a straightforward process, but several mistakes can complicate your exit or cost you money. Avoid these pitfalls.
Mistake 1: cancelling without backing up your portfolio
Once your account closes, your site goes offline and your project files may become inaccessible. Always export your portfolio data before submitting your cancellation request. Use Carbonmade's built-in export tool to download all projects, images, and metadata. Store these files securely on your computer or a cloud service such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
Mistake 2: not confirming cancellation in writing
If you cancel only through the online portal without sending a follow-up email, you lack documented proof of your cancellation request. If Carbonmade's system fails or if the company disputes your cancellation, you have no written record to enforce your rights. Always send a formal cancellation email and request written confirmation from Carbonmade. This protects you under the Consumer Protection Act and provides evidence for dispute resolution.
Mistake 3: cancelling immediately before a billing date without understanding the policy
If you cancel just before your renewal date, you may still be charged for the next cycle if Carbonmade's system processes the charge before your cancellation is actioned. Cancel at least 5 business days before your billing date to ensure the charge does not go through. Check your renewal date in your account settings before submitting your cancellation request.
Mistake 4: failing to dispute unauthorised charges promptly
If you are charged after submitting a valid cancellation request, dispute the charge with your bank within 20 days of the transaction. Provide your bank with your written cancellation email and Carbonmade's response (or lack thereof). Your bank can reverse the charge under the Consumer Protection Act. Do not wait more than 20 days, as time limits apply to chargeback claims.
Mistake 5: ignoring your refund entitlement
Many users assume they will not receive a refund and do not request one. Under Section 48 of the Consumer Protection Act, you are entitled to a pro-rata refund for any prepaid service you do not use. Request this explicitly in your cancellation email. Carbonmade may refuse, but asserting your legal entitlement creates leverage for negotiation or escalation to the NCC.
What happens after you cancel Carbonmade
Your account closure follows a standard timeline; understanding each stage helps you monitor the process and identify any problems.
Immediately after cancellation
Your portfolio site remains live for a brief grace period (typically 24 to 48 hours). This window allows you to download any remaining content or inform clients of your new contact details. After this period, your site goes offline and your custom domain reverts to Carbonmade's control unless you migrate it to a new provider before cancellation.
Email confirmation stage
Carbonmade sends a cancellation confirmation email to your registered address within 24 hours. Check your inbox and spam folder for this email. If you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours, contact Carbonmade support to confirm the cancellation was processed. Keep this email for your records.
Data and account closure
Your account data is typically retained by Carbonmade for 30 days after cancellation in case you wish to reactivate your subscription. After 30 days, your data may be deleted unless you have requested data retention under POPIA. If you wish to recover your data after 30 days, you must submit a formal data access request under POPIA and provide identification.
Billing cessation
Your account stops billing on your cancellation date or at the end of your current billing cycle, whichever comes first. Monitor your bank statement for the next 30 days to confirm no further charges appear. If charges continue after your cancellation, dispute them immediately with your bank.
Checklist for cancelling Carbonmade
Use this checklist to ensure you complete every step and protect your legal rights.
| Action |
Completed |
Date |
| Log into your Carbonmade account and verify your current plan and billing amount |
Yes / No |
|
| Export and back up all portfolio data, images, and project files |
Yes / No |
|
| Note your next billing date and cancellation deadline |
Yes / No |
|
| Submit cancellation request through your account settings |
Yes / No |
|
| Send written cancellation confirmation email to Carbonmade support with pro-rata refund request |
Yes / No |
|
| Receive written cancellation confirmation from Carbonmade within 5 business days |
Yes / No |
|
| Verify no charges appear on your bank statement 30 days after cancellation date |
Yes / No |
|
| Confirm pro-rata refund has been processed to your payment method |
Yes / No |
|
Comparison: keeping versus cancelling Carbonmade
This table summarises the key considerations to help you make your final decision.
| Factor |
Keep your subscription |
Cancel your subscription |
| Monthly cost |
R171 to R440 recurring charge |
R0 after cancellation; one-time refund processing |
| Portfolio availability |
Your site remains live and indexed by search engines |
Your site goes offline; projects become inaccessible unless backed up |
| Custom domain |
Your domain remains active under your control |
Your custom domain reverts to Carbonmade (migrate before cancelling) |
| Client access |
Clients and employers can view your work directly |
You must provide clients with alternative portfolio links or methods |
| Best choice if |
You actively use your portfolio to attract work |
You no longer require an online portfolio or have migrated elsewhere |
If you encounter difficulties cancelling through your account or need to escalate your request, contact Carbonmade directly using the details below.
Official Carbonmade contact information
Visit the Carbonmade website and navigate to Contact Us or Help. You will find their support email address and a contact form. For cancellation requests, send your email to their support address with the subject line "Account Cancellation Request" and include your full account email, account ID (if visible), and the date you wish your subscription to end.
Carbonmade corporate mailing address
If email support does not respond within 5 business days, you may send your cancellation request by registered post to Carbonmade's corporate address. Request a read receipt to confirm delivery. Include copies of your account details, any previous cancellation requests, and your pro-rata refund claim. Send this correspondence to the address listed on Carbonmade's website or company registration details.
Escalation to the national consumer commission
If Carbonmade refuses to cancel your subscription or denies your refund entitlement without valid reason, escalate your complaint to the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC is the statutory body responsible for enforcing consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act in South Africa. Submit your complaint to the NCC with copies of your cancellation request emails, Carbonmade's responses (or non-responses), and your refund demand. The NCC can compel Carbonmade to comply with your cancellation and investigate disputes.
Your next steps with yafee
Cancelling Carbonmade is a legal right protected by South African consumer law. Follow the procedure outlined in this guide, document every step in writing, and assert your entitlement to pro-rata refunds under Section 48 of the Consumer Protection Act. If you cancel immediately before your renewal date and request your refund explicitly, you should not encounter resistance from Carbonmade.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions by providing clear, legally grounded procedures and consumer rights information. Whether you are downgrading, switching platforms, or stepping away from active practice, Yafee ensures you understand your legal position and cancel on your own terms. Use this guide as your reference during the cancellation process, keep all emails for your records, and contact the National Consumer Commission if Carbonmade disputes your cancellation or refuses your refund. Your right to cancel is absolute under South African law.