The 14-day period to withdraw from a subscription
Subscribing remotely grants a specific right: to withdraw from your decision without justification, for fourteen days. This right targets impulsive purchases or misunderstood offers, and it should not be confused with classic cancellation. However, it's important to know what it covers, and especially what it doesn't cover.
What the right of withdrawal covers
The Consumer Code grants at least fourteen days to withdraw from a contract concluded remotely or off-premises. The clock starts ticking at the conclusion of the contract for a service, and upon receipt for goods. No reason needs to be given, and no basic fees apply for exercising this right. This period applies whether you subscribed via a website, an application, or telephone solicitation.
Where and how to exercise it
A standard withdrawal form exists, but a clear written message is sufficient. Many services offer the process directly in the subscription area, under a withdrawal mention. Keep the sending date: this proves that you are within the time limit, not the processing date by the service. A dated email or a registered letter works just as well as a button.
The limit of services already rendered
A service fully performed during the withdrawal period, with your express consent, may cause you to lose the right of withdrawal. For a service started but not completed, you pay for the portion already consumed, not the rest. Digital content whose access begins immediately, with your consent, follows a similar rule: the door often closes upon first use. Hence the importance of reading the box you check upon registration.
What does not open the right of withdrawal
Certain contracts are excluded by nature: fixed-date transport or accommodation, scheduled leisure activities, tailor-made goods, fully supplied digital content with consent. A classic online service subscription, however, remains covered by the period, which applies to the vast majority of everyday cases.
A period that can be extended
If the professional failed to inform you of this right at the time of subscription, the period extends well beyond fourteen days, up to twelve months. This extension rarely comes into play, but it remains a serious leverage when no clear information has been given on how to withdraw.
Withdrawal or cancellation, not to be confused
Withdrawal cancels the contract as if it had never existed, within the first fourteen days. After this period, only cancellation applies, with notice and contract conditions. The two are not cumulative and address different situations: one for a brand new commitment, the other for an established subscription.
Within what timeframe are you reimbursed
The professional generally has fourteen days after your withdrawal to reimburse you, using the original payment method. For goods, they can wait until they have recovered them; for a subscription, no return is involved, and the reimbursement covers amounts paid in advance. A delay should be followed up in writing, with proof of your initial request.