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Guides

Handle a cancellation request

A cancellation request is the last chance to help and the best source of honest feedback. Treat it with respect, make it easy, and you keep goodwill even when the customer leaves.

Last reviewed

Confirm what they want

Read the request carefully. Some customers want to pause, switch plan or stop a single product, not leave entirely.

Ask why, once

Offer a short question or a choice of reasons. One question is useful; a long interrogation feels like a trap.

Offer an alternative that fits

If price is the problem, show a cheaper plan. If they are busy, offer a pause. Only offer what you would accept in their place.

Make leaving easy

Complete the cancellation promptly when they confirm, and send a clear note with the end date and what happens to their data.

Leave the door open

Tell them how to come back and keep their data for a stated period. Many customers return when their situation changes.

Tag every reason

Review the reasons each month. A pattern in price, missing features or support quality tells you more than any survey.

Questions

Should I try to talk customers out of leaving?

Offer one relevant alternative, then respect their choice. Pressure damages trust and invites chargebacks.

How fast should I process a cancellation?

Immediately, or on the same day. Delays cause repeat tickets and disputes.

What should the confirmation say?

The date service ends, what they keep or lose, whether a refund applies and how to return.

Written by Flatdesk, a help desk for small support teams at one flat price per agent. Try it free for 14 days, no card.