How to end your Respire subscription in the UK

About Respire

Respire is a UK-based wellness subscription service that delivers natural deodorants and personal care products directly to your door. Founded with a mission to provide aluminium-free, vegan-friendly alternatives to conventional deodorants, Respire has built a loyal following among health-conscious consumers who want to avoid potentially harmful ingredients in their daily routine. The company operates on a subscription model, automatically sending refills at intervals you choose, which keeps you stocked up without the hassle of remembering to reorder.

The service has gained popularity for its eco-friendly approach and commitment to transparency about ingredients. Respire products are manufactured in France and shipped to UK customers, with the subscription model designed to reduce packaging waste through refillable cases. While many customers appreciate the convenience and the quality of the products, circumstances change, and you might find yourself needing to cancel your subscription for various reasons.

Most importantly, understanding how Respire operates as a subscription service is crucial before we dive into cancellation procedures. Unlike one-off purchases, subscriptions create an ongoing contractual relationship that requires proper termination procedures. This means you can't simply stop paying or ignore future deliveries—you need to follow the correct cancellation process to avoid unwanted charges and products arriving at your door.

Plans, features and pricing

Respire offers several subscription options tailored to different usage patterns and preferences. The flexibility in their plans is one reason many people initially sign up, but it's also important to understand what you're committing to when you subscribe. Let me break down what's typically available so you know exactly what you might be cancelling.

Standard subscription options

The core offering revolves around their natural deodorant products, with subscriptions structured around delivery frequency rather than tier levels. You'll typically find options for receiving deliveries every one, two, or three months, depending on how quickly you use the product. The pricing varies based on the specific products you choose and whether you're ordering refills only or complete starter sets with reusable cases.

What's included in your subscription

When you subscribe, you're committing to regular deliveries of deodorant refills that fit into Respire's reusable cases. The initial order often includes the case itself, which is a one-time purchase, while subsequent deliveries contain just the refill cartridges. This approach reduces plastic waste, which is admirable from an environmental standpoint, but it also means you're locked into their specific product ecosystem.

Additionally, subscribers sometimes receive access to exclusive scents or limited edition products before they're available to one-time purchasers. You might also get slight discounts compared to buying individual units without a subscription. Keep in mind that these perks disappear once you cancel, so if you're on the fence, consider whether you'll miss these benefits.

Payment structure and billing cycles

Here's where many people get caught out: Respire typically charges your payment method a few days before dispatching your order. This advance billing is standard for subscription services, but it means you need to cancel well before your next scheduled delivery if you want to avoid being charged. The exact timing depends on your delivery frequency, so check your account to see when your next charge is scheduled.

Most importantly, understand that Respire operates on automatic renewal. Once you're subscribed, deliveries and charges continue indefinitely until you actively cancel. There's no natural end date unless you specifically set one, which is why proper cancellation is so critical.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Before you start the cancellation process, you need to understand Respire's official policies and your legal rights as a UK consumer. This knowledge protects you and ensures you follow the correct procedures, which is especially important when cancelling by post where everything needs to be documented properly.

Respire's official cancellation terms

According to Respire's terms and conditions, you can cancel your subscription at any time, but timing is everything. The company requires notice before your next scheduled delivery date to prevent that shipment from being processed. In my experience processing thousands of cancellations, the safe window is at least 5-7 working days before your next delivery date, though Respire's official policy may specify different timing.

Keep in mind that any orders already processed cannot typically be cancelled—they're considered fulfilled once dispatched. This is why acting quickly and using tracked postal methods is so important. You want proof that your cancellation notice arrived in time, which protects you if there's any dispute about whether you cancelled before or after a charge was processed.

UK consumer rights and subscriptions

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, UK consumers have specific rights when dealing with subscription services. You have a 14-day cooling-off period from when you first subscribe, during which you can cancel for any reason and receive a full refund for any products not yet used. However, once this period expires, your rights depend on Respire's specific terms and the general contract law principles.

Additionally, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires that subscription terms be fair and transparent. If you believe you weren't clearly informed about cancellation procedures or automatic renewals, you may have grounds to dispute charges. Documenting everything through postal cancellation gives you a paper trail that's invaluable if you need to escalate to your bank or a consumer protection agency.

Notice periods and final charges

Most subscription services, including Respire, require reasonable notice to process cancellations. What's "reasonable" typically means enough time for them to stop the next automated shipment and billing cycle. From my experience, I always recommend giving at least 10 working days' notice when cancelling by post, even if the company's official policy is shorter. This buffer accounts for postal delays and processing time.

Here's a critical point many people miss: you're usually responsible for paying for any deliveries already dispatched or charged before your cancellation takes effect. If you cancel on the same day a charge processes, that payment is typically non-refundable unless you're within the cooling-off period. This is why checking your next billing date before sending your cancellation letter is absolutely essential.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Now we get to the heart of the matter: how to actually cancel your Respire subscription using postal mail. While many companies push customers toward online cancellation, postal cancellation remains the most reliable method for creating an undeniable paper trail. Let me walk you through exactly how to do this properly.

Why postal cancellation is your best option

First, let's talk about why I recommend postal cancellation, especially for subscription services. When you cancel by post using Recorded Delivery or a tracked service, you create legal proof that your cancellation request was sent and received. If Respire later claims they never received your cancellation and charges you again, you have Royal Mail tracking evidence showing exactly when they received your letter.

Additionally, written cancellation is taken more seriously by companies and provides clarity that can't be disputed. There's no "he said, she said" about what was communicated over the phone, and you're not dependent on online systems that might have technical issues or unclear confirmation processes. In my years handling cancellations, postal methods consistently result in fewer disputes and faster resolutions when problems do arise.

Keep in mind that while postal cancellation takes slightly longer than online methods, the security and documentation it provides are worth the extra few days. You're protecting yourself against future billing disputes, and that peace of mind is invaluable.

What information to include in your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter needs to contain specific information to be processed quickly and correctly. While I'm not providing a template, here are the essential elements you must include:

• Your full name exactly as it appears on your Respire account
• Your complete delivery address associated with the subscription
• Your email address used for the Respire account
• Your Respire account number or customer reference if you have it
• A clear statement that you're cancelling your subscription
• The date you're writing the letter
• Your signature (even for typed letters, print and sign)
• A request for written confirmation of cancellation

Most importantly, be absolutely clear and direct in your wording. Use phrases like "I am writing to cancel my subscription effective immediately" rather than "I would like to consider cancelling" or "I'm thinking about ending my subscription." Ambiguous language can be interpreted as an inquiry rather than a definite cancellation instruction.

The correct postal address for cancellations

This is critical: you must send your cancellation letter to Respire's official business address. Based on current information, the correct address for correspondence with Respire UK is:

• Respire
• 10 rue de Penthièvre
• 75008 Paris
• France

Keep in mind that Respire is a French company serving UK customers, so your letter will be going to their French headquarters. This is perfectly normal for many European brands operating in the UK market. Make sure you use the correct international postage and allow extra time for delivery compared to domestic UK post.

Choosing the right postal service

Never send a cancellation letter using standard post. Always use Royal Mail Recorded Delivery or Special Delivery for UK destinations, or International Tracked & Signed for overseas addresses like Respire's French office. These services cost a few pounds extra but provide tracking numbers and proof of delivery that are essential if any disputes arise.

When sending internationally to France, I recommend Royal Mail's International Tracked & Signed service, which typically costs around £7-8. Yes, it seems expensive for a single letter, but consider it insurance against unwanted future charges that could cost much more. The tracking number lets you monitor your letter's journey and confirms exactly when Respire received it.

Additionally, keep your proof of postage receipt and tracking number in a safe place. Take a photo with your phone as a backup. You'll need this information if you have to prove you sent the cancellation, especially if dealing with your bank to dispute any unauthorized charges after cancellation.

Using Postclic for hassle-free cancellation

Here's an insider tip that saves time and stress: services like Postclic handle the entire postal cancellation process for you. Instead of finding the correct address, buying tracked postage, and visiting the post office, Postclic lets you submit your cancellation details online, and they print, send, and track your letter professionally.

The benefits are substantial. You get digital proof that your letter was sent, automatic tracking updates, and professional formatting that ensures your cancellation includes all necessary information. Most importantly, Postclic uses tracked postal services by default, so you're covered with proof of delivery without the hassle of queuing at the post office.

Keep in mind that while Postclic charges a small fee for this service, it's often comparable to what you'd spend on tracked postage anyway, and you're saving considerable time and reducing the risk of errors. For people who aren't confident writing formal cancellation letters or who don't have easy access to post office services, it's an excellent solution.

Timeline expectations for postal cancellation

Let's talk realistic timelines. When sending a cancellation letter to France from the UK using tracked services, expect 3-5 working days for delivery. Then allow another 3-5 working days for Respire to process your cancellation internally. This means the entire process typically takes 1-2 weeks from when you post your letter to when your cancellation is fully processed.

Most importantly, factor in your next billing date when timing your cancellation. If your next delivery is scheduled in less than two weeks, there's a significant risk it will be processed before your cancellation takes effect. In this situation, you might need to accept one final delivery and charge, then ensure no subsequent ones occur.

Following up on your cancellation

Once your tracking shows the letter was delivered, wait 5 working days, then follow up if you haven't received confirmation. Check your email first—Respire should send cancellation confirmation to your registered email address. If nothing arrives, check your spam folder before taking further action.

If a week passes after delivery with no confirmation, send a follow-up letter referencing your original cancellation, including the date sent and tracking number. This second letter serves as both a reminder and additional documentation that you're serious about cancelling. Again, use tracked postage for this follow-up.

Additionally, monitor your bank statements carefully for at least two billing cycles after your expected cancellation date. If any charges appear after you've cancelled, you have strong grounds to request a chargeback from your bank, especially with your postal tracking evidence showing Respire received your cancellation in time.

Tips from former members

Over the years, I've gathered insights from hundreds of people who've cancelled Respire subscriptions. These real-world tips help you avoid common pitfalls and make the process smoother.

Common reasons people cancel

Understanding why others cancel can help you feel confident in your decision and anticipate any retention offers Respire might make. The most common reasons I hear include:

Financial constraints top the list—while Respire isn't expensive, regular subscription costs add up, especially when household budgets tighten. Many people realize they can purchase deodorant less frequently or find more affordable alternatives. Keep in mind that if cost is your concern, you're not alone, and you shouldn't feel pressured to maintain a subscription that strains your budget.

Product accumulation is another frequent issue. People sign up with enthusiasm, then realize they're not using deodorant as quickly as deliveries arrive. Suddenly they have six months' worth of refills piling up, and the subscription feels wasteful rather than convenient. If this sounds familiar, remember that subscriptions should serve you, not create stress about unused products.

Additionally, some people find that Respire products don't work as well for them as hoped, particularly during hot weather or high-activity periods. Natural deodorants work differently than conventional antiperspirants, and they're not ideal for everyone. There's no shame in discovering a product isn't right for your body chemistry.

Mistakes to avoid during cancellation

Let me share the biggest mistakes I see people make when cancelling Respire subscriptions, so you can avoid them:

First, don't assume that removing your payment method cancels the subscription. This is perhaps the most common error. Deleting your card details might prevent future charges, but it doesn't officially cancel your subscription. Respire will likely continue attempting to bill you, your account will show as having payment issues, and you might face debt collection efforts for "unpaid" subscription fees. Always cancel properly through official channels.

Next, don't cancel too close to your billing date and then dispute the charge when the next delivery processes. If you cancel within a few days of your scheduled delivery, that shipment is likely already being prepared or has been charged. Disputing this legitimate charge through your bank can damage your credit and create unnecessary conflict. Plan ahead and cancel well before your next billing cycle.

Keep in mind that ignoring the subscription and hoping it goes away never works. I've seen people rack up months of unwanted charges because they were embarrassed to cancel or kept putting it off. The longer you wait, the more complicated and expensive the situation becomes. Deal with it promptly, and you'll save yourself stress and money.

What to do if you're charged after cancelling

Despite your best efforts, sometimes charges occur after you've cancelled. Here's exactly what to do if this happens:

First, check your cancellation timeline. If you were charged within 7-10 days of sending your cancellation letter, it's possible the charge was already processing before your cancellation was received and acted upon. In this case, contact Respire with your tracking information and request a refund, but understand they may consider this a legitimate final charge.

If the charge occurs more than two weeks after your tracked cancellation was delivered, you have strong grounds for a chargeback. Contact your bank or card provider immediately, explain that you cancelled the subscription with proof of delivery, and request they reverse the charge. Provide your tracking number and any other documentation you have.

Most importantly, document every interaction. Keep records of emails sent to Respire, notes about phone calls (if you make any), and all postal tracking information. This documentation is crucial if you need to escalate to financial ombudsman services or consumer protection agencies.

Alternatives if you're unsure about cancelling

Before you commit to cancellation, consider whether pausing your subscription might be a better option. Some people don't realize that many subscription services, including Respire, allow you to skip deliveries or extend the time between shipments. If you're cancelling because products are accumulating too quickly, adjusting your delivery frequency might solve the problem without ending the subscription entirely.

Additionally, if cost is the issue but you like the products, calculate whether buying refills individually when you actually need them would be more economical. Sometimes the subscription discount isn't significant enough to justify the commitment, and switching to occasional one-off purchases gives you more control.

Keep in mind that once you cancel, you lose any subscriber benefits, and rejoining later might not be as favorable as your current terms. If you're on an older subscription plan with better pricing or perks, think carefully before giving it up. That said, don't let fear of losing a "good deal" keep you in a subscription you genuinely don't want or need.

Final advice for a smooth cancellation

After handling thousands of subscription cancellations, here's my final guidance for ensuring yours goes smoothly:

Act decisively once you've made the decision. Don't let another billing cycle pass while you "get around to it." The longer you delay, the more you'll pay for a service you've already decided to leave. Set aside 30 minutes today to write your cancellation letter, get it posted with tracking, and be done with it.

Keep everything documented. Take photos of your letter before posting, save your tracking receipt, screenshot the tracking updates showing delivery, and file any confirmation emails you receive. This documentation is your insurance policy against future disputes, and it costs nothing but a few minutes of your time.

Most importantly, don't feel guilty about cancelling. Subscription services are designed to make signing up easy and cancelling harder, which can create psychological pressure to stay subscribed. Remember that you're a customer making a business decision, not breaking a personal commitment. Respire will be fine without your subscription, and you need to do what's right for your circumstances.

Follow these steps, use tracked postal services, and you'll have your Respire subscription cancelled properly with full documentation to protect yourself. The process might seem involved, but it's straightforward when you know exactly what to do, and the peace of mind is absolutely worth the small effort required.