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Cancellation service #1 in New Zealand
Cancel Shutterstock: Easy Method
What is Shutterstock
Overview
Shutterstock is a global digital content service that sells stock photos, vectors, illustrations, video clips and music via subscription plans and on-demand purchases.
The service is primarily web-based and also offers mobile apps; billing may be handled by Shutterstock directly or by Apple/Google when purchased through their stores.
Main services
Shutterstock provides licence-based downloads and credit or subscription plans for individuals and businesses.
Plans vary by download allowance, media type and billing frequency, and are governed by Shutterstock's online terms and help pages.
How to cancel Shutterstock
Cancel via Shutterstock website (web)
- Sign in to your Shutterstock account and go to the Plans page.
- For month-to-month plans: select cancel on the Plans page to stop renewal; access remains until the end of the paid month.
- For annual plans paid upfront: cancel anytime to prevent auto-renewal; no early-cancellation fee applies.
- For annual subscriptions billed monthly: choose either "Cancel at end of term" to keep access until the 12-month period ends, or "Cancel early" which incurs a fee equal to 50% of the remaining subscription cost and grants access for half the remaining term.
Cancel via mobile stores and alternative methods
- iOS (App Store): manage and cancel through Apple ID > Subscriptions in your device or at Apple Media Services Terms. Shutterstock cannot cancel these subscriptions for you.
- Android (Google Play): cancel through Google Play > Subscriptions in your Google account (standard platform process applies).
- Postal cancellation: you can send mail to Shutterstock's global office if needed; see Address section below.
What happens when you cancel
Access after cancellation
Access depends on your plan type: month-to-month access continues until the paid month ends.
For annual plans paid upfront, cancellation prevents future auto-renewal but keeps access through the paid year unless otherwise stated.
Billing, renewals and data
If you cancel "at end of term," your plan will not renew and you retain access until the term finish date.
If you cancel early on an annual monthly-billed plan and pay the early fee, access is provided for half the remaining term; billing stops afterward.
Will I get a refund?
Shutterstock refund policy (general)
Shutterstock's stated position is that purchases are generally non-refundable.
That policy applies to most locations and most transaction types as described in Shutterstock's help pages.
Exceptions and New Zealand specifics
- EU and UK: Shutterstock may allow refunds if you cancel within 14 days of purchase and have not used downloads or credits.
- New Zealand and other non-EU/UK locations: the 14-day refund entitlement does not apply; refunds are generally not offered once a plan is purchased or used.
- If you believe statutory rights apply (see Consumer Rights section), retain evidence and pursue the remedy through the appropriate NZ process.
Shutterstock plans and pricing
Plan types
Below is a concise summary of common plan types, cancellation rules and refund notes relevant to New Zealand users.
Notes
Exact prices vary by region, currency and promotional offers; where price details are not specified they are marked "Varies".
| Plan type | Billing & cancellation | Refunds | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month-to-month (no annual commitment) | Cancel anytime on Plans page; no fee; access until end of paid month. | Generally non-refundable once purchased or used. | Varies |
| Annual - paid upfront | Cancel anytime to prevent auto-renewal; no early-cancellation fee; access usually until end of paid year. | Generally non-refundable outside EU/UK; check terms for exceptions. | Varies |
| Annual - billed monthly | Options: "Cancel at end of term" (no fee, access until 12-month end) or "Cancel early" (fee = 50% of remaining cost; access for half the remaining term). | Generally non-refundable once charged; early-cancellation may incur fee instead of refund. | Varies |
| iOS App Store subscriptions | Managed and cancelled via Apple subscription settings; Apple handles billing and renewals. | Apple's refund processes apply; contact Apple for requests. See Apple terms. | Varies |
| Google Play subscriptions | Managed and cancelled via Google Play subscriptions in your Google account. | Google's refund processes apply; contact Google Play for requests. | Varies |
Your consumer rights in New Zealand
Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA)
Digital subscription services are treated as services under the CGA when supplied to NZ consumers.
The CGA requires services to be of acceptable quality and fit for purpose and provides remedies if they are not.
Fair Trading Act and offshore providers
The Fair Trading Act prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct, so unclear terms or hidden cancellation traps may be actionable.
Shutterstock cannot contract out of the CGA; however, enforcing remedies can be more complex if the provider is based overseas.
See guidance at consumerprotection.govt.nz.
Customer experiences
Common complaints reported in reviews
Many customers in NZ and elsewhere report unexpected recurring fees, difficulty cancelling, and unclear cancellation interfaces.
Complaints often mention perceived hidden terms, being charged cancellation fees, and trouble contacting Shutterstock support.
Positive and neutral notes
There are fewer notable public positive reviews focused on cancellation - most feedback about Shutterstock's content and licencing is positive, while billing and cancellation receive criticism.
When cancellation goes smoothly, users note that the Plans page actions work as described for straightforward month-to-month or "cancel at end of term" scenarios.
Documentation checklist
What to save before and after cancelling
- Account email address, username and subscription ID.
- Payment receipts, billing statements and transaction IDs showing charges.
- Screenshots of the Plans page showing your current plan and cancellation option chosen.
- Copy of any cancellation confirmation screens or emails from Shutterstock, Apple or Google.
- Dates: when you subscribed, when you cancelled, and any renewal dates.
Useful extras
- Records of any attempted contact with Shutterstock support (timestamps, ticket numbers).
- If disputing charges, keep bank/credit-card chargebacks and correspondence.
Common mistakes
Mistaking app-store billing for Shutterstock billing
Example: Cancelling inside the Shutterstock app does not cancel an App Store subscription if your purchase was handled by Apple.
Result: You may continue to be charged by Apple until you cancel via Apple ID subscriptions.
Confusing "monthly" labels and not saving confirmation
Example: Signing up for a plan described as "monthly" but agreeing to an annual commitment billed monthly can trap you in a 12-month contract.
Example: Failing to save a cancellation confirmation or date can make proving the cancellation difficult if a dispute arises.
Comparative recap
Quick feature comparison
| Topic | Shutterstock (New Zealand) | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Cancellation method | Via web Plans page; App Store and Google Play via their platforms. | Confirm who billed you (Shutterstock vs Apple/Google) before cancelling. |
| Refunds | Generally non-refundable in NZ; EU/UK 14-day exception if unused. | Check region-specific refund rules and avoid using credits if seeking a refund. |
| Early cancellation fees | Annual billed monthly: early cancellation fee = 50% of remaining cost. | Decide between "cancel at end of term" and "cancel early" based on cost vs access. |
| Billing responsibility | Shutterstock for web purchases; Apple/Google for in-app purchases. | Review your payment method statement and subscription source. |
| NZ consumer protection | Protected by CGA and Fair Trading Act; enforcement may be harder with offshore sellers. | Keep documentation and seek local consumer protection advice if needed. |
Decision tips
If you want to avoid risk, use month-to-month plans and cancel via the web Plans page before the next billing date.
If tied to an annual commitment billed monthly, calculate the early-cancellation fee vs the value of keeping the plan until term end.
After cancelling
Immediate checks
Save any cancellation confirmation and note the date your access will end.
Check your bank or card statement in the following billing cycle to ensure no further charges appear.
If you are charged after cancellation
- Gather documentation (receipts, screenshots, confirmation emails).
- Contact Shutterstock support via the help centre and provide evidence.
- If billed by Apple or Google, contact their support and follow their refund procedures.
- If necessary, contact your bank or card issuer to dispute a recurring charge and consider raising the issue with New Zealand consumer protection authorities.
Shutterstock help pages: How to cancel a plan, Refund policy.
Address
Mailing address
Shutterstock Attn: Customer Service
350 Fifth Avenue, 21st Floor
New York, NY 10118
Notes about contacting Shutterstock
There is no dedicated New Zealand office listed; use the web Plans page or in-app subscription controls for fastest action.
For postal correspondence use the address above and include clear account identifiers and photocopies of supporting documents.
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Written by Mason Edwards
Postclic editor · 5 years experience
Editor at Postclic for 5 years, I turn complex registered electronic mail procedures into clear, actionable English.