Cancellation service N°1 in United Kingdom
Superprof operates as an online marketplace connecting students with private tutors across the United Kingdom. The platform facilitates educational services in numerous subjects, ranging from academic disciplines to creative pursuits and professional skills development. In accordance with UK consumer protection legislation, it is essential to understand that Superprof functions primarily as an intermediary service rather than a direct educational provider, which has significant implications for contractual relationships and cancellation procedures.
The service operates under a subscription-based model wherein users pay for access to contact details and booking capabilities with registered tutors. This business structure creates a distinct contractual framework governed by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. Consequently, subscribers possess specific statutory rights that supersede any restrictive terms the platform may attempt to impose.
Superprof's operational model requires careful examination from a contractual perspective. The platform charges subscription fees for access to its tutor database, whilst tutors independently set their hourly rates and teaching conditions. This bifurcated arrangement means that subscribers enter into two separate contractual relationships: one with Superprof for platform access, and another with individual tutors for educational services. Understanding this distinction is fundamental when exercising cancellation rights.
The registered office address for formal correspondence, including cancellation notices, is located at Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ. It is imperative to utilise this official address for all contractual communications to ensure compliance with legal notification requirements and establish verifiable proof of correspondence.
Superprof's pricing structure comprises several subscription tiers designed to accommodate varying user requirements. The platform typically offers both single-lesson passes and multi-lesson packages, each carrying distinct contractual obligations and cancellation provisions. Furthermore, the service implements an automatic renewal mechanism unless subscribers actively terminate their membership, a practice that necessitates particular vigilance regarding cancellation procedures.
The primary subscription model grants users access to contact tutors and arrange lessons for a specified period. According to current pricing information, Superprof charges approximately £29 for a monthly subscription, though promotional rates may occasionally reduce this figure. This fee provides unlimited contact with tutors during the subscription period, distinguishing it from pay-per-lesson alternatives offered by competing platforms.
| Subscription Type | Duration | Approximate Cost | Auto-Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Pass | 30 days | £29.00 | Yes |
| Extended Access | 90 days | £49.00 | Yes |
| Annual Membership | 12 months | £99.00 | Yes |
It is crucial to note that these subscription fees are separate from tutor payment arrangements. The hourly rates charged by individual tutors range considerably, typically between £15 and £60 per hour depending upon subject matter, tutor qualifications, and geographical location. These tutorial fees are negotiated directly between student and tutor, falling outside Superprof's contractual remit for subscription services.
The automatic renewal provision embedded within Superprof's subscription agreements represents a significant contractual consideration. In accordance with standard industry practice, subscriptions renew automatically at the conclusion of each billing cycle unless the subscriber provides timely cancellation notice. This mechanism, whilst legally permissible, places the onus upon consumers to actively monitor subscription periods and initiate cancellation procedures sufficiently in advance of renewal dates.
Furthermore, the platform's terms and conditions typically stipulate that subscription fees are non-refundable once the service period commences. Nevertheless, this provision must be evaluated against statutory consumer rights, particularly the 14-day cooling-off period mandated by the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 for distance contracts. Consequently, subscribers retain the right to cancel within 14 days of initial purchase and receive a full refund, regardless of contractual terms suggesting otherwise.
The legal framework governing subscription cancellations in the United Kingdom provides substantial consumer protections that override potentially restrictive contractual terms. The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 establish fundamental rights for consumers entering into distance contracts, which encompass online subscription services such as Superprof.
In accordance with Regulation 29 of the Consumer Contracts Regulations, consumers possess an unconditional right to cancel distance contracts within 14 calendar days without providing justification. This cooling-off period commences from the date of contract conclusion, which corresponds to the subscription purchase date for Superprof services. During this period, subscribers may cancel their membership and obtain a full refund of fees paid, irrespective of whether they have utilised the service.
The cooling-off right applies automatically to all consumer contracts concluded at a distance, meaning Superprof cannot lawfully exclude or limit this statutory protection through contractual terms. Nevertheless, it is essential to exercise this right correctly by providing clear written notice to the service provider. Verbal notifications or informal communications do not satisfy the legal requirements for effective cancellation notice.
Following expiration of the 14-day cooling-off period, cancellation rights become subject to the specific terms and conditions governing the subscription agreement. Superprof's contractual framework typically permits cancellation at any time, though subscribers remain liable for fees covering the current billing cycle. This means that cancelling mid-subscription does not ordinarily entitle users to pro-rata refunds for unused service time.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides additional protections where services fail to meet reasonable quality standards or do not match their description. If Superprof's platform functionality proves defective or the service differs materially from promotional representations, subscribers may possess grounds for cancellation with full refund entitlement. Such circumstances require documented evidence of service deficiencies to support contractual claims.
Effective cancellation requires adherence to contractually stipulated notice periods, which typically range from immediate effect to 30 days depending upon subscription type. For automatic renewal subscriptions, it is particularly important to submit cancellation notices sufficiently in advance of the renewal date. Many subscription agreements require notice at least 48 hours before renewal, though some impose longer periods.
Consequently, subscribers should carefully review their specific membership terms to ascertain applicable notice requirements. Failure to provide timely notice may result in an additional billing cycle being charged, even where cancellation intent was clearly communicated. This underscores the importance of maintaining documentary evidence of cancellation requests and their submission dates.
Postal cancellation represents the most legally robust method for terminating subscription agreements. Unlike electronic communications, which may encounter technical difficulties or be disputed by service providers, postal correspondence creates verifiable proof of notification when sent via Recorded Delivery or similar tracked services. This evidential value proves invaluable should disputes arise regarding cancellation timing or effectiveness.
The primacy of postal cancellation stems from established legal principles governing contractual notifications. Under common law, properly addressed postal communications take effect upon posting rather than receipt, meaning subscribers can prove cancellation effectiveness through posting receipts alone. Furthermore, Recorded Delivery services provide independent third-party verification of correspondence, which email systems cannot reliably offer.
Online cancellation mechanisms, whilst convenient, present several disadvantages from a legal perspective. Technical failures may prevent submission, website interfaces can change without notice, and service providers may claim non-receipt of electronic notifications. Moreover, many subscription platforms deliberately obscure or complicate online cancellation processes, creating barriers that postal methods circumvent entirely.
Postal cancellation also ensures compliance with formal notice requirements that many service agreements stipulate. Written notice sent to the registered business address satisfies even the most stringent contractual provisions, whereas informal electronic communications may fall short of these standards. Consequently, postal cancellation eliminates ambiguity regarding procedural compliance.
Effective cancellation letters must contain specific information to satisfy legal requirements and prevent disputes. The correspondence should clearly identify the subscriber, reference the subscription or account number, explicitly state cancellation intent, and specify the desired cancellation date. Furthermore, it is advisable to cite relevant statutory rights, particularly where cancellation occurs within the 14-day cooling-off period.
The letter should be dated and signed, with the subscriber retaining a copy for their records. Including account details facilitates prompt processing, though subscribers should avoid disclosing sensitive payment information beyond the last four digits of card numbers. Additionally, requesting written confirmation of cancellation creates an audit trail for subsequent reference.
Professional presentation enhances the correspondence's effectiveness and demonstrates serious intent. Whilst elaborate formatting is unnecessary, clear structure and formal business language convey appropriate gravity. Services such as Postclic can assist with professional letter formatting whilst also managing the posting process, providing digital proof of sending and tracking capabilities that simplify record-keeping requirements.
Correct addressing is absolutely critical for ensuring cancellation notices reach the appropriate recipient. For Superprof subscriptions, all formal correspondence should be directed to the registered office address:
The envelope should clearly mark the correspondence as \