Ending your Brother subscription made easy

About Brother

Brother UK operates one of the country's most popular printer ink and toner subscription services, designed to take the hassle out of managing your printing supplies. As someone who has processed countless subscription cancellations, I can tell you that Brother's service is genuinely convenient when it works for you, but knowing how to exit properly is absolutely essential.

The Brother ink subscription programme automatically delivers genuine Brother ink or toner cartridges to your door before you run out. The service monitors your printing habits and sends replacements at just the right time. It's particularly popular with small businesses, home offices, and families who print regularly but don't want the inconvenience of emergency trips to the shops when cartridges run dry.

Most importantly, Brother offers this service across their extensive range of printers, from compact home inkjet models to robust laser printers designed for office use. The subscription ties directly to your specific printer model, ensuring you always receive the correct cartridges without having to remember model numbers or specifications.

Many subscribers initially love the convenience factor. The cartridges arrive automatically, you're using genuine Brother products rather than third-party alternatives, and there's often a cost saving compared to buying cartridges individually at retail prices. However, circumstances change, and that's where understanding the cancellation process becomes crucial.

Plans, features and pricing

Brother UK structures their subscription service around different printer types and usage patterns. From my experience helping customers navigate these plans, understanding exactly what you're signed up for makes cancellation significantly smoother.

Inkjet printer subscriptions

Brother's inkjet subscriptions typically cover their popular MFC and DCP series printers. The pricing varies depending on your specific printer model and the cartridge capacity you require. Standard capacity cartridges generally cost less per delivery, whilst high-yield cartridges offer better value for frequent printers but come with higher subscription fees.

The service monitors your ink levels remotely if you have a connected printer, or estimates based on typical usage patterns for non-connected models. Keep in mind that this monitoring feature is actually one reason people cancel – some find it intrusive, whilst others simply prefer manual control over their supply ordering.

Laser printer toner subscriptions

Toner subscriptions work similarly but are structured around Brother's laser printer range. These tend to be higher-value subscriptions because toner cartridges cost more upfront, though they last considerably longer than inkjet cartridges. The subscription frequency is typically less frequent – perhaps quarterly rather than monthly.

Key features across all plans

All Brother subscription plans include free delivery, which is genuinely convenient. You're guaranteed genuine Brother consumables rather than compatible alternatives, which matters for print quality and warranty protection. Additionally, the automatic delivery system means you theoretically never run out at inconvenient moments.

However, here's an insider tip: the convenience comes with less flexibility. You can't easily pause deliveries for extended periods, and adjusting delivery schedules can be cumbersome. This rigidity is actually one of the top three reasons I see people cancelling their subscriptions.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding Brother's terms is absolutely critical before you start the cancellation process. I've seen too many people caught out by details they overlooked when signing up.

Minimum contract periods

Most Brother subscriptions include a minimum term, typically twelve months from your start date. This is the single most important detail to verify before cancelling. If you cancel before this minimum period ends, you may face early termination charges. These can be substantial – sometimes equivalent to the remaining months of your contract.

First, locate your original subscription confirmation email or paperwork. Check the specific start date and calculate whether you've completed the minimum term. If you're even one day short, it could cost you significantly more than waiting until the term expires.

Notice periods under UK law

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have specific rights when cancelling subscriptions. For distance contracts (those entered into online or by phone), you typically have fourteen days from receiving your first delivery to cancel without penalty, regardless of any minimum term.

Additionally, once you've completed any minimum term, you're entitled to cancel with reasonable notice. Brother typically requires thirty days' written notice for cancellations, though this should be confirmed in your specific contract terms. Keep in mind that "written notice" is the key phrase here – this is why postal cancellation is so important.

Why postal cancellation is most reliable

After processing thousands of cancellations, I can tell you that postal cancellation via Recorded Delivery is your most secure option. Here's why: you get physical proof of posting, tracking confirmation of delivery, and a clear paper trail that satisfies UK legal requirements for written notice.

Email cancellations can be disputed – companies might claim they never received it, it went to spam, or the attachment didn't open properly. Phone cancellations leave you with no proof beyond your own notes. Postal cancellation, particularly via Recorded Delivery, creates an indisputable record that you've provided proper written notice on a specific date.

Most importantly, if any dispute arises about whether you cancelled properly or when your notice period began, your proof of posting and delivery signature are legally robust evidence. I've seen countless cases where this documentation was the difference between a clean cancellation and months of unwanted charges.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Now let's walk through the complete postal cancellation process step by step. Follow these instructions carefully, and you'll avoid the common pitfalls that trip up many subscribers.

Gathering essential information

Before you write anything, collect these crucial details. First, find your Brother subscription account number – this appears on delivery notes, invoices, and your original confirmation email. Next, locate your printer model number, which is essential for Brother to identify your specific subscription. Additionally, note down your full name and address exactly as they appear on your account.

Keep your original contract terms handy as well. You'll want to reference your start date, any minimum term details, and the specific notice period required. Having this information ready prevents delays and ensures your cancellation letter includes everything Brother needs to process your request efficiently.

Preparing your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter needs to be clear, concise, and complete. While I'm not providing a template (you need to write in your own words to ensure it's genuine), here are the essential elements that must be included.

Start with your full contact details at the top, including your account number. State clearly that you are cancelling your Brother ink/toner subscription service. Specify your printer model and provide your cancellation date – either immediately if you're outside any minimum term, or the earliest date permitted under your contract.

Additionally, explicitly request written confirmation of your cancellation and the final delivery date. This is crucial – without confirmation, you can't be certain the cancellation was processed correctly. Include a statement that you don't wish to receive any further deliveries after the notice period expires.

Keep in mind that you should also mention if you have any outstanding deliveries or payments. If cartridges are currently in transit, acknowledge this and clarify that you'll accept this final delivery but nothing thereafter.

The correct postal address

This is absolutely critical – you must send your cancellation letter to Brother's official UK correspondence address. Here's where to send it:

• Brother UK Ltd
• Shepley Street
• Audenshaw
• Manchester
• M34 5JD
• United Kingdom

Double-check this address before posting. Sending to the wrong location is one of the most common mistakes I see, and it can invalidate your notice period, meaning you'll need to start the entire process again.

Sending via Recorded Delivery

Visit your local Post Office and send your letter via Recorded Delivery. This costs around £3.35 currently, but it's absolutely worth every penny. You'll receive a proof of posting certificate with a tracking reference number. Keep this certificate safe – it's your primary evidence that you've sent the cancellation.

Most importantly, the Recorded Delivery service provides online tracking. Check the Royal Mail website using your reference number to confirm when Brother receives and signs for your letter. Screenshot this delivery confirmation and save it with your proof of posting certificate.

Following up after posting

Once Royal Mail confirms delivery, wait three to five working days, then follow up. If Brother provides a customer service email, send a polite enquiry referencing your postal cancellation and asking for confirmation. Include your account number and the date your letter was delivered.

Keep in mind that you're not starting a new cancellation process – you're simply requesting confirmation of the postal cancellation you've already submitted. This distinction matters because your notice period began when they received your letter, not when they respond to your email.

Using Postclic for easier processing

If you want to streamline this entire process, Postclic offers a practical solution. The service allows you to create your cancellation letter digitally, then handles the printing, enveloping, and Recorded Delivery posting on your behalf. You get the same legal protection and proof of delivery, but without the trip to the Post Office.

Additionally, Postclic provides digital copies of your letter and automatic tracking updates. Everything is stored in your account, so you've got permanent records if you need them months later. The service typically costs slightly more than doing it yourself, but many people find the convenience and professional formatting worth the small premium.

Tips from former members

Having helped thousands of people cancel Brother subscriptions, I've gathered invaluable insights about what works and what doesn't. Here are the insider tips that will save you time, money, and frustration.

Timing your cancellation strategically

First and foremost, never wait until the last minute. If you're approaching the end of your minimum term and want to cancel, send your letter at least six weeks before the term expires. This gives you buffer time if anything goes wrong – if your letter gets lost, if Brother disputes the cancellation, or if there are processing delays.

Additionally, consider timing your cancellation to avoid receiving a delivery just before your contract ends. Check when your next delivery is scheduled and aim to cancel with enough notice that you won't receive cartridges you don't need. Remember, once cartridges are dispatched, you're typically obligated to accept and pay for them.

Common reasons people cancel

Understanding why others cancel can help you articulate your own reasons if needed. The most common reason I see is reduced printing needs – perhaps you've returned to office work after working from home, or your children have left for university. Many people find they're receiving cartridges more frequently than they actually need them.

Cost is another major factor. Whilst the subscription seems economical initially, some subscribers discover they can buy cartridges more cheaply elsewhere, particularly during retail sales. Others find compatible third-party cartridges that work perfectly well at a fraction of the price, though this voids Brother's warranty.

Keep in mind that flexibility issues drive many cancellations too. People want to pause deliveries during holidays or slow periods, but subscription services typically don't accommodate this easily. The inability to adjust delivery schedules becomes frustrating when you've got unused cartridges accumulating.

Avoiding the most common mistakes

The biggest mistake I see repeatedly is assuming email cancellation is sufficient. Even if Brother acknowledges your email, without postal confirmation via Recorded Delivery, you're vulnerable if disputes arise. Always send a physical letter, regardless of any other communication methods you use.

Next, never assume silence means acceptance. If you don't receive written confirmation of your cancellation within two weeks, chase it up actively. Don't wait until another delivery arrives or another payment is taken – by then, you've lost leverage and may struggle to get refunds.

Additionally, keep every piece of documentation forever. I'm serious about this – keep your proof of posting, delivery confirmation, any email correspondence, and Brother's cancellation confirmation permanently. Subscription billing errors can surface months later, and having complete documentation is your best protection.

What to do if cancellation is refused

Occasionally, Brother might dispute your cancellation, claiming you're still within a minimum term or didn't provide proper notice. This is where your Recorded Delivery documentation becomes invaluable. Respond immediately in writing, referencing your original cancellation letter date and including copies of your proof of posting and delivery confirmation.

If Brother insists you owe early termination fees you believe are unjustified, don't simply pay them. Request a detailed breakdown of the charges and the specific contract terms they're applying. Under UK consumer law, contract terms must be fair and transparent. If you believe charges are unfair, you can dispute them.

Most importantly, if you can't resolve the dispute directly with Brother, escalate to the appropriate alternative dispute resolution service. For subscription services, this might be through a relevant ombudsman or consumer protection scheme. Your comprehensive postal documentation will be crucial evidence in any formal dispute process.

Managing the transition period

During your notice period, you'll likely receive at least one more delivery. Plan for this and ensure you've got payment method details current, as refusing delivery or payment can complicate your cancellation and potentially affect your credit rating. Accept the final delivery gracefully, then verify that no further deliveries are scheduled.

After your cancellation takes effect, monitor your bank statements for at least three months. Subscription billing systems sometimes continue charging erroneously, and catching this early makes refunds much easier to obtain. If you spot any unauthorized charges, contact Brother immediately in writing, referencing your cancellation confirmation.

Final recommendations

Once you've successfully cancelled, consider whether you actually need a subscription service at all. Many former Brother subscribers find that buying cartridges as needed, particularly during sales periods, works out cheaper and more flexible. Others switch to printers with refillable ink tanks, eliminating cartridge costs entirely.

Keep in mind that your cancellation experience with Brother should inform future subscription decisions. Before signing up for any subscription service, always read the cancellation terms carefully. Understand the minimum commitment, notice period requirements, and cancellation process before you commit. Prevention is always easier than cancellation.

Remember that whilst Brother's subscription service works brilliantly for some people, it's not a failure to cancel if it no longer suits your needs. Your printing requirements change, your financial priorities shift, and better alternatives emerge. Cancelling efficiently and cleanly is simply good consumer practice, ensuring you're not paying for services you don't need or want.