Trying to cancel eBay? Avoid the runaround.
Can you cancel your eBay subscription? Check eligibility and conditions
On eBay Australia, you can request to cancel an order before the seller ships the item. Approval depends on the seller's response:
- Before Shipment: Eligible to request cancellation. Sellers typically accept if the order hasn't shipped yet.
- After Shipment: Cancellation isn’t available - your option then is to return the item according to the seller’s returns policy.
- Bid or Offer Retraction: Possible before an auction ends or an offer is accepted, under specific conditions like errors.
- Seller-Initiated Cancellation: Sometimes sellers cancel if an item is out of stock or upon your request. You're entitled to a full refund.
eBay Plus Subscription:
- Cancel Anytime: No lock-in contracts. Cancel your subscription anytime via account settings.
- 14-Day Refund Window: If your membership renews, cancel within 14 days of renewal to receive a full refund. Benefits cease immediately upon refund.
How to cancel a eBay subscription, service or order
Cancelling an eBay Order (Step-by-Step for Buyers):
- Log into your eBay Account: Go to My eBay > Purchase History.
- Find Your Order: Click “More actions” next to the order, select “Cancel this order”.
- Submit Cancellation Request: Provide a reason (e.g., changed mind), then click Submit.
- Wait for Seller’s Response: Seller has up to 3 days to respond. If approved, you'll receive a refund confirmation email.
- Check Your Refund: Typically processed quickly via your original payment method.
Tip: Cancel as soon as possible after ordering to increase your chances of acceptance.
Cancelling eBay Plus Subscription:
- Navigate to Account Settings: Go to My eBay > Account > Subscriptions.
- Manage eBay Plus: Click “Manage membership” then “Cancel membership”.
- Confirm Cancellation: Follow prompts to finalise cancellation.
- Refund (if applicable): If within 14 days of renewal, contact eBay customer support via chat to request your membership fee refund.
How long does a eBay cancellation take?
eBay Orders:
- Immediate Cancellation: Best within the first hour - most sellers accept.
- 1–24 Hours: Often still possible if not yet dispatched.
- After Dispatch: No longer cancellable; must use returns instead.
- Seller Response: Sellers have 3 days to respond; prompt follow-up recommended.
eBay Plus Subscription:
- No strict deadline: Cancel anytime, but refunds only within 14 days after renewal charge.
- Trial Membership: Cancel within the 30-day trial to avoid charges.
Always request cancellation promptly to avoid complications and ensure refunds.
eBay cancellation fees and final charges – what to expect
Great news: eBay Australia charges no cancellation fees.
- Order Cancellation: Full refund, including original shipping costs. No admin or restocking fees.
- eBay Plus: No termination fees; cancel anytime without penalties. No refund outside the 14-day renewal window, but membership continues until expiry.
Note: If you used promotions or gift cards, values might be adjusted upon refund.
eBay cases submitted through Ajust
The seller never shipped my item and ignored every message for a month. When I tried to cancel and get a refund, eBay wouldn’t step in. I just kept hitting dead ends. - Luke
I was promised a refund multiple times after a faulty lamp never arrived. The seller kept stalling with excuses until the window for action closed. I never got the item or the money back, and eBay didn’t stop them. - Carola
After changing my mobile number, I couldn’t access my account to cancel a transaction or claim $1400 I was owed. Even with proof of identity, eBay just told me there was nothing they could do. I cried after every call. - Alysha
The seller cancelled my order claiming it was out of stock-but only after taking my money. Then they asked for bank details instead of refunding through eBay. It felt completely dodgy. - Gary
Consumer experiences with eBay cancellations
Smooth Order Cancellations: Buyers who cancelled promptly praised quick refunds and helpful sellers, often refunded within a day.
Late Cancellation Challenges: Some buyers missed the shipping deadline, leading to returns and additional postage costs.
Unresponsive Sellers: Occasionally sellers didn't respond to cancellation requests, causing slight delays but ultimately resolved via eBay’s Money Back Guarantee.
eBay Cancellation FAQs
Can I cancel my eBay Plus subscription at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your eBay Plus subscription anytime through your account settings. There are no lock-in contracts or cancellation fees. If you cancel within 14 days of your renewal date, you're eligible for a full refund-but your benefits stop immediately. After 14 days, your subscription stays active until the end of the billing period without a refund.
What happens if I cancel an eBay order after it’s shipped?
Once an eBay order is shipped, you can’t cancel it-but you can return it if the seller allows. Cancellation is only possible before shipment, and it depends on the seller’s approval. After shipment, check the seller’s return policy for next steps, and initiate a return through your account if you're eligible.
How fast can I cancel an eBay order and get a refund?
You should cancel as soon as possible-ideally within the first hour after purchase-for the best chance of approval. Sellers have up to 3 days to respond, and refunds typically process quickly via your original payment method. Acting fast increases your chances of a full refund with minimal delay.
Are there any fees or penalties for cancelling on eBay?
No, eBay Australia does not charge cancellation fees for orders or subscriptions. If you cancel an order, you get a full refund including shipping. If you cancel eBay Plus, there are no termination fees-but refund eligibility only applies within 14 days of your renewal date. Promotional credits may be adjusted.
Tried to cancel but eBay made it difficult?
We’ll help you submit a formal cancellation they can’t ignore.