Cancel Shipster: The Right Way

How to cancel Shipster and claim your refund (service closed july 2019)

What Shipster was and why you may want to claim your refund

Shipster was a membership shipping program operated by Australia Post that offered discounted or free parcel delivery from participating retailers when your order exceeded A$25. You paid a monthly or annual fee to access these benefits across partner stores, which helped reduce your checkout costs on smaller purchases. The service positioned itself as a solution to delivery surcharges, bundling shipping discounts into one affordable subscription.

Australia Post closed Shipster on 31 July 2019. If you were an active subscriber at that time, you are entitled to a pro-rata refund for the unused portion of your annual plan. At Tocancel, we help thousands of Australian consumers recover money from closed services, and Shipster refunds follow a straightforward principle: you paid for a full year, the service ended early, and you deserve compensation for the time remaining. This guide walks you through your legal rights and the steps to claim what you are owed.

When Shipster was active: membership tiers and how it worked

During its operation, Shipster offered multiple membership options designed to fit different shopping habits. Annual subscriptions typically delivered better value than monthly plans, and Australia Post promoted introductory offers to encourage sign-ups. The service applied eligibility rules: delivery discounts only activated on orders above A$25, and individual parcel shipping costs had to fall below an A$20 cap to qualify for benefits. Not all retailers participated, which sometimes meant eligible orders would not receive the discount despite your membership status.

Why Shipster closed and what it means for your claim

Australia Post wound down Shipster as a strategic decision to simplify its service portfolio. The company publicly announced the closure date and committed to pro-rata refunds for annual subscribers who had paid for the full 12-month period. If you held an annual membership on 31 July 2019 and had paid your annual fee in full, you qualified for a refund calculated from the closure date to your next renewal date. Monthly subscribers and those in a promotional or trial period may have had different entitlements depending on their specific contract terms.

What you paid for Shipster and how to verify your membership

Shipster's pricing varied throughout its lifetime, with Australia Post running multiple promotional campaigns to attract and retain members. Understanding what you paid helps you calculate the correct refund amount when you lodge your claim with Australia Post.

How to find your original Shipster transaction

To claim your refund, you need proof of your payment to Shipster. Check your email inbox for receipts from Australia Post, look through your bank or credit card statements for charges between the service launch and July 2019, and search for "Shipster" or "Australia Post" in your transaction history. If you paid by direct debit, your bank statement will show the exact amount and dates of each payment. Keep these documents safe, as you will need them when you submit your refund claim to Tocancel or directly to Australia Post.

Your consumer rights under australian law

When a subscription service closes, your rights are protected by the Australian Consumer Law and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Your entitlements do not depend on Shipster's goodwill or Australia Post's discretion - they are legal rights you can enforce.

Pro-rata refunds for early service termination

If you paid an annual fee and Shipster closed before your renewal date, you are entitled to a pro-rata refund for the unused portion of your membership. Pro-rata means the refund reflects the exact number of days remaining on your plan, divided by the total number of days in your subscription period, then multiplied by the fee you paid. This is not a discretionary gesture - it is your legal entitlement under Australian Consumer Law, which protects you when a business fails to supply goods or services you have paid for in advance.

Your legal position

Under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, Australia Post was obliged to refund you for services not supplied. The Australian Consumer Law section 139A requires that goods or services be supplied within a reasonable time. When Shipster closed, Australia Post failed to supply the remaining portion of your subscription. You have the right to claim a refund without having to prove loss or hardship. Tocancel supports your claim by helping you understand these rights and document your case clearly.

How to claim your Shipster refund from australia post

The process to recover your money is straightforward and does not require legal knowledge. You contact Australia Post, provide evidence of your annual payment, calculate the pro-rata amount owed, and submit your claim. Most claims are resolved within 14 to 28 days.

Step 1: gather your evidence

1. Locate your Shipster transaction records
   • Check email receipts from Australia Post dated between 2017 and July 2019
   • Search your bank or credit card statements for "Shipster" or "Australia Post" charges
   • Note the exact date you paid, the amount, and whether it was a monthly or annual fee
2. Calculate your pro-rata refund
   • Determine the total number of days in your subscription period (365 days for annual membership)
   • Count the number of days from 1 August 2019 to your next renewal date
   • Divide remaining days by 365, then multiply by the annual fee you paid
   • Example: if you paid A$83.40 annually and had 120 days remaining, your refund would be (120 ÷ 365) × A$83.40 = A$27.44
3. Take screenshots or print copies of all payment evidence

Step 2: contact australia post customer service

1. Call Australia Post on 13 76 78 (within Australia) during business hours Monday to Friday
   • Have your payment evidence and calculated refund amount ready
   • Request to speak with a customer service representative about Shipster refunds
   • Note the name and reference number of the person who assists you
2. If calling from overseas, use +61 3 8340 7239 and allow for time zone differences
   • Confirm the best time to call and whether a callback can be arranged
   • Ask if you can submit your claim via email instead if the phone call is inconvenient
3. Explain that you are claiming a pro-rata refund under the Australian Consumer Law for services not supplied

Step 3: submit your written claim

1. Send a formal letter or email to Australia Post including:
   • Your full name and contact details
   • Your Shipster member account details (if you have them)
   • Copies of your payment receipts and bank statements
   • The exact dates of your membership period
   • Your calculated pro-rata refund amount with working shown
   • A clear statement that you are claiming a refund under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 for services not supplied
2. Address your claim to Australia Post Customer Service, GPO Box 1777, Melbourne VIC 3001
   • Send by registered mail so you have proof of delivery
   • Keep a copy of your letter for your records
3. Alternatively, contact Tocancel for guidance on lodging your claim or escalating if Australia Post does not respond within 14 days

Step 4: follow up if you do not receive a response

1. Wait 14 days after submitting your claim
   • Australia Post should acknowledge receipt and provide a reference number
   • If you do not hear back, call 13 76 78 again and provide your submission details
2. If Australia Post refuses your claim or does not respond within 28 days, escalate to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
   • AFCA handles disputes between consumers and financial service providers, including postal services
   • Visit www.afca.org.au or call 1800 931 678 to lodge a formal complaint
3. Contact Tocancel if you need support with your claim or want to understand your next options

Common mistakes that delay or cost you your refund

Thousands of Australians lose money or wait longer than necessary because they make preventable errors when claiming refunds from closed services. Being aware of these pitfalls now will protect your claim.

Mistake 1: not calculating pro-rata correctly

Many consumers ask for a full refund of their annual fee, which Australia Post will reject. You are only entitled to the portion of your fee that covers the unused period. If you paid A$83.40 for a year and the service closed 120 days before your renewal, your refund is A$27.44, not A$83.40. Use the formula: (days remaining ÷ 365) × annual fee = your refund. Round to the nearest cent. Double-check your maths before submitting.

Mistake 2: submitting a claim without evidence

Australia Post will not process a refund claim without proof of payment. Do not rely on memory or verbal confirmation. Obtain copies of your receipts, bank statements, and credit card transactions showing the Shipster charge. If you deleted your emails, request transaction history from your bank, which can usually provide statements going back several years. Tocancel recommends attaching at least two forms of evidence to your claim.

Mistake 3: contacting the wrong department

Calling Australia Post's general customer service line may connect you to staff unfamiliar with Shipster refunds. Specifically ask to be transferred to the customer relations or refunds team. Mention that Shipster closed in 2019 and that you are claiming a pro-rata refund under consumer law. If the first representative cannot help, ask to speak with a supervisor or request an email address to submit your claim formally.

Mistake 4: giving up too early

If Australia Post does not respond within 14 days or refuses your claim, do not assume you have lost your money. You have the right to escalate to AFCA, which investigates disputes independently. Tocancel has seen many consumers win refunds at AFCA after being turned down by the company initially.

What to do after your refund is approved

Once Australia Post approves your refund, the funds will be returned to your original payment method within 7 to 10 business days. Monitor your account to confirm the credit has arrived. If the refund does not appear after 10 days, contact your bank or credit card provider to confirm they have received it.

Checking your refund status

After submitting your claim, Australia Post will provide you with a reference number. Use this number to check the status of your refund by calling 13 76 78 or by replying to any email correspondence from the refunds team. Ask for a timeline and confirmation of the method they will use to return your money. If Australia Post processes your claim as a credit to your original payment method, your bank may take an additional 2 to 3 business days to show the credit in your account.

Frequently closed services and your refund rights

Shipster is not the only subscription service that has closed in Australia. Understanding the broader pattern helps you protect yourself with future services and recognise your rights immediately if another provider shuts down. The Australian Consumer Law applies to all subscription services, whether they are large or small.

Why you should act now on your Shipster refund

Australia Post is unlikely to volunteer this refund information. Time limits and evidence decay matter. Email records disappear, bank statements are archived, and memories fade. The sooner you claim, the stronger your evidence and the faster Australia Post will process your request. Tocancel recommends submitting your claim within 2 years of the service closure, which aligns with the Australian Consumer Law statute of limitations. If you were a Shipster member in 2019, you still have the right to claim your money today.

How tocancel can help you

Tocancel specialises in helping Australian consumers recover refunds from closed services and resolve disputes with major providers. If you are uncertain about your refund calculation, need help drafting your claim letter, or want guidance on escalating to AFCA, our team has assisted thousands of consumers in your exact situation. Visit Tocancel at tocancel.com to submit your claim or speak with a consumer advocate who understands your rights and will fight for your money.

Key takeaways and next steps

Shipster closed on 31 July 2019, but your legal right to a refund remains valid. You are entitled to a pro-rata refund if you held an annual membership and had unused time remaining on your subscription. Gather your payment evidence, calculate the refund using the pro-rata formula, and submit your claim to Australia Post by phone or registered mail. If you meet resistance, escalate to AFCA. Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted services and claim refunds from closed providers - your claim is valid, and you deserve to recover your money.

Contact Australia Post customer service:

• Phone: 13 76 78 (within Australia)
• International: +61 3 8340 7239
• Mail: Australia Post Customer Service, GPO Box 1777, Melbourne VIC 3001
• Email: Submit your claim via registered post with proof of delivery

If Australia Post refuses your claim:

• Contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) at www.afca.org.au or 1800 931 678
• Tocancel can guide you through the AFCA escalation process and review your case for free

Tocancel is here to support you every step of the way. Visit tocancel.com today to start your refund claim or connect with a consumer advocate who will ensure you receive every dollar you are owed.