Cancel Cigar Aficionado: Step-by-Step Guide

How to cancel Cigar Aficionado magazine and stop unwanted charges

Why you might want to cancel your Cigar Aficionado subscription

Cigar Aficionado is a premium magazine and digital platform that covers cigar culture, lifestyle reviews, luxury ratings, and related topics. M. Shanken Communications, Inc. publishes and distributes the magazine across Canada, managing all subscriptions and customer service through their central office.

Your reasons for cancelling are valid, whatever they are. You might no longer read the magazine regularly, the annual cost no longer fits your budget, you prefer digital content to print delivery, or you simply want to streamline your subscriptions. You have the absolute right to cancel without penalty, justification, or pressure from the publisher. Tocancel understands that subscription management can feel like a burden, which is why we've built this guide to help you take control of your spending and end unwanted charges once and for all.

Signs that cancellation makes sense

Cancel Cigar Aficionado if you've stopped reading the magazine, if the subscription cost strains your household budget, if you've shifted to digital-only consumption, or if you're unhappy with content direction or delivery reliability. You might also cancel to test a different publication, to consolidate subscriptions, or simply because your interests have changed.

Before you cancel, ask yourself three questions: Have I read the last three issues? Does this subscription still match my interests? Am I being charged for auto-renewal without advance notice? If you answered no to the first or yes to the last, cancellation is the right choice for you.

Why delays in cancellation cost you money

Every week you delay cancellation is another week of charges on your credit card or bank account. Auto-renewal is designed to roll your subscription forward unless you actively stop it. This means the magazine company continues charging you even if you've stopped reading. The sooner you cancel with Tocancel's guidance, the sooner those charges stop and your money stays in your pocket.

Your consumer rights in canada

Canadian law gives you strong legal protections when you subscribe to magazines or services with recurring charges.

What provincial and federal law guarantees you

Your subscription is protected under provincial consumer protection legislation (which varies slightly by province) and federal privacy law under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). You have explicit legal rights that you can enforce if Cigar Aficionado makes cancellation difficult or continues charging you after you've cancelled.

Your legal position is this: you own the right to cancel. The company cannot charge you without clear consent, cannot hide cancellation behind complex processes, and cannot continue billing after you've requested cancellation. Here's what the law guarantees you:

• Receive accurate, transparent billing information and clear subscription terms before you pay anything
• Cancel your subscription without penalty once your current paid period ends
• Dispute unauthorized or duplicate charges directly with your bank or credit card company
• Request that Cigar Aficionado delete your personal data or provide a copy of all information they hold about you
• Receive written confirmation of your cancellation request within a reasonable timeframe
• Know the exact cancellation deadline and any refund eligibility before you act

If M. Shanken Communications refuses to cancel your subscription or continues charging after your request, you can file a complaint with your provincial consumer protection authority. In Ontario, contact ServiceOntario Consumer Protection; in British Columbia, contact Consumer Protection BC; in Alberta, contact Service Alberta. These authorities investigate unlawful billing practices and can force refunds or cancellation on your behalf.

Your credit card chargeback protection

If you paid by credit card and Cigar Aficionado refuses a legitimate cancellation or refund, your credit card company provides a powerful safety net. You can dispute the charge directly with your card issuer, and your bank will reverse the transaction while they investigate. This process typically takes 30 to 60 days, and you're fully protected under the chargeback rules set by the Canadian Payments Association and your card network (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express).

Do not hesitate to use this right if the magazine company refuses to cooperate. You are not being unfair; you are enforcing your legal protection.

How to cancel Cigar Aficionado by mail

Because Cigar Aficionado does not offer straightforward online cancellation, the most reliable method is registered mail with proof of delivery.

Step-by-step cancellation via postal letter

1. Gather your subscription details
   • Locate your most recent billing statement or invoice (email or printed copy)
   • Write down your full name, complete mailing address, and subscription or account number
   • Note the email address or phone number associated with your account
2. Compose your cancellation letter
   • Use plain, clear language: "I request cancellation of my Cigar Aficionado subscription, effective immediately" or "effective upon the end of my current paid period"
   • Include your full name, address, account number, and phone number
   • State the date of your request clearly at the top
   • Keep a copy for your records
3. Send by registered mail with proof of delivery
   • Do not use regular mail; use Canada Post's Registered Mail service (with Return Receipt requested)
   • This creates legal proof that M. Shanken Communications received your cancellation request on a specific date
   • Keep the registration receipt and tracking number
4. Mail to the correct address
   • Send your letter to: M. Shanken Communications, Inc., Cigar Aficionado Subscription Department, [confirm current mailing address on their website or latest issue]
   • Allow 5 to 10 business days for postal delivery
5. Monitor your account after mailing
   • Continue to check your credit card or bank statement for charges
   • Watch for email confirmation of cancellation from Cigar Aficionado
   • If charges continue after 14 days, contact Tocancel or your bank immediately
6. Dispute any post-cancellation charges
   • If the company charges you after your registered mail cancellation request, you have proof of your request date and can dispute those charges with your credit card company or bank
   • Provide the registration receipt and return receipt as evidence

Registered mail is your legal insurance. The tracking and return receipt prove the company received your cancellation request on a specific date, which is essential if you need to escalate to your bank or a consumer protection authority later.

Alternative contact methods

Before mailing, attempt to find a phone number or email address for Cigar Aficionado's customer service on their website, your subscription confirmation email, or your latest billing statement. Call or email your cancellation request, then immediately send a registered mail letter as backup. This dual approach ensures you've documented your request in multiple ways.

If you reach customer service by phone, write down the date, time, name of the representative, and any confirmation number they provide. Follow up with a registered mail letter the same day.

Cigar Aficionado subscription pricing and refund eligibility

Understanding your current subscription cost and refund terms helps you decide when to cancel and what to expect afterward.

Current subscription plans and costs

Prices vary by promotional offer and current campaigns. Always check your most recent billing statement for your exact plan and cost. If you're unsure whether you're on an annual or monthly plan, this information appears on every invoice.

Refund terms and what to expect

Cigar Aficionado typically offers prorated refunds for annual subscriptions cancelled mid-term. This means you receive a refund for the unused portion of your subscription, calculated by dividing your annual cost by 12 months, then multiplying by the number of remaining months. For example, if you paid $119.99 annually and cancel after 6 months, you would receive approximately $59.99 for the remaining 6 months.

Monthly subscriptions usually do not offer refunds, but cancellation stops all future charges immediately. Once you cancel, you will not be charged again, though you may continue to receive the current month's issue if it has already been sent.

To claim a refund, include your request in your cancellation letter. State clearly: "I request cancellation and a prorated refund for unused issues." Keep your proof of mailing and wait 30 to 45 days for processing. If no refund appears, contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge.

What happens after you cancel

Knowing what to expect after you send your cancellation request removes uncertainty and helps you stay on track.

Timeline after your cancellation request

Once you mail your registered letter, Cigar Aficionado typically processes the cancellation within 10 to 21 business days. During this time, continue to monitor your bank and credit card statements. You should see no new charges once the company processes your request, though charges already applied before you cancelled will appear on your current statement.

Email confirmation often arrives within one to two weeks. If you don't hear anything after 14 days, call customer service with your registration receipt number to confirm they received and processed your request. This follow-up phone call serves as additional documentation.

What to do if charges continue after cancellation

If Cigar Aficionado continues to charge you after your cancellation deadline, take these steps immediately:

1. Review your statement to confirm the charge is not pre-authorized before your cancellation date
2. Call customer service with your registration receipt and request an immediate refund
3. If they refuse, contact your bank or credit card company and dispute the charge
4. Provide your registered mail receipt as proof of your cancellation request date
5. File a complaint with your provincial consumer protection authority if the dispute with your bank fails

You are entitled to a refund for any charges applied after your documented cancellation request. Your bank will investigate and reverse unauthorized charges within 30 to 60 days.

Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them

Many people cancel subscriptions incorrectly and later face unexpected charges or disputes. You can avoid these costly errors with a clear process.

Mistake 1: cancelling without written proof

Calling customer service and cancelling verbally leaves no evidence. Without documentation, the company can claim they never received your request, and charges continue. Always send a written cancellation letter via registered mail. This creates an undeniable record of your request and the date the company received it.

Mistake 2: not checking for auto-renewal before cancelling

Many people cancel Cigar Aficionado but forget to disable auto-renewal on their account (if that option exists). Check your account settings during the cancellation process or explicitly mention "no auto-renewal" in your cancellation letter. State that you do not want any future renewal or charges under any circumstances.

Mistake 3: cancelling too close to a renewal date

If your subscription renews on the 15th and you cancel on the 14th, the company may have already processed the annual charge. Allow at least 10 business days before your renewal date to cancel. If you miss the window, you'll owe the full annual fee, though you can still request a refund for unused issues.

Mistake 4: assuming silence means cancellation

Do not assume your cancellation is complete just because you haven't heard anything. Follow up with a phone call after 14 days if you haven't received email confirmation. Tocancel recommends waiting no longer than two weeks before you verify the cancellation in writing or by phone. Staying proactive prevents unwanted charges.

Mistake 5: not keeping your proof of mailing

Your Canada Post registration receipt is your legal proof. Keep this receipt along with a photocopy of your cancellation letter for at least one year. If a dispute arises, this documentation is your strongest evidence that you cancelled in time.

How to protect yourself if Cigar Aficionado refuses to cancel

If the company ignores your cancellation request or claims they never received it, you have legal tools to force the issue.

Escalation steps if cancellation fails

First, call customer service a second time with your registration receipt number in hand. State clearly that you submitted a registered mail cancellation request on a specific date and ask for immediate confirmation and processing. Document this call with the date, time, and representative's name.

If the company still refuses, contact your credit card company or bank. Report the unauthorized charges and provide your registration receipt as proof of your cancellation request. Your bank will launch a dispute investigation and may reverse the charges within 30 to 60 days while they investigate.

If the bank's dispute fails or you prefer to escalate further, file a formal complaint with your provincial consumer protection authority. These agencies investigate violations of consumer protection law and can force the company to cancel your subscription and refund all unauthorized charges. In Ontario, contact ServiceOntario Consumer Protection; in British Columbia, contact Consumer Protection BC; in Alberta, contact Service Alberta.

Your right to file a chargeback

You also have the right to request a chargeback from your credit card company. This is a formal dispute where your bank investigates whether Cigar Aficionado had your permission to charge you. If they did not, the charge is reversed. Chargebacks are designed to protect you from unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and using this right is not unfair or illegal-it is your consumer protection.

Cancellation verification checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and to track your progress.

Print this checklist and complete each task in order. Keep it with your cancellation letter copy and mailing receipt for your records.

Comparing Cigar Aficionado to alternative subscriptions

Before you cancel, you might want to compare Cigar Aficionado to other magazines or platforms in the same category.

Alternative publications you might consider

If you enjoy Cigar Aficionado but want to reduce costs, consider switching to a digital-only subscription or a cheaper alternative before you cancel completely. However, if you're ready to cancel entirely, Tocancel supports that decision and will help you do it cleanly and completely.

Why tocancel is your cancellation partner

Cancelling subscriptions can feel frustrating when companies make the process unclear or difficult. Tocancel exists to cut through that confusion and put you in control. Our guides translate legal rights into plain English and give you step-by-step instructions that work.

Tocancel has helped thousands of Canadian consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, dispute unauthorized charges, and reclaim their money. We partner with consumer protection advocates to ensure every guide reflects current Canadian law and real-world cancellation practices. Whether you're cancelling Cigar Aficionado or any other recurring subscription, Tocancel provides the clarity and confidence you need to act.

Your subscription was your choice. Cancelling it is your right. Use the registered mail method outlined above, document every step, and escalate to your bank or provincial consumer protection authority if the company refuses. Tocancel has armed you with the knowledge and tools to win this dispute. You can cancel with certainty that you're protected by law and that your action matters.

M. shanken communications contact details for cancellation

Mail your registered cancellation letter to:

M. Shanken Communications, Inc.
Cigar Aficionado Subscription Department
[Verify current address on Cigar Aficionado's website or a recent issue before mailing]

Include your full name, address, account number, and a clear statement: "I request cancellation of my Cigar Aficionado subscription, effective immediately (or at the end of my current paid period), and request a prorated refund for any unused issues."

Send via Canada Post Registered Mail with Return Receipt. Keep your receipt, confirm cancellation after 14 days, and monitor your account for 30 days after. If charges continue, contact your bank or file a complaint with your provincial consumer protection authority. Tocancel is here to support your consumer rights every step of the way.