Manage Gcn

How to cancel your GCN subscription and shop orders in new zealand

What GCN is and what you need to know

GCN (Global Cycling Network) is a cycling-focused media brand that produces video content, runs an online merchandise shop, and previously operated a paid streaming service. If you've subscribed to GCN or ordered from their shop, you'll want to understand your options for cancelling-and your consumer rights in New Zealand.

The current state of GCN services

GCN+ and the GCN app were permanently shut down on 19 December 2023. That means if you held an active subscription at that date, your membership ended automatically and you should have received a prorated refund for unused time.

Today, GCN operates two main offerings: the GCN Shop (selling branded merchandise worldwide) and YouTube channel memberships (priced in Euros). Neither is a traditional New Zealand-based streaming subscription service anymore.

Why you might want to cancel

You may be cancelling a GCN Shop order because you've changed your mind, received faulty goods, or want to return merchandise. Alternatively, if you hold a YouTube channel membership with GCN, you might be trimming subscriptions or no longer finding the content valuable. Stopee understands that cancelling services should be straightforward-and your rights are protected under New Zealand law.

Your consumer rights under new zealand law

The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 gives you significant protections when cancelling GCN services or shop orders-protections that apply regardless of what GCN's terms say.

What the consumer guarantees act means for you

Under New Zealand consumer law, any goods or services you purchase must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and safe. If GCN's digital service (or physical merchandise) falls short, you have the right to cancel and claim a refund-even if the provider's website says "no refunds."

This is critical: if a service is faulty, fails to deliver what was promised, or becomes unavailable without warning (as happened with GCN+), you're entitled to a remedy. That remedy can include cancellation and a full refund.

Pro tip: Keep all correspondence, order confirmations, and proof of payment. If a dispute arises, these records are your strongest evidence of what you purchased and when.

Escalation: what to do if GCN refuses

If you cancel your order or subscription and GCN refuses to process a refund, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission (the New Zealand consumer authority). Stopee encourages you to document everything-screenshots, emails, payment records-before escalating, as these become your case file.

GCN pricing and what you're paying for

Understanding what GCN charges helps you identify whether cancellation is the right move and ensures you're comparing fairly across plans.

Current plans and pricing

Is the GCN shop value for money?

GCN Shop items are branded cycling merchandise (jerseys, bottles, accessories). Prices aren't listed in NZD by the provider, and international shipping costs apply. Before ordering, factor in delivery charges and the 14-day cancellation window that applies only to non-customised items.

YouTube memberships offer supporter perks (early access to videos, badges, exclusive content). At €2.99 per month, the entry tier is low-cost; the premium tiers (€14.99 and €24.99) target serious fans. Stopee suggests evaluating whether you're actually watching GCN content weekly before committing.

How to cancel GCN shop orders

Cancelling a GCN Shop order depends on whether your item has been dispatched and whether it's customised.

Before dispatch (best-case scenario)

1. Contact the GCN Shop immediately after placing your order.
   • Email the support address listed on the GCN Shop website with your order number and reason for cancellation.
   • Request confirmation that your order has not yet been dispatched.
2. Request a full refund.
   • If the shop confirms your item hasn't shipped, you should receive 100% of your order value back.
   • Delivery costs paid may be forfeited, depending on GCN's refund policy.
3. Confirm receipt of your refund within 5 working days.
   • Check your bank account or payment method to verify the money has been returned.
   • Keep the refund confirmation email for your records.

After dispatch and delivery

1. Inspect the item immediately upon arrival.
   • You have 14 days from delivery to request a cancellation or return for non-customised items.
   • If the item is damaged or faulty, report it within 30 days of receipt.
2. Email the GCN Shop with your order number and reason for return.
   • For change-of-mind returns, your cancellation request must fall within the 14-day window.
   • For faulty goods, explain the defect clearly and (if possible) attach photos.
3. Arrange and pay for return postage yourself.
   • Warning: GCN requires customers-including those in New Zealand-to bear all return shipping costs. This can be substantial for international returns.
   • Keep your proof of postage and tracking number.
4. Wait for GCN to receive and inspect your return.
   • Once the item arrives, GCN inspects it for damage or wear.
   • Refunds are processed within 5 working days of approval.
5. Confirm your refund.
   • Check your bank account; refunds typically take 5-10 working days to appear after processing.

Non-customised versus customised items

Pro tip: If you've ordered a customised item (e.g., a jersey with your name), the 14-day cancellation right doesn't apply. Customised goods are excluded from the standard refund window, so think carefully before ordering personalised merchandise.

How to cancel YouTube channel membership with GCN

If you're subscribed to GCN's YouTube channel membership, you cancel through YouTube's own platform-not directly with GCN.

Cancel your membership via YouTube

1. Sign in to YouTube and navigate to your account settings.
   • Visit youtube.com and click your profile icon (top-right corner).
   • Select "Purchases and memberships" from the dropdown menu.
2. Locate the GCN channel membership in your active subscriptions.
   • You'll see a list of all channels you're currently a member of.
   • Find "Global Cycling Network" or "GCN" in the list.
3. Click on the GCN membership and select "Cancel membership."
   • YouTube will ask you to confirm your cancellation.
   • You may also be offered the chance to pause your membership instead (if that feature is available).
4. Confirm the cancellation.
   • Your membership will end at the end of the current billing cycle.
   • You'll retain access until that date; you won't be cut off immediately.
5. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from YouTube.
   • YouTube sends a receipt confirming the end date of your membership.
   • Keep this email for your records.

What if you were charged after cancelling?

Warning: Occasionally YouTube's system can be slow to process cancellations. If you're charged again after requesting cancellation, contact YouTube support immediately with your cancellation confirmation email. YouTube will refund unauthorised charges.

GCN refunds: what to expect

Refund eligibility and timing depend on what you're cancelling and why.

Shop order refunds

For change-of-mind returns, you can claim a refund within 14 days of receiving non-customised items. GCN will deduct the cost of return postage (which you pay upfront) from your refund. In practice, this means your refund is less than what you paid, because you're covering shipping to send the item back to the USA.

For faulty or damaged goods, report the defect within 30 days. If GCN accepts the fault, you receive a full refund including the original delivery cost-but you still pay return postage unless GCN arranges a return label.

Pro tip: Always photograph damaged items before opening packaging. If GCN disputes the damage, your photos become evidence that the fault existed when you received it.

Subscription refunds

GCN+ subscribers who held active memberships when the service closed on 19 December 2023 were entitled to prorated refunds. If you didn't receive yours, contact your payment provider (credit card company or PayPal) immediately. Most refunds were processed within 30 days of the service closure.

YouTube membership cancellations don't trigger refunds-you retain access until the end of your current billing cycle, then access ends. If you cancel mid-cycle, you don't receive a partial refund for the unused portion.

What happens after you cancel

Cancellation is only half the battle; knowing what comes next helps you avoid surprises.

Access and service end dates

When you cancel a GCN Shop order before dispatch, you lose nothing-the order simply doesn't ship. When you cancel after delivery, access to your physical item continues (you own it) until you return it; once returned and inspected, you no longer have the goods.

When you cancel a YouTube membership, access ends on the last day of your current billing cycle. You can still watch free GCN videos; you just lose member-only perks.

Stop further charges

After cancelling a YouTube membership, verify that your next billing date no longer appears in your subscription list. If you see a future charge scheduled, contact YouTube support immediately-this indicates the cancellation didn't process correctly.

For shop orders, no recurring charges apply unless you've subscribed to automatic reordering (which GCN doesn't offer). One-time orders stop after cancellation; no future billing occurs.

Data, records, and communications

Keep your cancellation confirmation emails indefinitely. If a dispute arises months later-for example, a charge appearing on your statement-you'll need proof that you cancelled. Stopee recommends saving these to a dedicated folder in your email account.

GCN may continue sending promotional emails after cancellation. You can unsubscribe from their mailing list via the "unsubscribe" link in any email they send.

Common mistakes when cancelling GCN

Many customers stumble at predictable points. Knowing these traps helps you cancel smoothly.

Mistake 1: not acting within the 14-day window for shop orders

The 14-day cancellation period for shop items starts the day you receive your order, not the day you place it. If you receive an item on day 10 and wait a week to cancel, you've missed the window. Mark your calendar on the day your package arrives and request cancellation immediately if you're unsure.

Mistake 2: ordering customised merchandise and expecting to return it

Once a custom item (jersey with your name, personalised frame) ships, GCN won't accept a return under the standard 14-day rule. Customised items are final sales in most cases. Always confirm whether an item is customised before ordering.

Mistake 3: ignoring return postage costs

New Zealand customers must pay to ship items back to Rhode Island, USA. A 2-3 kg cycling jersey can cost $30-50 NZD to return. Factor this into your decision: a $60 NZD refund minus $40 postage leaves you with only $20. Sometimes it's worth keeping the item.

Mistake 4: not documenting the reason for cancellation

When you email GCN to cancel, state clearly why: "damaged on arrival," "doesn't fit," "no longer interested," or "faulty." This creates a written record. If GCN disputes your refund later, you have evidence of what you claimed and when.

Mistake 5: assuming YouTube and GCN are the same entity

When you cancel a GCN YouTube membership, you're negotiating with YouTube, not GCN directly. If YouTube charges you after cancellation, GCN can't help-you must contact YouTube support. Stopee has seen customers waste time emailing GCN when YouTube is the decision-maker.

When to keep or cancel: a practical checklist

Use this checklist to decide whether cancelling makes sense for your situation.

Reasons to cancel GCN shop orders

• Item arrived damaged or faulty.
• Item doesn't match the product description (wrong size, colour, or material).
• You changed your mind within 14 days of delivery (non-customised items only).
• Postage to New Zealand proved prohibitively expensive, and you can't justify the total cost.

Reasons to keep your GCN shop order

• You use the item regularly and it meets your needs.
• You ordered a customised product and are outside the 30-day faulty-goods window.
• Return postage costs exceed the refund value.
• The item is low-cost or replacement stock; returning isn't worth the effort.

Reasons to cancel GCN YouTube membership

• You rarely watch GCN's exclusive content anymore.
• Your budget is tightening and streaming subscriptions are a luxury.
• You've sampled the member-only content and don't find it worth the monthly fee.
• You can access similar cycling content for free elsewhere.

Reasons to keep GCN YouTube membership

• You watch live cycling races and member-only analysis videos regularly.
• The lowest-tier membership (€2.99) is so cheap that even casual viewing justifies it.
• You value supporting independent cycling media.

Stopee's guides and your next steps

Cancelling GCN shouldn't require a customer service PhD. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers navigate subscription cancellations, shop order returns, and refund disputes-and we've documented the most common pitfalls so you don't have to repeat them.

If your cancellation hits a snag

If GCN refuses to process your refund, disputes your claim, or doesn't respond to cancellation requests, you have options. Document all communication, then escalate to the Commerce Commission (New Zealand's consumer regulator). Include your order details, cancellation request, and proof of payment. The Commission will investigate and, if GCN is at fault, compel a refund.

For YouTube membership issues, YouTube's support team is your first port of call. They respond to complaints via your account settings and have authority to reverse charges and process refunds.

Stopee's mission

At Stopee, we believe that cancelling should be easier than subscribing. Whether you're dealing with GCN, a streaming service, a gym membership, or anything else, the principle is the same: your consumer rights are non-negotiable, and providers must respect them. Stopee exists to ensure you know what those rights are and how to enforce them.

If you have questions about cancelling GCN or any other service, Stopee's guides are here to walk you through every step-no jargon, no surprises.

Contact information and escalation address

Where to send cancellation requests (GCN shop)

GCN does not publish a New Zealand-specific postal address. The only mailing address available is:

Global Cycling Network
Rhode Island
United States of America

Contact GCN Shop via the contact form on their website or email the support address listed in your order confirmation. Allow 5-10 working days for a response.

YouTube support (for membership issues)

Contact YouTube via your account settings (Purchases and memberships > Help). Response times vary; YouTube typically replies within 3-5 working days.

Escalation in new zealand

If GCN or YouTube refuses to resolve your complaint, escalate to:

Commerce Commission (New Zealand)
consumer.org.nz or 0800 943 600

The Commission handles consumer disputes and can compel companies to comply with consumer law. Stopee recommends providing all documentation-order numbers, emails, refund requests, and payment proof-when you file a complaint.

Your final steps

Cancelling GCN is straightforward once you know the process. Act within the 14-day window for shop orders, understand that return postage is your responsibility, and keep all confirmations. For YouTube memberships, cancel via the platform itself-it takes 2 minutes. And remember: Stopee and New Zealand consumer law are on your side if things go wrong. Cancel with confidence.