Manage Solidworks

How to cancel solidworks and protect your investment in south africa

What is solidworks and who uses it

Solidworks is a professional 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software suite developed by Dassault Systèmes and distributed in South Africa by Dassault Systèmes South Africa (Pty) Ltd. The platform enables engineers, product designers, manufacturers and educational institutions to create detailed 3D models, run simulations, generate technical drawings and collaborate on complex projects.

Core capabilities

The software combines parametric modelling, assembly design, technical drawing tools, and advanced simulation features. You can render photorealistic visualizations, estimate costs, perform stress analysis and route cables and pipes within your designs. Many small to medium-sized engineering firms in South Africa rely on Solidworks for product development workflows that demand precision and reliability.

Typical licensing arrangements

You may purchase Solidworks directly from Dassault Systèmes South Africa, through authorized resellers like AMP CAD CAM or NexGen, or via cloud-based subscription models. Each channel carries different terms, cancellation pathways and refund policies. Understanding your purchase route is your first step toward a smooth cancellation process.

Why you might want to cancel solidworks

The reasons for cancelling Solidworks are as varied as your business needs.

Cost pressures and budget constraints

Annual licensing fees for Solidworks can range from R40 000 to R60 000 or more, depending on the feature tier you choose. If your project has concluded, your team has shifted to alternative tools, or budget cuts force difficult decisions, cancellation becomes a practical necessity. Many South African businesses reassess software spending annually and discover that Solidworks no longer aligns with their current workload or financial capacity.

Migration to alternative CAD platforms

You may have evaluated competing solutions such as FreeCAD, Fusion 360 or Inventor and decided to switch. If your team has already transitioned to a different platform, maintaining a Solidworks licence is wasteful spending. Cancelling frees up capital for tools your team actively uses.

Underutilization and workflow changes

Teams sometimes find that Solidworks' advanced features sit unused, or that project workflows have evolved in directions where the software no longer delivers clear value. If you purchased a Premium licence but only use basic modelling functions, you are paying for capabilities you do not need.

Contract or subscription disputes

Occasionally you may discover that your reseller charged incorrectly, auto-renewal happened without proper consent, or terms were misrepresented at purchase. These disputes warrant immediate cancellation and escalation-Stopee guides you through those conversations with confidence and documentation.

Your consumer rights under south african law

Cancelling a software subscription in South Africa is protected by several legal frameworks that empower you as a consumer.

The consumer protection act and cooling-off period

South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA) grants you a 5-working-day cooling-off period after you enter into a distance transaction (including online purchases and email-based agreements). During this window, you may cancel without reason and receive a full refund. If you bought Solidworks online or via email from a reseller, this protection likely applies. Stopee recommends you check your invoice date and calculate your deadline immediately.

Unfair contract terms and misrepresentation

The CPA also prohibits unfair contract terms and vague auto-renewal clauses. If your reseller buried renewal terms in small print, failed to obtain explicit consent for recurring billing, or misrepresented features, you have grounds to dispute the charge. You are not obligated to accept terms that are unreasonably onerous or deliberately obscured.

Defective software and breach of warranty

If Solidworks fails to perform substantially as described, crashes frequently, or does not deliver promised features, you may claim breach of warranty. The CPA entitles you to repair, replacement or refund if the software is materially defective. This applies regardless of what the vendor's standard terms claim.

Escalation to the national consumer commission

If your reseller or Dassault Systèmes South Africa refuses to honour your rights, you can lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC investigates unfair practices and can order refunds or cancellation. Having written evidence of your cancellation request and the vendor's response strengthens your case significantly.

Cancellation methods and your purchase channel

Your cancellation path depends entirely on where and how you purchased Solidworks.

Direct purchase from dassault systèmes south africa

If you bought directly from Dassault Systèmes South Africa (based in Midrand, Thornhill Office Park), you contact them directly with your serial number, subscription ID and invoice reference. This route often offers clearer communication and faster resolution because you are not navigating a middleman. Stopee advises you gather all documentation before reaching out.

Purchase through an authorized reseller

Many South African engineers and designers buy Solidworks via resellers such as AMP CAD CAM, NexGen or regional distributors. Your first cancellation contact is your reseller, not Dassault Systèmes, because the reseller is the entity you have a contract with. Resellers control refund decisions and cancellation terms, so starting with them is essential.

Cloud-based or SaaS subscriptions

If you subscribed to Solidworks via cloud services or a subscription platform, cancellation may be available through an online account dashboard or by contacting the subscription manager directly. These routes often have clearer, faster cancellation processes because the platform depends on customer retention metrics.

Step-by-step cancellation process

Follow this sequential approach to cancel Solidworks with minimal friction and maximum documentation.

Steps to cancel your subscription

1. Gather all documentation
   • Locate your invoice or confirmation email showing the purchase date, amount paid and reseller name.
   • Find your serial number or subscription ID (usually in your licence certificate or account portal).
   • Write down your company name, VAT number (if applicable), contact person and phone number.
   • Note the effective date you want the cancellation to take effect (typically the end of your current billing period).
2. Identify whether you are within the cooling-off period
   • Count 5 working days from your purchase date (excluding weekends and South African public holidays).
   • If you are still within this window, your cancellation request triggers automatic full-refund rights under the CPA.
   • State this explicitly in your cancellation email: "I am exercising my consumer right to cancel within the 5-working-day cooling-off period."
3. Compose a formal cancellation email
   • Address your reseller or Dassault Systèmes South Africa (depending on your purchase channel).
   • Include subject line: "Formal cancellation request for Solidworks licence [your serial number]".
   • State your full name, company name, contact details and invoice reference.
   • Request cancellation effective immediately or on a specific date (e.g., end of month).
   • Ask for written confirmation of cancellation date and any refund or prorated credit due.
   • Request confirmation that your licence will be deactivated and removed from their records.
4. Send your cancellation request in writing
   • Email is your primary channel; include a copy to Dassault Systèmes South Africa if you feel the reseller is unresponsive.
   • For Dassault Systèmes South Africa direct inquiries, use their official contact address in Midrand (confirmed on their website).
   • Warning: Never rely on phone calls alone; follow up every verbal conversation with a written email confirmation.
   • Keep a copy of your email and note the send time and date for your records.
5. Document the vendor's response
   • When the reseller or Dassault Systèmes replies, save the email and note the cancellation confirmation reference (if provided).
   • Verify the stated effective cancellation date and any refund terms or timeline.
   • Pro tip: If the response is vague or non-committal, send a follow-up email restating your cancellation request and asking for explicit confirmation within 5 business days.
6. Deauthorize and uninstall the software
   • Once cancellation is confirmed in writing, uninstall Solidworks from all machines where it is installed.
   • If your licence requires online activation or validation, that connection will typically sever after your paid period ends.
   • Some versions require manual deauthorization through the software menu; follow the in-app licence management prompts.
   • Pro tip: Take a screenshot of the uninstall confirmation or licence removal for your records.
7. Follow up on refunds
   • If you are entitled to a refund (cooling-off period, prorated credit or defective software claim), ask the vendor for the refund timeline.
   • Many resellers issue refunds within 10-14 working days; confirm this in writing before cancellation is finalized.
   • Check your bank account and request a transaction reference if the refund does not appear within the stated timeframe.
8. Archive all communication
   • Create a folder on your computer or cloud storage labelled "Solidworks cancellation" and save every email, invoice and confirmation.
   • If a dispute arises later, you will have a complete audit trail to support your position.

What happens after you cancel solidworks

Cancellation does not happen instantly; understanding the transition timeline helps you plan.

Licence access and software functionality

Once your paid period ends, your Solidworks licence becomes inactive. If you attempt to launch the software after the cancellation date, it will either refuse to open or display a licence-not-found error. Online services, cloud collaboration features and automatic updates stop immediately. You retain access to files you have already created, but you cannot open them in Solidworks unless you reactivate a licence.

Cloud storage and collaboration features

Subscriptions that include Solidworks cloud storage, 3D Experience platform access or collaborative tools lose those features at cancellation. If you rely on cloud-hosted files, export critical projects to your local machine in native Solidworks format (.SLDPRT, .SLDASM) or neutral formats (STEP, IGES) before your licence expires. Many engineers miss this step and lose access to project files-do not let that be you.

Support and update entitlements

Once cancelled, you no longer have access to technical support, software updates or training materials. If you later discover a critical bug or need help troubleshooting, Dassault Systèmes will direct you to purchase a new licence. Plan your cancellation around any pending issues or questions you need resolved while your support window is still active.

Renewal notices and future contact

Verify that automatic renewal stops after your cancellation is finalized. Some resellers continue to send renewal notices even after you cancel. If you receive an unexpected renewal charge after cancellation, contact your reseller immediately and cite your cancellation confirmation email. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers reverse erroneous post-cancellation charges by responding swiftly with written proof of cancellation.

Refunds and financial outcomes

Your refund eligibility depends on when you cancel and the terms of your purchase.

Cooling-off period refunds (5 working days)

If you cancel within 5 working days of purchase, you are entitled to a full refund under the Consumer Protection Act. The vendor must return your money within 5-10 working days of receiving your cancellation request. No questions asked, no deduction for "usage" or "administration"-you get your full amount back.

Prorated refunds after the cooling-off period

If you purchased a 12-month licence and cancel after 6 months, some resellers offer prorated refunds for the unused 6-month balance. This is not guaranteed and depends on the reseller's stated policy. Always ask explicitly: "Am I eligible for a prorated refund for unused months?" Get the answer in writing before you finalize cancellation.

Non-refundable terms and what to do about them

Many Solidworks licences carry "non-refundable after activation" clauses in the reseller's terms. However, these terms are only enforceable if they are fair, clearly disclosed and not contradicted by the CPA. If the reseller buried the non-refund clause in tiny print or failed to obtain your explicit consent to it, you may still have grounds to dispute the non-refundable designation. Stopee advises you escalate to the National Consumer Commission if a reseller wrongly denies you a refund.

Defective software and remedies

If Solidworks is materially defective (crashes, fails to perform core functions, does not match its description), you can claim a refund regardless of the non-refund clause. Defects override all other terms. Document any crashes, error messages or functionality failures with screenshots and timestamps, then present this evidence to your reseller and escalate to the NCC if they refuse to act.

Solidworks pricing and plan comparison

Understanding the cost structure helps you evaluate whether cancellation is the right financial move.

Representative pricing in south african rands

All prices shown exclude VAT unless otherwise stated. Your reseller may apply VAT or offer discounted rates for multi-seat licences or educational institutions. Confirm final pricing before committing to any purchase and always ask what the auto-renewal cost will be.

Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them

Cancelling software can feel overwhelming, especially if you are managing multiple licences or dealing with an unresponsive reseller. Learning from others' missteps protects your time and money.

Mistake 1: assuming verbal cancellation is binding

You call your reseller, speak to a sales representative and think you have cancelled. One month later, a renewal charge hits your credit card. Verbal agreements are nearly impossible to prove. Always follow up every phone conversation with a written email summarizing what was discussed and requesting written confirmation. This creates an audit trail that protects you in disputes.

Mistake 2: missing the 5-working-day cooling-off window

You purchase Solidworks on a Monday, get busy, and remember to cancel on day 8. You have now forfeited your automatic refund right. Calculate your cooling-off deadline the moment you receive your invoice and mark it on your calendar. If you are even slightly uncertain whether your purchase qualifies for the cooling-off period, contact the reseller immediately and ask explicitly.

Mistake 3: not exporting cloud-hosted files before cancellation

Your licence expires, and suddenly you cannot open project files stored in the Solidworks 3D Experience cloud. Those files are still there, but you cannot access them without an active licence. Before cancellation, download all cloud projects to your local machine in STEP or IGES format so you can open them in other CAD tools or re-import them if you reactivate later.

Mistake 4: accepting the first "no" without escalation

A reseller tells you "our policy is non-refundable." That may not be true if you are within the cooling-off period or if the reseller violated fair trading rules. Do not accept "no" without pushing back. Ask for the policy in writing, cite the Consumer Protection Act, and escalate to Dassault Systèmes South Africa or the National Consumer Commission if the reseller refuses to budge. Stopee empowers you to know your rights and use them.

Mistake 5: deleting emails and losing proof

You cancel Solidworks, delete the confirmation email, and six months later the reseller claims you never cancelled and demands payment. You have no proof. Save every email in a dedicated folder, export critical correspondence to PDF, and keep screenshots of online account pages showing your subscription status. Digital hoarding is your shield in disputes.

Cancellation checklist for solidworks

Use this tick-list to ensure you have covered every step.

• ☐ Identified your purchase channel (direct from Dassault Systèmes, reseller name, or cloud platform).
• ☐ Calculated your 5-working-day cooling-off deadline and confirmed you are within or outside the window.
• ☐ Located your invoice, serial number, subscription ID and company VAT number.
• ☐ Composed a formal written cancellation email with all required details.
• ☐ Sent cancellation to the correct contact (reseller email or Dassault Systèmes South Africa Midrand office).
• ☐ Received written confirmation of cancellation with an effective date.
• ☐ Asked about refund eligibility and confirmed the refund timeline in writing.
• ☐ Confirmed that auto-renewal has been disabled on your account.
• ☐ Exported or backed up critical cloud-hosted files to your local machine.
• ☐ Uninstalled Solidworks from all machines and documented the uninstall.
• ☐ Created a folder and archived all cancellation-related emails and confirmations.
• ☐ Received and verified your refund (if applicable) within the stated timeframe.

Contact information for solidworks cancellation in south africa

These are the primary contact channels for cancelling your Solidworks licence.

Dassault systèmes south africa (Pty) ltd

Mailing address: Dassault Systèmes South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Thornhill Office Park, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Primary contact: Visit the official Dassault Systèmes South Africa website for the latest email address and phone numbers. Always verify contact details directly from their official website before sending cancellation requests, as office locations and personnel change.

Escalation: If your reseller does not respond within 5 business days or refuses your cancellation, escalate to Dassault Systèmes South Africa directly and reference your written cancellation request and the reseller's name.

Authorized resellers in south africa

Common resellers include AMP CAD CAM, NexGen and regional distributors. Your invoice will show your reseller's name and contact details. Always contact your reseller first if you purchased through them, as they control your subscription relationship.

National consumer commission escalation

Mailing address: National Consumer Commission, Postal address and online complaint form available at www.ncc.org.za.

If Dassault Systèmes South Africa or your reseller refuses to honour your cancellation rights, lodge a formal complaint with the NCC. Provide your cancellation email, their refusal, and any evidence that they violated the Consumer Protection Act. The NCC investigates and can order remedies including refunds and licence cancellation.

Final takeaway and next steps

Cancelling Solidworks demands clarity, documentation and persistence. Your consumer rights under South African law are robust-the 5-working-day cooling-off period, fairness protections and the National Consumer Commission all exist to protect you. Do not let a reseller's silence or a vague "non-refundable" clause deter you from asserting your rights.

Start by gathering your documents, identify your purchase channel and compose a formal cancellation email today. Follow the step-by-step process outlined above, keep copies of everything, and escalate immediately if the reseller stalls. Stopee has helped thousands of South African consumers cancel software subscriptions, recover refunds and cut wasteful spending. Your cancellation journey is clearer when you know the rules, understand your options and have a roadmap to follow. Take action now, stay organized, and reclaim control of your software spend.