Refund & Cancellation Policy

Last Updated: February 04, 2026

At Short Horror Stories, we want you to be completely satisfied with your premium subscription. This Refund and Cancellation Policy explains your options for canceling your subscription and requesting refunds.

Important: All payments are processed through Paddle.com, our authorized payment processor and Merchant of Record. Paddle handles all billing, refunds, and payment-related matters in accordance with their policies and applicable laws.

1. Subscription Overview

We offer two premium subscription plans:

Monthly Plan

$9.99/month

  • ✓ Billed monthly
  • ✓ Cancel anytime
  • ✓ No commitment
  • ✓ Access until period ends

Yearly Plan

$95.99/year

  • ✓ Save 20%
  • ✓ Billed annually
  • ✓ Cancel anytime
  • ✓ Best value

Both plans provide unlimited access to all premium horror stories and exclusive content.

2. How to Cancel Your Subscription

2.1 Cancel Through Your Account

Follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your account
  2. Go to Profile or Subscription Settings
  3. Click "Manage Subscription"
  4. Select "Cancel Subscription"
  5. Confirm your cancellation
  6. You'll receive a confirmation email

2.2 Cancel Through Paddle

You can also manage your subscription directly through Paddle.com:

  • Check your email for the original purchase receipt from Paddle
  • Click the "Manage Subscription" link in the email
  • Follow Paddle's cancellation process

2.3 Contact Support

If you need assistance canceling, contact us at support@shorthorrorstories.net

3. What Happens After Cancellation

Immediate Effects:

  • Your subscription will not renew at the end of the current billing period
  • You keep premium access until the end of your paid period
  • No further charges will be made to your payment method
  • Your account remains active (free tier)
  • Your listening history is preserved

Example: If you subscribe on January 1st and cancel on January 15th, you'll maintain premium access until January 31st. You won't be charged again on February 1st.

After Expiration:

When your paid period ends, your account automatically switches to free tier:

  • Access to free stories only
  • Premium content becomes locked
  • Can resubscribe anytime to regain access
  • Your preferences and history remain saved

4. Refund Policy

4.1 Standard Refund Policy

We offer 14-day refunds for all subscriptions in accordance with Paddle's refund policy:

  • Within 14 days of any subscription purchase or renewal
  • Full refund of the subscription fee
  • No questions asked
  • Applies to both monthly and yearly plans

This refund policy is provided by Paddle.com, our Merchant of Record. For full details, see Paddle's Consumer Terms.

5. How to Request a Refund

5.1 Through Paddle

Primary Method (Fastest):

  1. Find your Paddle purchase receipt email
  2. Click "Contact Support" or visit paddle.com
  3. Request a refund with your order number
  4. Paddle will process within 5-7 business days

5.2 Through Our Support

Contact our support team at support@shorthorrorstories.net with:

  • Your account email address
  • Transaction date and amount
  • Reason for refund request (optional but helpful)
  • Order/transaction ID (from Paddle receipt)

We'll review and forward to Paddle for processing within 24-48 hours.

5.3 Refund Processing Time

  • Paddle Review: 1-2 business days
  • Refund Approval: 2-3 business days
  • Bank Processing: 5-10 business days (depends on your bank)
  • Total Time: Up to 10-15 business days

6. Billing Issues and Disputes

6.1 Unauthorized Charges

If you see a charge you didn't authorize:

  • Contact us immediately at support@shorthorrorstories.net
  • We'll investigate and process a full refund if confirmed
  • Your account may be secured with additional verification

6.2 Double Charges

If you were charged twice by mistake, we'll refund the duplicate charge immediately. Contact support with both transaction IDs.

6.3 Failed Payments

If your subscription renewal fails:

  • We'll send email notification
  • You have 7 days to update payment information
  • After 7 days, subscription will be canceled
  • Your account reverts to free tier

6.4 Currency and Exchange Rates

Prices are shown in USD. If you pay in a different currency, exchange rates are determined by Paddle and your bank. We're not responsible for currency conversion fees or rate fluctuations.

7. Reactivating Your Subscription

Canceled your subscription but changed your mind? You can reactivate anytime:

  1. Log in to your account
  2. Visit the subscription page
  3. Select your preferred plan (Monthly or Yearly)
  4. Complete payment through Paddle
  5. Instant premium access restored

Note: All your preferences, listening history, and progress are preserved even after cancellation.

8. European and Consumer Rights

8.1 EU Right of Withdrawal

If you're in the European Union, you have a 14-day right of withdrawal under EU consumer protection laws:

  • You can cancel within 14 days without giving a reason
  • Full refund available within the 14-day window
  • Our standard 14-day refund policy fully complies with EU consumer rights

8.2 Consumer Protection Laws

Nothing in this policy affects your statutory rights under local consumer protection laws. If local laws provide more favorable terms, those apply.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Refund and Cancellation Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Material changes will be communicated via email to active subscribers.

Changes apply to subscriptions purchased after the update date. Existing subscriptions remain subject to the policy in effect at purchase time.

10. Contact Us

Questions about refunds, cancellations, or billing?

Billing & Payments

billing@shorthorrorstories.net

Payment Processor

Paddle Support

Response Time: We typically respond within 24 hours (weekdays) or 48 hours (weekends/holidays).

Quick Summary

  • ✓ Cancel anytime from your account settings
  • ✓ Keep premium access until period ends
  • ✓ 14-day refund window for all subscriptions
  • ✓ No charges after cancellation
  • ✓ Free tier account remains active
  • ✓ Resubscribe anytime to restore premium access
  • ✓ All payments processed securely through Paddle.com