The Toronto Star is one of Canada's most widely read newspapers, with a daily circulation of over 300,000 copies. As the largest daily newspaper in Canada, the Toronto Star provides a comprehensive news report to millions of readers across Ontario.
However, while many Canadians enjoy reading the Toronto Star regularly, there may come a time when you need to cancel your subscription. Canceling a newspaper subscription like the Toronto Star can be confusing, especially with tricky contracts and retention policies.
This detailed guide will provide you with everything you need to know to easily cancel your Toronto Star subscription. We will cover:
Armed with this information, you can confidently cancel your Toronto Star subscription smoothly and avoid any hassles.
The Toronto Star is a daily newspaper published in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1892 and is owned by Torstar Corporation. With a weekday circulation of approximately 300,000 copies, the Toronto Star has the largest readership of any daily newspaper in Canada.
The Toronto Star covers local, provincial, national, and international news, including politics, business, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Some of its popular columns and features include investigative reports, political commentary, editorial opinions, syndicated columns, local city news, food and wine reviews, and more.
The Toronto Star offers both home delivery subscriptions as well as digital subscriptions for online access on desktop, tablet and mobile. Home delivery subscription terms can range from 13-weeks to 1-year with varying delivery frequencies.
There are a few common reasons why people decide to cancel their Toronto Star subscription:
You prefer digital news: With more people reading news online, you may decide print newspapers are no longer necessary. The Toronto Star does offer digital subscriptions, but if you want to go completely digital, canceling is required.
To save money: Toronto Star subscriptions can get expensive, especially with lengthy contract terms. Canceling can help cut monthly or annual costs.
No time to read it: If you find yourself too busy to read the print edition and it piles up unread, it may be time to cancel your underutilized subscription.
Service or delivery issues: Ongoing issues with print delivery or customer service may push you to cancel your subscription.
You moved: If you are moving out of the Toronto Star delivery zone, you'll have to cancel your subscription.
Before canceling, consider if your reasons are temporary or permanent. You may be able to temporarily suspend delivery if needed. But if you are sure you want to permanently cancel, read on to find out how.
Before canceling your Toronto Star subscription, it is important to understand your subscription term, as early cancellation policies and fees can apply.
The Toronto Star offers different subscription terms:
When you purchased your subscription, you would have selected one of these terms and committed to paying for the full term.
To determine what subscription term you have:
Knowing your remaining subscription term is key - early cancellation before your term is up can result in fees.
Ready to cancel your Toronto Star subscription? Here is a step-by-step cancellation guide covering all your options: phone, email, online, and in-person cancellation.
Cancelling your Toronto Star subscription over the phone is easy and convenient.
To cancel by phone:
Call 1-800-268-9213 (Toronto Star customer service line). If outside Canada, call 416-367-4500.
Specify that you are calling to cancel your Toronto Star subscription.
Provide information to verify your account when asked, such as:
Inform the agent of your reason for canceling if asked. Be firm in your decision to cancel.
Take note of any cancellation fees or early termination penalties that may apply to your account.
Request a cancellation confirmation number for your records.
And that's it - your over-the-phone newspaper cancellation is complete. The entire call should take 5-10 minutes.
You can also cancel your Toronto Star subscription by email.
To cancel by email:
Prepare an email with your cancellation request and include:
Send it to [email protected] - this is the Toronto Star's circulation department email.
Specify your reason for cancellation and your desired cancellation date.
Request written confirmation of your cancellation once processed.
Watch for a reply confirming your cancellation within 5-7 business days.
Canceling by email can take up to a week to process but provides helpful written cancellation confirmation.
The Toronto Star website has an online subscriber self-service portal you may be able to use to cancel your subscription online.
To cancel online:
Go to Toronto Star Customer Service and click “Log In”.
Log into your online subscriber account.
Click “Your Profile” and navigate to the “Your Subscriptions” section.
Look for a cancellation link or button. If available, click and follow prompts to cancel.
If no clear cancellation option, click “Contact Us” to email a cancellation request.
Watch for a confirmation email once your online cancellation request is processed.
If you don't have an online Toronto Star account, you won't be able to cancel online and will need to use the phone, email, or in-person cancellation methods.
To cancel your Toronto Star subscription in person, you can visit the Toronto Star office.
To cancel in person:
Go to the Toronto Star office at 1 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON during business hours.
Provide government-issued ID at reception.
Inform the customer service desk you want to cancel your subscription.
Specify your reason for canceling and provide account details as needed.
Request written cancellation confirmation before leaving.
Canceling your subscription in person allows you to immediately get written confirmation, but is less convenient than the other options.
To verify your identity and cancel your Toronto Star subscription smoothly, make sure you have the following handy:
Your name: The full name your subscription is under.
Account number: Your 10-12 digit Toronto Star account number.
Address: The address your Toronto Star subscription is registered under.
Phone number: The phone number associated with your subscription account.
Email address: The email on file for your account if you have one.
Reason for canceling: Be prepared to briefly explain why you are canceling your subscription if asked.
Having this information ready will streamline the cancellation process and avoid delays confirming your account.
If you cancel your Toronto Star subscription before your subscription term ends, you will be charged an early cancellation fee. Here is what you need to know about early cancellation penalties:
You must pay the remaining subscription balance in full. For example, if you have 5 months left, you pay for those 5 months.
You will also be charged a cancellation administration fee of $5-$10 on top of the balance owed.
Any promotional discounts given will be revoked and you will owe the full subscription price.
Taxes are applied to the balance owed and admin fee.
To avoid surprise fees, be sure to cancel only once your subscription term has completely finished. Or, contact Toronto Star ahead of time to find out exactly what penalties will apply for early termination.
If you cancel your Toronto Star subscription before the end of your subscription term, you will not be eligible for any refund, as you must pay out the remaining balance.
However, if you have prepaid for a subscription term and cancel upon its completion, you may be able to request a pro-rated refund for any unused weeks that were prepaid past the term end date. Make this refund request immediately upon canceling.
It is also possible that if you cancel a subscription very early into your initial term, such as in the first month, that you could request a partial refund of amounts paid to date minus the cancellation fee by contacting customer service.
In general though, the Toronto Star does not offer refunds on cancelled subscriptions where any portion of the term was utilized, only pro-rated refunds on unused weeks after the paid term concludes. Don't expect reimbursement for cancelling mid-term.
Some subscribers have reported that the Toronto Star makes it difficult to cancel subscriptions by using high pressure retention tactics. Here are some tips to avoid any retention headaches:
Firmly state you want to cancel - Do not waver or get talked into keeping your subscription when informed of fees.
Know the term end date - If retention staff claims you did not provide enough notice or cannot cancel yet, firmly state your term end.
Escalate if needed - Ask for a supervisor if you encounter resistance, stalling, or questionable fees when trying to cancel.
Get everything in writing - Request written confirmation and invoices for any cancellation fees to document agreements.
Dispute unauthorized charges - If charged questionable cancellation fees, dispute unauthorized amounts through your bank.
Submit complaints - File complaints with the BBB or other consumer protection groups regarding improper cancellation experiences.
With persistence and preparation, you can cancel your Toronto Star subscription smoothly and push back against retention pressure. Stand firm and don't take no for an answer.
To recap the cancellation process, here is a handy step-by-step checklist:
🔹 Determine your subscription term length
🔹 Have your account info ready (name, address, account #, etc)
🔹 Choose cancellation method:
- Phone: Call 1-800-268-9213
- Email: Send cancellation request to [email protected]
- Online: Visit account portal and cancel if option available
- In-person: Visit Toronto Star office
🔹 Provide reason for canceling if asked
🔹 Note any fees for early termination
🔹 Request cancellation confirmation
🔹 Follow up if written confirmation not received
🔹 Dispute any improper charges or retention tactics
Following this checklist will help ensure you cancel your Toronto Star subscription smoothly and avoid headaches.
Still have some questions about canceling your Toronto Star subscription? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How much notice do I need to give Toronto Star before canceling?
There is no specific notice period required - you can cancel at any time. But you will owe the balance of your term if canceling early.
Can I cancel over the phone if I don't have my account number?
Yes, you can cancel over the phone without your account number, but it helps speed up identity verification. Have your name and address ready.
What happens to my print delivery when I cancel?
Once you cancel your Toronto Star subscription, your home newspaper delivery will be stopped on the requested cancellation date. No further print issues will arrive.
How do I cancel just print delivery and keep digital access?
Contact Toronto Star customer service and specify you only wish to cancel print delivery but retain digital subscription access. This will convert your account.
If I move, can I transfer my Toronto Star subscription?
Unfortunately, Toronto Star subscriptions are non-transferable. You will have to cancel your current subscription and start a new one at your new address.
Can I reinstate my subscription if I change my mind after canceling?
Yes, if you regret canceling, you can contact Toronto Star customer service within 30 days to request reinstatement. But fees may apply.
Will I get a refund if I cancel a promotional or discounted subscription?
If you cancel a promotional subscription before the term ends, you will have to pay the difference between the promotional and regular rates for the balance owed.
Canceling your Toronto Star subscription is easy to do yourself by phone, email, online, or in person by following the steps outlined in this guide. Know your rights, stand firm, and don't let difficult retention tactics prevent you from canceling if it is your desire. With the right information, you can take control and smoothly stop your Toronto Star subscription.
Still deciding the best way to cancel your Toronto Star subscription? Here are some comparison tables of the different cancellation methods:
Cancellation Method Comparison
| Method | Pro | Con | Time to Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone | Quick, speak with agent, get confirmation # | Retention hassle possible | Instant |
| Provides written confirmation | Slower, up to 1 week | Up to 7 business days | |
| Online | Fast if option available | Need online account, limited availability | 1-3 days |
| In-person | Get immediate confirmation | Travel required, limited hours | Same day |
Account Information Needed Comparison
| Method | Name | Address | Account # | ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended | Optional |
| Required | Required | Required | Not needed | |
| Online | From account | From account | From account | Login verifies |
| In-person | Required | Required | Required | Required |
Early Cancellation Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Remaining balance | Monthly rate x months left | For rest of term |
| Cancellation admin fee | $5-10 | On top of balance |
| Lost promotional pricing | Difference applied | Discounts revoked |
| Taxes | On fees and balance | HST applied |
We hope these cancellation method and fee comparison tables help you determine the best cancellation approach for your needs when ending your Toronto Star subscription.
Canceling any subscription you no longer want or need provides an opportunity to save money and avoid the hassle of unwanted charges on your account. And while no one enjoys customer retention efforts, knowing your rights as a Toronto Star subscriber looking to cancel can help you successfully end your subscription in a straightforward manner.
The most important thing is to be firm and persistent in your cancellation request. If you follow the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can cancel your Toronto Star subscription smoothly and move forward. Stick to your guns, get everything in writing, and feel empowered to take control of the situation.
If it helps make things easier, remember that customer service agents are just doing their jobs. Kindness and politeness on your part can help smooth the interaction, but don't let it weaken your resolve. Stay strong, stand your ground, and before you know it you'll be free of your Toronto Star subscription.
With the detailed information provided here, you should now have everything you need to successfully cancel your Toronto Star subscription. Best of luck leaving your newspaper subscription behind and moving on to new chapters!
Despite your best efforts, you may encounter some issues trying to cancel your Toronto Star subscription. Here are some common cancellation problems and how to handle them:
Some subscribers report unclear or inconsistent cancellation polices when trying to end Toronto Star subscriptions. Different agents may quote different timelines, fees, and requirements.
To address unclear cancellation policies:
Ask for written policy - Request citation of the official cancellation policy in writing via email or mail.
Escalate to supervisor - Speak to a manager or supervisor for clarification if frontline staff give conflicting information.
Dispute inconsistencies - Point out contradictory policies when arguing unfair early cancellation fees or retention tactics.
Submit complaint - File a complaint with the BBB detailing the inconsistent cancellation polices for investigation.
Cite regulations - Note that unclear cancellation terms may violate consumer protection laws on fair contracts and billing practices.
Stand your ground and keep asking questions until you get clear, consistent answers regarding Toronto Star cancellation policies.
Some subscribers have reported long waits, disconnected calls, and unreturned emails when trying to reach Toronto Star customer service to cancel.
Suggestions for reaching customer service:
Call early/late hours - Try calling right at opening or before closing when call volume may be lower.
Email the circulation department - Send a cancellation email request directly to [email protected].
Use online chat - Try contacting customer service via online chat on the Toronto Star website during business hours.
Visit in person - Go to the Toronto Star office in person if possible as a last resort.
Submit BBB complaint - File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau regarding inability to contact customer service.
Persistence and using different contact methods can help you eventually get through to Toronto Star to cancel.
In some extreme cases, subscribers report that Toronto Star customer service outright refuses cancellation requests and claims the subscription cannot be cancelled.
If you encounter refusal to cancel:
Escalate to a supervisor - Ask to speak to a manager to override a false claim that you cannot cancel.
Review cancellation policy - Request the cancellation policy and your rights to cancel as a subscriber.
Stop payment - Contact your bank to stop auto payments to Toronto Star if they refuse to honor cancellation.
Submit complaints - File official complaints with the BBB and other consumer agencies reporting inability to cancel.
Consult attorney - If harassment continues, consult an attorney regarding next legal steps to terminate an agreement.
Though rare, complete refusal to allow cancellation warrants strong pushback and regulatory intervention.
Aggressive retention tactics like constant calls/emails, harassment, misinformation, and stubborn refusal to acknowledge cancellation requests, while unethical, are hazards of newspaper subscription cancellation.
To counter retention harassment:
Send cease contact letter - Mail a letter demanding no further contact regarding your cancelled subscription.
Block numbers - Block any numbers used for undesired retention calls or texts.
Mark emails as spam - Configure your email to mark Toronto Star retention emails as junk/spam.
Document experiences - Keep detailed records of all calls, emails, and tactics used.
Submit complaints - File official complaints with the BBB, CRTC, and Competition Bureau of Canada reporting shady retention tactics.
Consult attorney - Speak to an attorney regarding harassment lawsuit options as a last resort if it reaches that level.
Publicize experiences - Post reviews detailing awful retention experiences to warn others considering Toronto Star subscriptions.
The more you can document and shine a public spotlight on unethical retention behaviors, the more power you have to stop it.
Canceling any subscription can come with frustration, but forewarned is forearmed. Know your rights and stand your ground against any cancellation obstacles. Politely yet firmly insisting the company honor your request to cancel in a reasonable manner may be tedious, but will get you subscription-free in the end.
In addition to the Toronto Star newspaper subscription, you may need to cancel other paid Toronto Star products such as:
Toronto Star ePaper Edition
Toronto Star Digital Access Pass
Toronto Star Premium Digital Access
Toronto Star Magazine
Toronto Star Crosswords
Toronto Star Book Club
Toronto Star Youth Journalism Program
Here is a quick guide to canceling other paid Toronto Star products when you cancel your overall subscription:
The Toronto Star ePaper is the digital replica of the daily newspaper. To cancel:
Follow the newspaper cancellation instructions indicating you want to cancel ePaper access too.
Or log into your ePaper account online and click "Cancel Subscription" to stop auto-renewal at term end.
To cancel a Toronto Star Digital subscription for website access:
Use the Toronto Star website chat to request digital subscription cancellation.
Or email [email protected] and request cancellation.
To cancel auto-renewal before the next monthly/annual term, adjust subscription settings on your digital account.
The process to cancel Premium Digital access is the same as canceling the standard Digital Access Pass. Reach out via chat/email or adjust auto-renewal settings.
To stop your monthly Toronto Star Magazine subscription:
Call 1-855-ServiceTS (1-855-737-2387) to cancel by phone.
Or email [email protected] with cancellation details.
You can also manage your magazine subscription via your online account.
To cancel automatic renewal of the Toronto Star Crosswords iOS app:
On your iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions and tap your Toronto Star Crosswords subscription.
Scroll down and turn off Auto-Renew.
To cancel your quarterly Toronto Star Book Club deliveries:
Call Customer Service at 1-888-978-8294 with cancellation request.
You can also email b[email protected] or mail 45 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M5E 1S4.
Specify if you want to cancel immediately or finish current term.
To cancel a student's enrollment in the Youth Journalism Program:
You must call Customer Service at 1-855-783-7427 to process the cancellation request.
Provide the youth participant's name and details to identity the account.
Cancellations more than 5 days after enrollment will incur a cancellation fee.
Review your active Toronto Star products and follow the appropriate steps to cancel each as desired when ending your overall newspaper subscription.
Instead of fully canceling your Toronto Star subscription, you may want to consider these alternatives:
If you want to take a break from your Toronto Star subscription for a period of time, you can request a temporary delivery suspension by contacting customer service. Specify the start and end dates to pause delivery. Suspension can be done for as little as 7 days up to 6 months. Normal delivery will resume after the requested suspension period.
To keep access to Toronto Star content but cut print costs, you can contact customer service and switch to a digital-only subscription. Your print newspaper delivery will end but you keep digital access.
If you want to continue your Toronto Star subscription but reduce costs, you can switch to less frequent print delivery. For example, switch from every day delivery to just weekends or select weekdays. Contact customer service to discuss modifying delivery days.
Before fully canceling, call Toronto Star and inquire if any current promotional offers or discounts can be applied to lower your subscription rate. You may be able to reduce your monthly costs and continue your subscription.
If you have many months left on your paid Toronto Star term, consider gifting the remaining portion. Contact Toronto Star to transfer the remaining prepaid term to another person to avoid cancellation fees.
Consider these options to see if modifying your subscription could meet your needs before fully canceling your Toronto Star subscription.
We hope this detailed guide has equipped you with everything you need to successfully cancel your Toronto Star subscription. While managing retention efforts or cancellation hiccups is never fun, being prepared helps ensure the process goes smoothly.
The key takeaways are:
With persistence and preparation, you can take control and make cancelling your Toronto Star subscription hassle-free. Don't let their retention tactics win - be strong, stand your ground, and soon you'll be subscription-free.
Best of luck with your newspaper subscription cancellation and beyond. Enjoy those extra funds each month!