Want to switch internet or TV providers but worried about cancellation fees? With the right approach, you can cancel your Shaw services without incurring early termination charges. This comprehensive guide covers strategies to cancel Shaw penalty-free plus step-by-step instructions to smoothly end your service.
Understanding Shaw Services
Shaw Communications is one of the largest telecommunications companies in Canada. They provide the following core services:
Internet – Shaw offers high-speed cable and fiber internet with speeds ranging from 15 Mbps up to 1.5 Gbps depending on your plan. This powers online activities like video streaming, web browsing, gaming, and more.
TV – Digital TV packages and add-ons for content like movies, sports, news, and lifestyle programming. Options range from limited basic channels to premium packages with hundreds of HD networks.
Home Phone – Traditional landline telephone service with unlimited nationwide calling included. You get a home phone number and handset to make and receive calls.
Bundles – Combined discounts when you subscribe to multiple services like TV, internet, and phone in bundled packages from Shaw.
Shaw operates in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. They have over 1.4 million residential internet subscribers and 2.6 million TV customers, making Shaw a dominant provider in Western Canada.
Cancelling Shaw Services
When you initially subscribe to Shaw internet, TV, phone, or bundled packages, you agree to maintain the service for a contract term, typically either 1 year or 2 years.
If you decide to cancel before your contract end date, Shaw will charge you an Early Cancellation Fee (ECF). This compensates them for any promotional discounts given to you as a new customer and installation costs they invested.
ECFs are not insignificant – expect fees in the range of $20-30 for each month remaining in your original service agreement. So if you tried canceling Shaw internet with 8 months left on a 12-month contract, you could face nearly $200 in penalties.
These fees can add up fast and take a bite out of the savings you hoped to gain from switching providers. But with the right approach, you can terminate your Shaw services smoothly and without cancellation penalties.
Strategies To Cancel Shaw With No ECF
Here are techniques to avoid Early Cancellation Fees when canceling your Shaw TV, internet, or home phone services:
- Time your cancellation – The safest way is to cancel as soon as your contract term officially expires. Shaw cannot charge ECFs if the agreement period has ended. Carefully target your cancellation date.
- Payout remaining fees – You can request the total ECF amount owed and pay it in one lump sum. This satisfies the contract and Shaw won’t bill you monthly cancellation charges.
- Downgrade services – Dropping to a cheaper channel package or slower internet speed technically keeps you a Shaw customer and avoids the ECF.
- Move outside their service area – If you’re relocating to an area not covered by Shaw, provide proof and you can cancel without penalties.
- Switch on a renewal date – If your Shaw plan auto-renews after your term, time your cancellation so the renewal date aligns with your contract expiration.
- Negotiate a courtesy waiver – Be polite yet persistent and explain your reasons for cancellation. Shaw may grant one-time ECF waivers in some cases.
Follow The Step-By-Step Shaw Cancellation Process
Ready to cancel your Shaw services? Follow these steps for a smooth disconnection process:
- Review your contract expiration date – This date is crucial for avoiding ECFs. It should be listed on your Shaw bill or online account dashboard. Target canceling close to this date if possible.
- Research new provider options – Shop around for the best deal on a replacement for your Shaw TV, internet, and home phone services. Compare plans, pricing, and bundles.
- Set your cancellation date – Pick a disconnection date 1-2 weeks after your Shaw contract term officially ends. This prevents overlapping services.
- Call Shaw cancellations at 1-888-472-2222 – Notify them of your chosen cancellation date and request any ECF waivers that may apply to your situation. Get Shaw’s confirmation in writing.
- Return equipment – Box up any Shaw modem, routers, receivers or PVR units, and remote controls. Drop off at a Shaw store or arrange prepaid return shipping. Keep receipts.
- Pay final Shaw bill – Review your last bill carefully and pay on time. Dispute any erroneous ECF charges. Your final month is prorated for the days you had service.
- Start new services – Schedule installation with your new provider to begin the day after your Shaw disconnection goes into effect. This prevents service gaps.
- Get refunds – If owed any billing credits or deposits, keep following up with Shaw until they are returned, typically 1-2 billing cycles after cancellation.
How To Minimize or Waive Cancellation Fees?
While not guaranteed, you may be able to reduce or completely waive Shaw’s cancellation penalties by:
- Asking nicely – Politely emphasize your years of loyalty and ask for a one-time courtesy ECF waiver. Be firm yet friendly.
- Citing financial hardship – If you’ve lost income and can no longer afford services, Shaw may waive the ECF due to your personal circumstances.
- Downgrading services – Reducing your TV and internet plans reduces the ECF amount while technically staying a Shaw customer.
- Threatening to cancel everything – As a negotiation tactic, you can threaten to cancel all Shaw services unless they waive the ECF. But only do this if prepared to actually follow through.
- Pointing out contract inconsistencies – If Shaw’s contract language is contradictory or unclear regarding ECF terms, highlight this and request a fee waiver on those grounds.
- Going up the chain – Ask to speak to the Shaw cancellations department manager if frontline reps won’t budge on the ECF. Politely escalate your request up the chain of command.
- Filing complaints – If unfairly charged cancellation fees, file an official complaint with Shaw, the CRTC, and organizations like the Better Business Bureau to contest them.
Can I cancel my Shaw contract?
How To Cancel Shaw Without Penalty?
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that Shaw requires all customers to give 30 days’ notice before canceling their service. This means that if you cancel your service on the day it’s scheduled to end, you will still be responsible for paying for one more month of service.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that while you can cancel your Shaw service without paying a cancellation fee, you will still be responsible for paying any outstanding balances on your account. This includes any unpaid monthly charges, as well as any equipment rental fees or other miscellaneous charges.
Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that if you cancel your Shaw service, you will likely lose your Shaw email address. This means that you’ll need to set up a new email address with another provider before you cancel your Shaw service.
With all of that said, canceling your Shaw service is relatively simple – and if you keep the above information in mind, you can do so without incurring any penalties.
Shaw cancellation policy
Shaw’s Internet cancellation policy applies to all customers in Canada. To cancel your Shaw internet services, please follow the steps outlined below:
1. Log in to My Shaw or contact our customer service team at 1-888-472-2222..
2. Provide 30 days’ notice of cancellation and ensure that all outstanding payments are made before canceling your services.
3. Provide an accurate account number and telephone number so that a confirmation letter can be sent to you via email with instructions on how to return any equipment associated with your account.
4. A $50 Termination Fee will be charged as part of the process if the agreement was made more than 3 months prior to the cancellation date. If the agreement was made less than 3 months prior to cancellation, no fee will be charged.
5. Equipment must be returned within 30 days of cancellation or additional fees may apply.
6. If you are moving and would like to transfer your Shaw service to a new address, please contact our customer service team at 1-888-472-2222 for assistance.
7. For more information regarding Shaw’s internet cancellation policy, please refer to the Terms & Conditions page on our website.
What is the early cancellation fee for Shaw services?
If you cancel your Shaw service before the end of your contract, you may be charged an early cancellation fee. The amount of the fee will depend on how long you have left on your contract and what type of service you have. For example, if you have a two-year contract for Internet service and cancel after one year, you may be charged a $100 early cancellation fee.
If you are not sure how much your early cancellation fee would be, you can contact Shaw Customer Service for more information.
Can I downgrade Shaw’s service and get a refund?
If you’re not happy with the Shaw service you’re receiving, it may be possible to downgrade your package and receive a refund. This will depend on your individual contract, so it’s best to contact Shaw customer service to inquire about your specific situation.
In general, however, if you do decide to downgrade your Shaw service, you may be subject to an early termination fee. This fee will likely be based on the remaining balance of your contract, so it’s important to weigh the cost of the fee against the savings you’ll receive by switching to a lower-priced package.
If you’re still within your contract period, it’s also worth considering whether or not you’ll be able to move your Shaw service to a new location. If you’re moving to an area that isn’t serviced by Shaw, you may be able to cancel your contract without paying a fee.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to downgrade your Shaw service and receive a refund will come down to your individual circumstances. If you’re not happy with the service you’re receiving, it’s worth considering all of your options before making a decision.
What happens when I cancel my Shaw rental equipment?
Shaw offers a variety of rental equipment for its customers, including cable modems, routers, and set-top boxes. If you need to cancel your rental equipment for any reason, there are a few things you need to know.
First, if you cancel your rental equipment before the end of your contract, you will be charged a cancellation fee. This fee is based on the length of your contract and the type of equipment you rent. For example, if you rented a cable modem for one year and cancel it after six months, you would be charged a $60 cancellation fee.
Second, if you cancel your rental equipment after the end of your contract, you will not be charged a cancellation fee. However, you will be responsible for returning the equipment to Shaw within 30 days. If you do not return the equipment within this time frame, you will be charged the full retail price of the equipment.
Finally, if you cancel your rental equipment and do not return it to Shaw, you may also be subject to a late return fee. This fee is based on the length of your contract and the type of equipment you rent. For example, if you rented a cable modem for one year and do not return it within 30 days, you would be charged a $150 late return fee.
If you have any questions about canceling your Shaw rental equipment, please contact our customer service team. We would be happy to assist you.
Take Control of Your Shaw Cancellation
Breaking a Shaw service contract doesn’t have to mean getting stuck paying hefty early termination fees. With careful planning and negotiation, you can often cancel your Shaw TV, internet, or phone services without cancellation penalties.
Follow the step-by-step process outlined here for a smooth Shaw disconnection. Be sure to time your cancellation near your contract end date whenever feasible. And don’t be afraid to politely press Shaw for ECF waivers – it often works!
With the right approach, you can take control of the Shaw cancellation process and make the switch to improved services from another provider.
Common Shaw Cancellation Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about terminating Shaw accounts without penalties:
What is Shaw’s cancellation fee amount?
Shaw cancellation fees are typically $20 – $30 per month remaining on your contract. Actual ECF amounts depend on the services you subscribe to and any promotional discounts.
Can I just cancel Shaw at any time without penalties?
No, Shaw will charge ECFs if you cancel before your contract term is complete. The only way to guarantee no fees is to wait until your agreement term expires.
Will Shaw prorate my final month of service?
Yes, Shaw prorates your last partial month up to your actual cancellation date. You only pay for the days you had service before disconnecting.
Can I temporarily pause my Shaw account instead of canceling it?
Unfortunately, Shaw does not offer account pauses or seasonal service holds. You must choose to either continue paying or cancel.
How do I get my Shaw security deposit refunded after cancellation?
Shaw returns deposits as either an account credit or refund check after you disconnect and return equipment. Allow 1-2 billing cycles for deposit refunds.
Can I sign up for Shaw service again in the future?
Yes, you can subscribe to Shaw as a new customer again down the road. Your prior cancellation and account history don’t impact your eligibility for new promotions and pricing.
When will I receive my final bill from Shaw?
Great question! The answer depends on several factors. First, if your Shaw account is still active, then you may receive your final bill in the mail or by email depending on how you have set up your billing preferences with Shaw.
Ideally, you will receive a final bill within 1-2 weeks after any outstanding amount has been settled and all services have been canceled. If there are any credits or refunds to be applied to the account, they will also appear on this bill.
Moreover, it’s important that you contact customer service at Shaw if you feel like something wasn’t properly taken care of prior to the cancelation of service and prior to receiving the final bill. If anything was overlooked or left out during cancellation (such as unreturned equipment) then it could be reflected in an additional charge once the final bill arrives which could delay its arrival again until everything is fully settled.
If it has been more than two weeks since cancellation and you haven’t received your final bill yet from Shaw, then it’s best that you contact their customer service team directly for further assistance as they can give more personalized information about what might be causing a delay in receiving a such document from them.
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