Short answer. A subscription box with a cheap first box needs a reminder before the first full-price box, a renewal cooling-off notice when the price steps up and a reminder at least every six months. Customers must be able to cancel online.
Boxes love a discounted first delivery. Under the draft Regulations a discounted start is a trigger: the customer must be reminded before the price rises and gets a fresh cooling-off period when it does.
- A discounted first box counts as a discounted start.
- The reminder goes out before the first full-price payment.
- Cut-off dates for a box do not change the notice timing.
Worked example: Monthly box
A discounted first box, then £24.99 a month from 1 March 2027.
| Date | Notice | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 February 2027 | Full contract information | At sign-up |
| 1 February 2027 | Cooling-off notice | Cooling-off ends 15 February 2027 |
| 22 February 2027 | Discount ending reminder | Payment of £24.99 on 1 March 2027 |
| 1 March 2027 | Renewal cooling-off notice | Payment of £24.99 on 1 March 2027. Cooling-off ends 15 March 2027 |
| 25 July 2027 | Six-monthly reminder | Payment of £24.99 on 1 August 2027 |
| 25 January 2028 | Six-monthly reminder | Payment of £24.99 on 1 February 2028 |
| 25 July 2028 | Six-monthly reminder | Payment of £24.99 on 1 August 2028 |
| 25 January 2029 | Six-monthly reminder | Payment of £24.99 on 1 February 2029 |
End-of-contract confirmation: Within 24 hours of an online cancellation.
Suggested checkout wording: We'll email you 3 to 7 days before your discounted period ends, and before renewal at least every 6 months, 5 to 10 days before the payment. You can cancel online at any time.
Timings use our suggested defaults. The law doesn't fix the number of days; you choose a window and state it at checkout.
Questions
What if the customer skips a month?
Pauses are still being settled in the draft. Notices should resume when the subscription restarts.
Not legal advice. If unsure, check with an adviser.