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Handling Cancellations as a Seller

3 min read

(Orders, Returns & Exchanges – Seller Guide)

Order cancellations are sometimes unavoidable — but how and when you cancel matters.
Understanding the correct cancellation process protects your earnings, ratings, and dispatchment eligibility, especially for orders Dispatched by Kingston Express.

This guide explains:

  • When cancellations are allowed
  • Who can cancel
  • What sellers should do (and avoid)
  • How dispatchment changes cancellation rules

What Is an Order Cancellation? #

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An order cancellation means:

  • The order is stopped before delivery
  • The item is not delivered to the customer
  • A refund may be issued depending on timing

📌 Cancellations are different from returns.


Who Can Cancel an Order? #

👤 Customers Can Cancel: #

  • Shortly after placing the order
  • Before processing or dispatch begins

🧑‍💼 Sellers Can Cancel: #

  • Only under valid, policy-approved reasons

📦 Sellers should cancel only when necessary.


Step 1: Check the Shipping Method (Critical) #

Before taking any action, confirm how the order is fulfilled:

🟦 Dispatched by Kingston Express #

  • Cancellations are time-sensitive
  • Once processing begins, cancellation may not be possible

🚚 Seller-Managed Order #

  • Seller has more control, but rules still apply

📌 Never cancel blindly.


When Sellers ARE Allowed to Cancel #

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Valid seller cancellation reasons include:
✔ Item is out of stock
✔ Listing error (price or description mistake)
✔ Product damage before shipping
✔ Delivery is impossible (seller-managed)

📌 Always select the correct cancellation reason.


When Sellers Should NOT Cancel #

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❌ Order is already dispatched
❌ Order is in transit
❌ Order is out for delivery
❌ Order has been delivered

⚠️ Cancelling at these stages causes disputes.


Cancellations for Dispatched by Kingston Express Orders #

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What Sellers Should Know #

  • Cancellation is only possible before processing begins
  • Once packing starts, the order cannot be cancelled
  • After dispatch, cancellation becomes a return, not a cancellation

Seller Action #

✔ Monitor status quickly
✔ Act immediately if a valid issue exists
✔ Contact support if unsure

📦 Timing is everything with dispatchment.


Cancellations for Seller-Managed Orders #

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For seller-managed orders:

  • You may cancel before shipping
  • You must not cancel after handoff to courier or delivery

📌 Once shipped, cancellation is no longer appropriate.


How Cancellations Affect Refunds #

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  • Approved cancellations usually trigger refunds
  • Refund timing depends on payment method
  • Shipping fees may or may not be refundable

📌 Refunds follow platform policy.


How Cancellations Affect Seller Performance #

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Excessive cancellations can:

  • Lower seller reliability scores
  • Affect visibility
  • Limit dispatchment eligibility

📉 Patterns matter more than one cancellation.


Best Practices to Minimize Cancellations #

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✔ Keep inventory accurate
✔ Update listings promptly
✔ Review orders quickly
✔ Use Dispatched by Kingston Express for stable inventory
✔ Communicate early if issues arise


Common Seller Cancellation Mistakes #

❌ Cancelling instead of returning
❌ Cancelling to avoid delays
❌ Selecting incorrect cancellation reasons
❌ Cancelling dispatchment orders too late

⚠️ These mistakes often lead to disputes.


When to Contact Support #

Contact **Kingston Express Support if:

  • You’re unsure whether cancellation is allowed
  • A dispatchment order needs urgent review
  • A customer requests cancellation mid-transit

📧 Include the order ID and issue.


Final Rule (Remember This) #

👉 Cancel early, cancel correctly — or don’t cancel at all.

Sellers who follow cancellation rules, act quickly, and trust Dispatched by Kingston Express avoid penalties and protect long-term growth 📦❌➡️✅

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