Pausing and canceling are different actions with different outcomes. This article explains how each works, when each takes effect, and how to decide which one you want.
Quick comparison
| Pause | Cancel |
Effect on billing | Stops future charges until the pause ends | Stops future charges permanently |
Effect on shipments | Stops shipments during the pause | Stops shipments after current cycle |
Automatic resume? | Yes — on the end date you set | No |
Requires end date? | Yes | No |
Refunds prior charges? | No | No |
How pausing works
Pausing is a temporary hold on your subscription. It's designed for clients who want to come back after a defined period — travel, a break in care, a schedule conflict.
Key timing rule: pauses scheduled through the website take effect at your next billing cycle, not immediately. If you've already been charged for the current cycle, that charge stands — but no future charges occur during the pause.
When you pause:
You specify an end date
Service and billing pause from the effective date through the end date
Your subscription automatically resumes on the end date unless you extend the pause or cancel
Important: Skipping your intake questionnaire does not pause your subscription. Auto-renewal continues regardless of whether the questionnaire is completed. To stop charges, you must explicitly pause or cancel from your dashboard.
How canceling works
Canceling turns off auto-renewal. Your subscription does not resume on its own.
Month-to-month plans end at the close of the current month.
Committed multi-month plans continue through the end of the committed term you agreed to at checkout. They are not eligible for early termination or a partial refund of the committed term.
After you cancel, you continue to receive any remaining shipments owed under your current term. At the end of that term, the plan does not renew and you will not be charged again.
For full cancellation, refund, and subscription terms, see Return, Refund, & Subscription Policy.
Which one is right for you?
Pause if:
You want a defined break and plan to come back
You're traveling and don't need a shipment for a specific window
You want to skip a refill but stay enrolled
Cancel if:
You're stopping the protocol permanently
You don't want auto-renewal at any point
You're moving to a different provider
If you're unsure, pause is the safer option — you can always cancel later. Reversing a cancellation is harder, especially once a committed term ends.
Common confusion points
Pause doesn't refund the current cycle. If your current cycle was already charged, that charge stands. The pause prevents future charges only.
Pause auto-resumes. You set an end date. If you forget, billing restarts on that date. Check your pause status in your account settings.
Questionnaire emails fire during pauses. This is automated and doesn't mean you're being charged. Completing the questionnaire doesn't unpause you; ignoring it doesn't pause you.
You can't pause with an outstanding balance. Clear any outstanding balance first, then pause.
How to pause or cancel
Sign in to your Maximus dashboard at app.maximustribe.com
Go to Settings → Manage Subscription
Choose Pause (and set an end date) or Cancel
Self-service is available through the dashboard; no phone call is required. You can also email support@maximustribe.com for assistance.
Related articles
Why was I charged after pausing my subscription? — covers specific post-pause charge scenarios
Return, Refund, & Subscription Policy — full subscription terms
How are account credits and charges managed during subscription changes or pauses? — for credit-related questions during pauses