How to cancel an order on Fiverr—it’s something most users hope they never have to deal with. But if you’ve spent any time on the platform, you’ll know things don’t always go as planned. Whether you’re a buyer who’s received subpar work or a seller dealing with a no-show client, sometimes cancellation is the cleanest path forward.
I’ve been on both sides of the Fiverr equation—offering gigs and hiring freelancers. And over the years, I’ve had to cancel a handful of orders, each with its own lesson. So in this post, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to cancel an order on Fiverr, whether you’re a seller or a buyer. I’ll also share some tips to minimize damage to your profile and protect your peace of mind.
Let’s break it down.
Why You Might Need to Cancel an Order
Before we jump into the how, let’s talk about the why. Fiverr, for the most part, works well when both parties communicate clearly and deliver what’s expected. But every so often, something goes wrong. Here are some common reasons for cancellations:
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You ordered the wrong gig by mistake.
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The seller delivered low-quality or completely off-topic work.
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There’s a major communication gap.
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The buyer disappears mid-order.
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You’re a seller and realize you can’t meet the deadline or the buyer’s expectations.
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The order violates Fiverr’s policies or involves something shady.
It’s important to remember: cancellations are part of freelancing. What matters more is how you handle them.
How to Cancel an Order on Fiverr as a Buyer
If you’re a buyer and things aren’t going the way you hoped, follow these steps:
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Start with Communication
Don’t jump into a cancellation request right away. Try messaging the seller first. In many cases, issues can be resolved through a simple conversation.Personal Tip: I once had a seller send a logo that looked rushed. Instead of canceling, I asked for a revision and they completely turned it around. Don’t assume bad intent—sometimes it’s just a miscommunication.
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Use the Resolution Center
Still want to cancel? Go to the order page and click on “Resolution Center.” Here, Fiverr walks you through options like requesting a cancellation or delivery extension. -
Select the Reason for Cancellation
Fiverr will ask you to pick a reason. Be honest but polite. It helps the seller understand your side and reduces the chance of dispute. -
Wait for the Seller’s Response
The seller has 48 hours to accept or deny your request. If they accept, the order is canceled, and you’re refunded. If they reject or don’t respond, you can escalate it to Fiverr Support. -
What if the Order Was Already Delivered?
If you’re unhappy with the delivery, request a revision first. If that still doesn’t solve the issue, go to the Resolution Center and request a cancellation from there.
How to Cancel an Order on Fiverr as a Seller
Now, if you’re a seller and need to cancel, it gets a bit trickier. Fiverr takes seller-initiated cancellations seriously, and they can impact your completion rate and ranking. Still, sometimes it’s unavoidable. Here’s how to do it professionally:
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Message the Buyer First
Always start with a message explaining your situation. Maybe the buyer’s instructions were unclear, or maybe they’ve gone radio silent. Whatever the reason, explain it clearly. -
Open the Resolution Center
On the order page, click “Resolution Center,” then choose “Ask the Buyer to Cancel the Order.” -
Select a Valid Reason
Fiverr gives you options like “buyer not responsive,” “can’t complete order due to external factors,” etc. Again, choose the one that fits and keep your explanation short and professional. -
Let the Buyer Respond
The buyer has 48 hours to reply. If they agree, great. If not, Fiverr Support may step in, especially if the buyer hasn’t responded at all.
Personal Note: I once had to cancel an order because the buyer sent a PDF in Spanish, and I clearly stated I only work in English. I explained it respectfully and offered to help them find another seller. They appreciated the honesty and accepted the cancellation without fuss.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
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Cancellations Affect Your Seller Stats
Fiverr does penalize sellers for cancellations, especially if you cancel frequently. That’s why communication is key—if you can solve the issue without canceling, do it. -
Be Transparent and Kind
Don’t let frustration get the better of you. Even if the other party is being unreasonable, keeping your tone respectful helps Fiverr support take your side if things escalate. -
Know When to Escalate
If the other party ghosts you, or if something feels off (like potential scams), Fiverr support can step in. Just document everything.
Tips to Avoid Cancellations Altogether
While it’s good to know how to cancel an order on Fiverr, it’s even better to avoid needing to. Here are a few preventative tips:
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Read the Gig Description Carefully – Most surprises come from buyers who skipped this step.
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Send a Message Before Ordering – Especially if your needs are even slightly custom.
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Be Clear with Instructions – Vague briefs = vague results.
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Ask for Samples or Clarification – Don’t be afraid to say, “Could you show me an example of your work before I commit?”
Conclusion
Canceling an order on Fiverr isn’t fun, but it’s not the end of the world either. Whether you’re a buyer who made a mistake or a seller dealing with unreasonable demands, knowing how to cancel an order on Fiverr the right way makes a big difference.
The key is respectful communication, using the Resolution Center, and documenting everything. And don’t forget—it’s okay to walk away from a deal that doesn’t feel right. It’s better to cancel early than to drag out a bad experience.
So, next time you find yourself in a tough Fiverr situation, take a deep breath and refer back to this guide. You’ve got this.
Have you ever had to cancel a Fiverr order? How did it go? Drop your story in the comments—I’d love to hear your experience!