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Cancel Laithwaites: The Right Way
How to cancel your laithwaites wine subscription in south africa
What is laithwaites and how do subscriptions work
Laithwaites is an international wine retailer that delivers curated wine cases to your door based on your taste preferences and order history. The service operates on both one-time purchase and subscription models, with Wine Plans that ship at regular intervals. Many customers in South Africa appreciate the convenience of regular deliveries, but if the service no longer suits your needs, cancelling is straightforward. Stopee understands that subscription fatigue is real, and we're here to guide you through every step of the cancellation process.
How wine plans work
Laithwaites Wine Plans typically ship cases at regular intervals, such as quarterly or bi-monthly. You choose your preferences once, and the retailer curates selections based on your profile. Most importantly, you can skip individual cases or cancel your plan at any time without penalty. Annual Unlimited memberships, however, auto-renew unless you actively notify customer services before the renewal date. Understanding your plan type is the first step to cancelling without surprise charges.
Subscription vs one-time orders
If you've placed a one-time order, you don't need to cancel a subscription; you simply return the wine within 14 calendar days if you're unhappy. If you're enrolled in a Wine Plan or Unlimited membership, you'll need to contact customer services or log into your account to stop future shipments. Stopee recommends checking your account dashboard first to identify which model you're using before you proceed.
Why you might want to cancel laithwaites
Your reasons for cancelling are valid, whether financial, lifestyle changes, or simply finding a better option elsewhere. Here are the most common reasons South African customers end their Laithwaites relationship.
Financial and budgeting concerns
Wine subscriptions add up quickly when combined with shipping and potential import duties. If monthly or quarterly charges are straining your budget, or if you've found better value elsewhere, cancelling frees up cash for priorities that matter more right now. You're not obligated to justify your decision; your financial wellbeing comes first.
Quality or service issues
If you've received faulty bottles, corked wine, or selections that don't match your taste, you deserve better. Laithwaites does offer replacements and refunds for defective stock, but if you've lost confidence in the curation process, cancelling is the right call. You can also request a refund within 14 calendar days of receiving your order, including delivery costs.
Over-supply or changing preferences
Life circumstances change. Your entertaining habits may have shifted, your palate preferences evolved, or you simply have too much wine in the cellar already. There's no shame in admitting the subscription no longer fits your lifestyle.
Your consumer rights in south africa
South African consumer protection law gives you strong safeguards when cancelling wine subscriptions and requesting refunds. Knowing your rights empowers you to stand firm if Laithwaites resists your cancellation.
Consumer protection act and direct marketing
Under South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA), you have the right to cancel distance contracts (like online subscriptions) within 14 calendar days of receiving your goods, for any reason or no reason at all. Wine delivered via post or courier qualifies as a distance contract. You must notify Laithwaites in writing (email counts), and the retailer must then collect the goods or arrange return shipping at their cost, depending on the terms agreed at purchase.
Defective goods and refunds
If a bottle arrives faulty, corked, oxidised, or damaged in transit, the CPA entitles you to a refund, replacement, or repair at no extra cost. Laithwaites' standard policy states that unopened, undamaged bottles are refundable within 14 days. Opened bottles or those showing signs of mishandling receive reduced refunds or no refund at all. If you receive faulty wine, photograph the bottle and cork, contact customer services immediately, and request replacement or refund.
Auto-renewal and cancellation notice periods
The CPA also requires that auto-renewing memberships (like annual Unlimited plans) can be cancelled without penalty, provided you notify the company before the renewal date. Laithwaites must process your cancellation request within a reasonable time, typically 5 to 10 working days for postal notices. Email cancellations often process within 1 to 3 working days. Always request written confirmation of your cancellation for dispute resolution if charges continue.
How to cancel your laithwaites wine plan online
The fastest way to cancel a Wine Plan is through your Laithwaites account dashboard. This method takes minutes and gives you instant confirmation.
Step-by-step online cancellation
- Log into your Laithwaites account using your email address and password.
- If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page and reset via email.
- Navigate to your account settings or "My Wine Plan" section (exact menu names vary by website version).
- Look for tabs labelled "My Orders," "Subscriptions," or "Wine Plans."
- Select the Wine Plan you want to cancel and choose the option to "Cancel Plan" or "Stop Deliveries."
- You may see a prompt asking why you're leaving; this is optional feedback, not a requirement to proceed.
- Some plans allow you to skip individual cases instead of cancelling permanently; choose based on your needs.
- Confirm your cancellation on the next screen.
- Read the confirmation message carefully to note the effective cancellation date.
- Screenshot or print the cancellation confirmation page immediately.
- Pro tip: Save this proof to your email or cloud storage; it's your receipt if Laithwaites charges you again by mistake.
- Check your email within 24 hours for a formal cancellation confirmation from Laithwaites customer services.
- If you don't receive this email, contact Stopee's guide below to escalate.
What happens if the online option isn't available
Occasionally, the online cancellation tool malfunctions or doesn't appear for certain account types. If you click to cancel and the option doesn't process, move directly to the postal or phone method below. Warning: Don't assume your cancellation worked if you didn't see a confirmation page; always verify by contacting customer services or checking your account the next day.
How to cancel by contacting customer services
If you prefer speaking to a real person, or if online cancellation didn't work, reaching Laithwaites customer services directly ensures a documented paper trail.
Cancellation by email
- Compose a clear email to Laithwaites Customer Services (contact details in the final section below).
- Subject line: "Request to Cancel Wine Plan - [Your Account Number or Email Address]"
- Include your full name, account email, membership number (if you have it), and the date you want cancellation to take effect.
- State: "I request immediate cancellation of my Wine Plan, effective [date]. Please confirm this cancellation in writing and stop all future charges."
- Keep the email brief, professional, and to the point.
- Avoid lengthy explanations; your reason for cancelling is private, and the company doesn't need to approve it.
- Send the email and note the date and time sent.
- Open your "Sent" folder to confirm delivery.
- Wait for a response within 2 to 5 working days.
- Pro tip: If you don't hear back within a week, send a follow-up email or call customer services directly.
- Once you receive written confirmation, save it in a dedicated folder.
- You'll need this proof if unwanted charges reappear on your credit card or bank statement.
Cancellation by post
- Write a formal cancellation letter signed by you, stating:
- Your full name and account email address
- Your membership or account number (if available)
- The date you want the cancellation to take effect
- A clear statement: "I request cancellation of my Laithwaites Wine Plan, effective [date]. Please confirm in writing."
- Print and sign the letter by hand.
- Email alone isn't always recognized for formal cancellations by some companies; a signed letter carries more legal weight.
- Send the letter via Recorded Delivery to Laithwaites Customer Services (address provided at the end of this guide).
- Recorded Delivery costs a few pounds or rands extra but proves delivery and gives you a tracking number.
- Keep your proof of postage receipt; this is your evidence of cancellation notification.
- Allow 5 to 10 working days for processing from the date Laithwaites receives your letter.
- Check your account and bank statements regularly during this period to ensure no charges occur.
- If no confirmation arrives within 10 working days, call customer services with your Recorded Delivery tracking number as evidence.
- Warning: Don't assume silence means acceptance; follow up proactively.
Cancelling an annual unlimited membership
Unlimited memberships auto-renew every 12 months unless you cancel before the renewal date. This is a critical deadline you cannot miss.
How to stop auto-renewal
- Log into your account and check your membership expiry date.
- This is usually visible in your account settings or order history.
- Note the renewal date and mark your calendar 30 days before it.
- This gives you a safety buffer to contact Laithwaites without rushing.
- Contact customer services at least 14 days before renewal using email or phone (see final section for contact details).
- State: "Please cancel my Unlimited membership before renewal on [date]. Do not auto-renew."
- Request written confirmation that your membership will not renew.
- This email is your protection against surprise charges when your renewal date arrives.
- Check your bank statement on the renewal date to confirm no charge occurred.
- If you were charged despite requesting cancellation, Stopee recommends filing a chargeback dispute with your bank immediately, providing your cancellation email as proof of attempted cancellation.
Membership vs wine plan: which are you cancelling?
Confusion between Unlimited memberships (annual, auto-renew) and regular Wine Plans (flexible, cancel anytime) causes many mistakes. Check your most recent invoice or account settings to see which you're paying for. Stopee advises cancelling whichever applies, but if you're unsure, contact customer services with your account number and ask them to clarify your current subscription type before you proceed.
What happens after you cancel
Cancellation isn't the end of the story; what comes next matters for your refunds and your peace of mind.
Future shipments and charges
Once your cancellation takes effect, future scheduled cases will not ship, and you will not be charged for new orders. However, if you cancel mid-cycle and a case is already packed and in transit, you may receive it. In this case, you have 14 calendar days from delivery to return the unopened case and request a refund, including delivery costs. Check your order history weekly for 2 to 3 weeks after cancellation to catch any rogue shipments and contact customer services immediately if one arrives unexpectedly.
Account data and access
Your account information, order history, and tasting preferences remain on file according to Laithwaites' privacy policy. You can log back in anytime to review past orders or reactivate your account if you change your mind. Your data is not deleted automatically upon cancellation; if you want it removed, contact customer services separately to request data deletion under privacy rights. Most South African consumers simply leave their account inactive, which poses no ongoing risk.
Refunds for pending cases
If your cancellation falls within a billing cycle and you haven't been charged for the next case, you'll receive no refund because no charge was made. If you were charged in advance for a case that doesn't ship (because you cancelled before processing), Laithwaites will refund that charge within 14 calendar days of your cancellation notification. Track your bank statement closely; if the refund doesn't appear within this window, request an updated status from customer services with your cancellation date.
Can you get a refund after cancelling
Refund eligibility depends on whether you're returning an unopened case or requesting refund of advance charges. Stopee breaks down the scenarios so you understand exactly what to expect.
Unopened wine within 14 days
You can request a refund for unopened wine cases up to and including 14 calendar days after you receive them. Laithwaites will reimburse the full purchase price plus delivery costs, provided the bottles are unopened, undamaged, and in original condition. You must arrange return or collection with customer services; in most cases, Laithwaites arranges collection at no cost to you. Process this refund request by email or phone (contact details below), and Laithwaites will issue a refund to your original payment method within 14 calendar days of receiving your returned goods.
Opened or damaged bottles
If a bottle has been opened or shows signs of mishandling beyond reasonable inspection, Laithwaites may reduce your refund or deny it entirely. However, if a bottle arrived already faulty (corked, leaking, oxidised), you're entitled to replacement or full refund. Document the fault with photographs of the label, cork, and any visible damage, then email these photos to customer services alongside your refund request. Laithwaites will review and approve replacement or refund based on the evidence provided.
Quality guarantee and faulty wine
Laithwaites guarantees that all wine arrives in drinkable condition. If you open a bottle and find it faulty, corked, or off-flavour, contact customer services immediately with the bottle present. They may ask you to describe the fault or send the bottle back for inspection. Once confirmed faulty, you're entitled to replacement wine or refund of that bottle's cost. This guarantee is separate from the 14-day cancellation refund window and applies indefinitely for genuinely defective stock.
Laithwaites pricing in south africa
Understanding what you're paying helps you decide whether cancellation is the right move. Laithwaites publishes prices primarily in USD and GBP; South African pricing isn't listed directly on their website.
How to calculate ZAR costs
To estimate your actual South African cost, convert the USD or GBP price listed on their website using today's exchange rate, then add shipping and any import duties. Duties can range from 15% to 25% depending on the wine's origin and value. Most wine imports into South Africa incur customs duty, so budget accordingly. Stopee recommends using a current exchange rate converter (XE.com or OANDA) and contacting Laithwaites directly to ask if they can quote you in ZAR before you place an order, though this isn't always possible.
Pricing examples and plan types
| Plan type | Price range (USD/GBP) | Features | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Wine Plan (example) | US$14.99-$19.99 per bottle (cases of 12: $179.88-$239.88) | Curated cases, skip or cancel anytime, no membership required | Quarterly or bi-monthly |
| Unlimited Member pricing (example) | US$161.88-$215.88 per 12-bottle case (savings vs standard) | Discounted prices, annual membership fee applies, auto-renews | Quarterly or custom |
| Introductory offer (example) | £5 per bottle intro, then £139.99 per case + £19.99 shipping | First case discounted, free delivery often included, then standard pricing | Quarterly |
| One-time purchase (example) | Variable by wine selection, typically $15-$30 per bottle | No subscription, no auto-renewal, return within 14 days if unopened | Single order, no commitment |
Pro tip: If you're still evaluating whether to stay or cancel, compare these prices to local South African wine retailers online. You may find that local bulk wine suppliers or your neighbourhood bottle store offer better value once shipping and duties are factored in.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
We understand cancellation can feel stressful, especially if you're worried about ongoing charges or confused by the process. Here are the pitfalls Stopee sees most often, and how to sidestep them.
Not getting written confirmation
The single biggest mistake is cancelling verbally or via chat, then assuming you're done. If you don't have a written, timestamped confirmation from Laithwaites, you have no proof if charges continue. Always get email confirmation or a screenshot showing cancellation processed. Forward this to your own email or print it. This is your insurance policy against billing disputes.
Cancelling mid-cycle and expecting immediate refunds
If you cancel after a charge has already posted to your bank but before the case ships, Laithwaites will refund the charge within 14 days. However, refunds don't happen instantly; they take 5 to 14 working days to appear in your account depending on your bank. Don't panic if the refund doesn't show up the next day. If 14 days pass with no refund, then escalate to customer services.
Missing the annual membership renewal date
Annual Unlimited memberships auto-renew silently if you don't cancel beforehand. If you miss the deadline, you'll be charged for another year. The solution is to mark your calendar 30 days before renewal and contact customer services well in advance. If you miss the cutoff and were charged, contact Laithwaites immediately to request a refund as a cancelled membership, citing the CPA's auto-renewal rules.
Confusing account closure with cancellation
Cancelling your Wine Plan does not delete your account. Your account remains active and accessible. If you want your account completely removed, you must request account deletion separately from customer services. For most users, leaving the account dormant is fine and poses no ongoing charge or privacy risk.
Not checking delivery status before cancelling
If a case is already dispatched (in transit), cancelling your plan won't stop it arriving. You'll receive it and then have 14 days to return it for a refund. To avoid this surprise, check your order status before cancelling. If a shipment is imminent, consider timing your cancellation after it arrives and is processed, rather than during transit.
After your cancellation: a final checklist
Use this checklist in the days and weeks following your cancellation request to ensure everything went through.
| Action | Deadline | What to do if it's missed |
|---|---|---|
| Receive cancellation confirmation email | Within 24-48 hours | Follow up with customer services if no email arrives by day 2 |
| Screenshot or save confirmation for records | Immediately after cancelling | If you forget, request a cancellation confirmation email from customer services |
| Check bank or credit card statement for surprise charges | Weekly for 3 weeks after cancellation | Contact Laithwaites and your bank immediately if a charge appears post-cancellation |
| Log into Laithwaites account and verify cancellation status | 3-5 days after request | Contact customer services if your plan still shows as active or pending renewal |
| Confirm refund arrival (if applicable) | 14 calendar days after refund request | Request refund status from customer services or initiate bank dispute if delayed beyond 14 days |
| Review order history for surprise shipments | Monthly for 3 months post-cancellation | If a case arrives, return it within 14 days and request refund |
Laithwaites customer service contact details
Reach out to Laithwaites using these official channels. Stopee confirms these are the primary addresses where cancellations and returns are handled.
Email and online contact
For general customer service inquiries, including cancellation requests, contact Laithwaites via their website contact form or email. Response times are typically 2 to 5 working days. Provide your full name, account email, and account number (if available) in your message for faster processing.
Postal address (cancellation by registered mail)
Send cancellation letters via Recorded Delivery to: Laithwaites Customer Services, [Primary Cancellation Address as provided by Laithwaites]. Allow 5 to 10 working days for processing after your letter is received. Include your name, account details, and cancellation request in writing.
Stopee also lists the registered office address as an alternative for formal correspondence: [Registered Office Address as provided]. Use this address if customer services doesn't respond within 7 working days.
Escalation: south african consumer protection
If Laithwaites refuses to cancel your account or process a refund you believe you're entitled to, you can escalate your complaint to the National Consumer Commission (NCC) in South Africa. The NCC handles disputes under the Consumer Protection Act. File a complaint at www.ncc.org.za or contact them by phone. Provide your cancellation request correspondence, proof of charges, and evidence of your cancellation attempt. The NCC can compel Laithwaites to comply with cancellation and refund obligations if the company is breaking the law.
Why stopee makes cancellation easier
Cancelling wine subscriptions doesn't have to feel like a battle. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel Laithwaites and other subscriptions by providing step-by-step guidance, identifying their consumer rights, and offering templates for cancellation emails and letters. Whether you choose to cancel online, by email, or by post, Stopee empowers you with the knowledge to do it confidently and keep proof for protection. Visit Stopee today to access cancellation templates, review real customer experiences, and get support for your own cancellation journey.