How to cancel Gourmet Society and reclaim your dining budget
Understanding Gourmet Society before you cancel
Gourmet Society is a dining membership service that connects you with discounts and exclusive offers at participating restaurants, bars, and cafes across South Africa. Your membership unlocks percentage discounts, two-for-one promotions, and special deals at partner venues in your area. However, if you've stopped using the service or found better value elsewhere, cancelling is your right. Yafee is here to walk you through every step, ensuring you understand your legal protections and the fastest route to terminate your contract.
What membership typically includes
When you join Gourmet Society, you gain access to a curated list of partner venues offering real savings on dining experiences. Benefits vary by membership tier and location, so what's available in Johannesburg may differ from what partners offer in Cape Town. Offers refresh regularly, but participation depends on individual venue agreements that can change without notice. You should verify current partner venues in your area before deciding whether the membership fee justifies your expected usage.
Why members cancel
You might cancel because participating venues near you have closed or dropped their offers. Perhaps you've realised the membership fee costs more than the actual savings you achieve. Or you simply prefer to dine without the hassle of checking available deals first. Whatever your reason, you have the right to walk away. Yafee respects your decision and helps you execute a clean cancellation.
Your consumer rights and what they mean for you
Your right to cancel Gourmet Society is protected by South Africa's Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008 (the CPA). This law gives you explicit rights when dealing with subscription services, particularly around transparency, cancellation procedures, and refunds.
Legal position: what the consumer protection act guarantees
Your legal position: Under section 5 of the CPA, the supplier (Gourmet Society) must treat you fairly and not engage in misleading or fraudulent conduct. Section 39 of the CPA requires that any agreement-including subscription terms-be presented in plain language and made available to you before you commit. Critically, section 48 grants you a 14-day cancellation window for distance contracts (those concluded online or via post) without penalty, provided you act within that period from the date you received the service documentation. After that window closes, you may still cancel, but the supplier can apply a reasonable termination fee aligned with their documented policy. Yafee advises you to review your original sign-up confirmation: it should state the cooling-off period and any post-14-day cancellation charges clearly. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) enforces these rights and investigates complaints if Gourmet Society refuses a lawful cancellation or imposes unfair fees.
Cancellation fees and what counts as fair
If you fall outside the 14-day cooling-off period, Gourmet Society may charge a termination fee. The CPA does not ban these fees outright, but they must be reasonable and proportionate to actual losses the company incurs from your early exit. A fee that amounts to the entire remaining contract value is likely unfair. Yafee recommends requesting a written breakdown of any termination charge before you pay it. If you believe the fee is excessive or the cancellation terms were hidden, file a complaint with the National Consumer Commission at [email protected] or call 0800 013 507.
Why you should cancel if the service isn't working for you
Staying subscribed to a service you do not use is invisible financial bleeding that accumulates month after month.
Signs that cancellation makes sense
You should cancel if you haven't used your membership in the last three months, if the participating restaurants near you no longer honour the offers, or if the annual or monthly fee exceeds what you'd realistically save. Yafee recommends cancelling immediately if you discover you can get better discounts by signing up to individual restaurant loyalty programmes instead. Stop throwing good money at a membership that doesn't serve your lifestyle.
The financial impact of delay
If Gourmet Society charges you R199 annually and you cancel three months late, you've lost R50 to inaction. Over five years of forgotten memberships, that's R250 per service-money that adds up fast across your subscription portfolio. Cancelling today stops the next charge tomorrow. Use the tools at Yafee to track all your active subscriptions and identify which ones deserve termination.
Pricing and membership tiers
Understanding what you're paying helps clarify whether cancellation makes financial sense for your circumstances.
| Membership tier |
Annual cost (ZAR) |
Monthly cost (ZAR) |
Typical benefits |
| Standard |
R199 |
R16.58 |
Access to baseline partner venues and rotating offers |
| Premium |
R349 |
R29.08 |
Enhanced partner network, exclusive events, priority support |
| Corporate |
Custom |
Custom |
Bulk memberships for teams; discounted per-seat rate |
These figures are typical but may vary. Check your most recent billing statement or account dashboard to confirm your exact tier and renewal date.
How to cancel Gourmet Society in straightforward ways
Cancellation methods depend on how you signed up and which account platform you use. Follow the path that matches your situation and save proof of cancellation immediately.
Method 1: cancel through the online member portal
This is the fastest route if you have direct access to your Gourmet Society account.
- Log in to your Gourmet Society member account using your registered email and password.
- If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page to reset it via email.
- Navigate to your account settings or membership dashboard.
- Look for tabs labelled "Account", "Subscriptions", "My membership", or "Billing"-the exact label varies by platform version.
- Locate the section showing your active membership or subscription status.
- You should see the plan name, renewal date, and payment method linked to your account.
- Select the option to cancel, pause, or manage your subscription.
- Read the on-screen warnings carefully-some services allow you to pause rather than cancel permanently.
- Confirm your cancellation request and wait for the system prompt.
- The portal will usually display a confirmation message with a cancellation reference number or date.
- Screenshot or download your cancellation confirmation immediately.
- Save this to your device or email it to yourself as proof that you cancelled within the correct timeframe.
Method 2: cancel via email to customer support
If the online portal is unavailable or you prefer a documented paper trail, email cancellation is your fallback.
- Compose a clear cancellation email addressed to Gourmet Society's customer support team.
- Use a subject line: "Membership cancellation request - [Your member ID or full name]".
- Include the following details in your message:
- Your full name as it appears on the account.
- Your member ID (found on your membership card or account dashboard).
- Your registered email address and phone number.
- The date you wish the cancellation to take effect (ideally within 14 days for cooling-off protection).
- A brief reason for cancellation (optional but helpful for feedback).
- Send the email to Gourmet Society's listed customer support address.
- Yafee advises sending via registered email or requesting a read receipt to prove delivery.
- Await a confirmation email acknowledging your cancellation request.
- This confirmation should include a reference number and the effective cancellation date.
- Save the confirmation email, the read receipt, and your original cancellation request.
- Store these in a dedicated folder for subscription records, accessible for at least 12 months.
Method 3: cancel by phone or written letter
Some members prefer direct contact to ensure immediate acknowledgement of their cancellation.
- Call Gourmet Society's customer service line during business hours.
- Have your membership details ready (member ID, registered email, account opening date).
- Request cancellation and state your intention clearly.
- Ask the agent to confirm your cancellation date and any applicable fees.
- Request a reference number or confirmation code.
- Note the agent's name, the time of call, and the reference number in writing immediately.
- Send a follow-up email reiterating the cancellation to create a second record.
- Use language such as: "Following my telephone conversation with [agent name] at [time] on [date], I confirm my request to cancel my Gourmet Society membership effective [date]."
- Alternatively, send a registered letter to Gourmet Society's official address.
- Include the same details as your email cancellation and request a signed receipt of delivery.
Timeline and when your cancellation takes effect
Cancellation timing depends on your renewal cycle and when Gourmet Society processes your request.
Immediate versus end-of-cycle cancellation
When you cancel, Gourmet Society may offer two options. Immediate cancellation terminates access right away, though you may lose unused membership time. End-of-cycle cancellation allows you to retain access until your next renewal date, after which the subscription lapses. If you're within the 14-day cooling-off window, choose immediate cancellation to ensure full statutory protection. After 14 days, end-of-cycle cancellation minimises the risk of unexpected charges. Yafee recommends confirming which option you've selected when you submit your cancellation request.
Processing time and confirmation
Gourmet Society typically processes cancellations within 3 to 5 business days. You should receive a confirmation email or letter acknowledging the cancellation and specifying the effective date. If you do not hear back within 7 days, follow up with customer support and reference your original cancellation request. Verify that your payment method is no longer listed in your account after the effective date, confirming the subscription is truly terminated.
Refunds and credits after cancellation
Your eligibility for a refund depends on whether you cancel within the 14-day cooling-off window and whether you've used benefits.
Cooling-off refunds (within 14 days)
If you cancel within 14 days of receiving the membership agreement, the CPA entitles you to a full refund of all fees paid, provided you have not materially used the service. "Material use" means significantly activating discounts or downloading offers, not merely logging in to view them. Request your refund in writing when you submit your cancellation. Gourmet Society must process it within 15 business days of receiving your cancellation notice.
Refunds after 14 days
Once the cooling-off period expires, refunds are discretionary unless you can demonstrate that the company misrepresented the service or failed to deliver the promised benefits. If most partner venues in your postcode no longer participate, you may have grounds for a partial refund based on breach of contract. Document any venue closures or removed offers with screenshots and approach Gourmet Society with evidence. If they refuse, escalate your complaint to the National Consumer Commission. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers recover unjustified charges by following this documented approach.
After cancellation: what happens next
Cancelling is only half the battle; monitoring your account and payment method ensures the company honours your request.
Verify your account status
Within 2 to 3 days of cancellation, log back into your Gourmet Society account and confirm that your membership status shows "inactive", "cancelled", or a similar terminated label. Your payment method should no longer be associated with an active subscription. If your account still displays "active" after the confirmed effective cancellation date, contact support immediately and reference your cancellation confirmation number.
Monitor your credit card or bank statement
Watch your next billing cycle closely. No charge should appear from Gourmet Society on or after the confirmed cancellation date. If a charge arrives after you cancelled, dispute it immediately with your bank using your cancellation confirmation as evidence. Your bank can initiate a chargeback within 60 days of the unauthorised charge. Yafee recommends setting a calendar reminder to review your statement on the expected renewal date, ensuring you catch any stray charges before they compound.
Request written confirmation
Ask Gourmet Society's customer support team to email you a final confirmation letter stating that your membership has been permanently cancelled and no further charges will be applied. This letter serves as powerful proof if any future dispute arises. File it with your cancellation reference number and keep it for at least 12 months.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Most cancellation problems stem from incomplete requests or failure to document the process; avoid these pitfalls to ensure a clean exit.
Mistaking "pause" for "cancel"
Many platforms offer a "pause subscription" feature that temporarily suspends charges but leaves your account active. Pausing is not cancellation. After the pause period ends, charges resume automatically. Always explicitly select "cancel" or "terminate membership", not "pause" or "suspend". Verify the confirmation message uses language such as "your membership has been cancelled" or "your subscription is terminated".
Assuming email cancellation is instant
Sending an email does not immediately stop charges. Gourmet Society must receive, process, and confirm your cancellation. If your renewal date falls before customer support processes your email, you may incur an unintended charge. Cancel at least 5 to 7 business days before your renewal date to provide processing time. For last-minute cancellations, use the online portal or telephone method to secure immediate acknowledgement.
Failing to save proof
If Gourmet Society later claims you never cancelled, your screenshot, confirmation email, or registered letter is your only defence. Store cancellation proof in multiple locations: email it to yourself, save it to cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive), and print a physical copy. Disputes over cancellation status are common, and documentation shifts the burden of proof firmly in your favour. Yafee strongly advises treating cancellation confirmation as a legal document.
Not checking for hidden auto-renewals
Some membership contracts include automatic renewal provisions that revive the subscription after a cancelled period ends. Read your cancellation confirmation carefully to ensure no future renewal is scheduled. If the confirmation mentions "auto-renewal paused" rather than "membership terminated", follow up and explicitly request permanent termination.
If Gourmet Society refuses to cancel
Occasionally, a company may claim cancellation is not possible, impose excessive fees, or ignore your request entirely. You have legal recourse.
Escalate your complaint internally
If first-line customer support refuses cancellation, submit a formal complaint to Gourmet Society's management team. Email the complaints department (usually complaints@[company domain]) with your cancellation request, the date you first submitted it, and the response you received. Reference the relevant sections of the Consumer Protection Act and state clearly that you expect resolution within 14 days.
File a complaint with the national consumer commission
If Gourmet Society fails to respond or refuses a lawful cancellation, lodge a complaint with South Africa's National Consumer Commission (NCC). You can file online at www.nccc.org.za, by email at [email protected], or by telephone at 0800 013 507. Provide your membership details, copies of all cancellation requests, and the company's refusal. The NCC will investigate and can compel Gourmet Society to cancel your membership and refund any charges you dispute. This process typically takes 30 to 60 days but carries legal weight.
Request a chargeback from your bank
If Gourmet Society continues to charge you after you've cancelled, contact your bank or credit card issuer and request a chargeback. Provide your cancellation confirmation as evidence that you terminated the service. Banks can reverse unauthorised charges made after the cancellation date. File the chargeback claim within 60 days of the disputed charge to ensure eligibility.
Comparison: should you keep or cancel Gourmet Society
This table summarises the factors that favour keeping your membership versus cancelling.
| Factor |
Keep your membership |
Cancel your membership |
| Partner venues near you |
Active venues offering discounts you use at least monthly |
Most venues have closed or dropped offers; you struggle to find usable deals |
| Annual savings |
You estimate realistic savings of R500 or more per year from active use |
Your actual savings fall below the membership fee (R199 to R349 annually) |
| Frequency of use |
You dine out at partner venues at least twice per month and check offers |
You haven't logged in for 3 months or more; you forget the service exists |
| Alternative programs |
No comparable individual restaurant loyalty schemes offer better value in your area |
You've signed up to direct venue loyalty cards that provide equivalent or better discounts |
| Payment tolerance |
The membership fee is acceptable relative to your dining budget and entertainment spending |
Every R16 to R29 monthly charge feels wasteful given your actual usage patterns |
| Renewal awareness |
You actively track renewal dates and receive reminder emails from Gourmet Society |
Your renewals catch you off-guard; you forget the subscription exists until you spot a charge |
If you choose to cancel by registered letter or require Gourmet Society's official address for formal correspondence, use the contact information below. Verify this address on Gourmet Society's official website or your most recent membership statement, as administrative addresses can change.
Gourmet Society (South Africa)
Customer Support Team
For the most current postal address, contact customer support at your registered email or telephone number, or visit Gourmet Society's official member portal. When writing, include your membership ID, full name, and registered email address to ensure your letter reaches the correct department.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers navigate subscription cancellations and protect their financial interests. Whether you're cancelling Gourmet Society or managing dozens of other services, the principles remain the same: document every request, verify in writing, and escalate to regulatory authorities if the company refuses your lawful cancellation. Your right to exit a contract you no longer value is enshrined in South African consumer law. Take action today, and reclaim that portion of your budget for dining experiences you genuinely enjoy.