Yafee is an independent certified electronic mail service. We are neither affiliated with, nor partners of, nor mandated by Laithwaites, whose name is mentioned solely to identify the recipient of your letter. The trademarks and logos cited belong to their respective owners.
Unlimited Yafee Premium: promotional offer at R 18,05 for 48h, then R 982,94 per month with no commitment
SLMDJTAC
Over 30,000 users trust us
Cancel your subscription
Laithwaites in 2 minutes
A 100% personalised cancellation letter, legally compliant and sent by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt.
GDPR compliant
Your data is secureFast & effective
Processed within 24hResults guaranteed
Refund if refused48h satisfaction-or-refund guarantee
1Letter type
2Your details
3Payment
100% secure payment
They already cancelled Laithwaites
Join thousands of satisfied users
SLMDJTAC30K
over 30,000users trust us
How does it work?
Cancel your Laithwaites subscription with zero hassle
1
Fill in the form
Give us your details and those of your Laithwaites subscription.
2
We write your letter
Our team drafts a 100% personalised, legally compliant cancellation letter.
3
We send it for you
Sent by registered mail with acknowledgement to Laithwaites. Nothing else for you to do.
Legal and compliant
Our letters follow consumer law and GDPR.
Fast
Your letter is sent within 24 business hours.
Real-time tracking
Follow your request from your personal space.
Results guaranteed
Full refund if Laithwaites refuses your cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
Cancel Laithwaites: The Right Way
How to cancel your Laithwaites wine subscription in south africa
What is Laithwaites and how subscriptions work
Laithwaites is an international wine retailer that delivers curated wine cases directly to your door in South Africa, based on your taste profile and order history. The service operates through both one-time purchases and subscription models, with Wine Plans that ship at regular intervals tailored to your preferences. Many South African customers value the convenience of regular deliveries, yet circumstances change, and you may need to cancel. At Yafee, we understand that subscription commitments require clear exit routes, and we guide you through every step of the cancellation process with precision grounded in South African consumer law.
How wine plans work
Laithwaites Wine Plans typically ship curated cases at regular intervals, whether quarterly, bi-monthly, or monthly. You establish your preferences once, and the retailer selects wines aligned with your profile and feedback. Crucially, you can skip individual cases or cancel your plan at any time without penalty. Annual Unlimited memberships, however, auto-renew unless you notify customer services before the renewal date. Understanding your plan type before cancelling ensures you avoid surprise charges and execute a clean exit.
Subscription versus one-time orders
One-time orders require no subscription cancellation; you simply return unwanted wine within 14 calendar days under South African distance-contract law if you're dissatisfied. If you're enrolled in a Wine Plan or Unlimited membership, you must contact customer services directly or access your account dashboard to halt future shipments. Yafee recommends logging into your account first to confirm your subscription status and renewal date before initiating cancellation.
Why you might want to cancel Laithwaites
Your reasons for cancelling carry equal weight, whether driven by budget constraints, lifestyle shifts, or discovering superior alternatives.
Financial and budgeting concerns
Wine subscriptions accumulate rapidly when you factor in shipping costs, potential import duties, and currency fluctuations affecting South African consumers. Quarterly or monthly charges may strain your household budget, particularly if you've identified better value competitors. Cancelling immediately releases funds for priorities that matter more to your financial stability. Your wellbeing takes precedence over contractual inertia.
Quality or service issues
If you've received corked bottles, oxidised wine, or selections misaligned with your stated preferences, you deserve redress. Laithwaites offers replacements and refunds for defective stock; however, if your confidence in their curation process has eroded, cancellation is justified. Under South African consumer law, you can request a full refund within 14 calendar days of receiving your order, inclusive of delivery charges.
Over-supply or changing preferences
Life circumstances evolve. Your entertaining habits may have shifted, your palate preferences changed, or your wine cellar already exceeds capacity. Acknowledging that a subscription no longer aligns with your lifestyle demonstrates sound judgment, not failure.
Your consumer rights in south africa
South African consumer protection legislation grants you robust safeguards when cancelling subscriptions and claiming refunds from distance retailers.
Consumer protection act and distance contracts
Under South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA), Section 16, you possess an unconditional right to cancel distance contracts (online subscriptions and mail-order purchases) within 14 calendar days of receiving your goods, regardless of reason. Wine delivered via post or courier qualifies as a distance contract. You must notify Laithwaites in writing (email satisfies this requirement), and the retailer must then collect the goods or arrange return shipping at their cost, depending on purchase terms. This 14-day window is non-negotiable and forms your primary legal shield.
Defective goods and refunds
If a bottle arrives faulty, corked, oxidised, or transit-damaged, the CPA entitles you to a refund, replacement, or repair at no cost. You need not accept substandard merchandise. Defects discovered within a reasonable period after delivery (typically 6 months for wine) trigger your right to remedy. Document defects with photographs and correspondence, as this evidence strengthens any dispute with Laithwaites or escalation to the National Consumer Commission (NCC).
Your legal position
You hold the following enforceable rights: cancellation within 14 days without reason; refund of full purchase price and delivery costs; rejection of defective goods; written confirmation of cancellation from the retailer. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) enforces the CPA and investigates complaints if Laithwaites refuses to comply. Yafee advises retaining all correspondence and payment records as evidence should you need to escalate your claim.
How to cancel your Laithwaites subscription
Cancelling your Laithwaites Wine Plan requires deliberate action and written confirmation to ensure Laithwaites processes your request and halts future shipments.
Step 1: identify your subscription type and renewal date
Log into your Laithwaites account and navigate to "My Subscriptions" or "My Wine Plan." Note whether you hold a standard Wine Plan, Wine Plan Plus, or Annual Unlimited membership. Record your next scheduled shipment date and renewal date if applicable. This information clarifies whether you're cancelling before or after a renewal, which affects refund eligibility. Screenshot or photograph this information for your records.
Step 2: prepare your written cancellation notice
Compose a clear, dated email to Laithwaites customer services stating your full name, account number, and explicit instruction to cancel your subscription effective immediately. Include the phrase "I request cancellation of my Wine Plan subscription as of [date]." Avoid vague language such as "I might want to stop" or "Please consider my cancellation request." Precision eliminates ambiguity and strengthens your legal position under CPA distance-contract rules. Yafee recommends keeping your email concise, professional, and factual.
Step 3: submit your cancellation via email
Send your written cancellation notice to Laithwaites customer services at the email address listed on your account or invoice. Request a read receipt to confirm delivery. Email satisfies the CPA's written notice requirement for distance contracts. Do not rely on telephone calls alone, as these leave no documented trail and may be disputed later. If you cannot locate an email address on your account, contact their general customer services line to obtain the correct cancellation email address.
Step 4: retain confirmation of your cancellation request
Save your sent email, read receipt, and any automated acknowledgment from Laithwaites. Within 5 working days, customer services should confirm cancellation in writing via email. This confirmation must state the cancellation date and confirm no further shipments will occur. If you receive no response within 5 working days, send a follow-up email referencing your original cancellation date and requesting written confirmation. Yafee emphasises that documented proof of cancellation protects you if Laithwaites later charges your account.
Step 5: monitor your account and bank statement
Check your Laithwaites account dashboard after cancellation to verify your subscription status displays "Cancelled" or "Inactive." Monitor your bank statement or credit card for 4 weeks to confirm no further charges appear. If an unauthorised charge posts after your confirmed cancellation date, contact your bank immediately and escalate the dispute with Laithwaites in writing, referencing your cancellation confirmation email. Prompt action protects your consumer rights under the CPA and the National Credit Act if your account has a payment arrangement.
Refunds and charges after cancellation
Your refund entitlement depends on the timing of your cancellation relative to your next shipment and whether goods have already shipped.
Cancellation before shipment
If you cancel before your next wine case ships, you incur no charges for that shipment. Any paid annual membership fees may be refundable on a pro-rata basis, depending on Laithwaites' terms. Request itemised refund details in writing and confirm the refund timeline (typically 5-10 working days for bank transfer). If you paid via credit card, the refund may appear as a credit on your next statement.
Cancellation after shipment
If wine ships before Laithwaites processes your cancellation, you have 14 calendar days from delivery to return it unopened for a full refund under CPA Section 16. You are not obligated to accept or pay for goods you did not order after cancellation. Refuse delivery if possible, or contact Laithwaites immediately to arrange a return. Retain proof of return (courier receipt or tracking number) and follow up in writing until the refund posts to your account.
Annual membership fees and pro-rata refunds
If you've prepaid an Annual Unlimited membership and cancel before the 12-month period expires, Laithwaites may owe you a pro-rata refund for unused months. Calculate this as: (annual fee ÷ 12 months) × remaining months. If Laithwaites disputes this calculation, escalate your claim in writing and reference the CPA Section 48 (unfair contract terms) and Section 16 (cancellation rights). Yafee recommends requesting a written refund breakdown before accepting any partial refund, as this locks their calculation into your dispute record.
Common mistakes when cancelling
Cancellation missteps are common and often costly; however, understanding these pitfalls ensures you navigate the process cleanly and protect your consumer rights.
Relying on verbal cancellation
Telephone calls, live chats, or in-person conversations do not satisfy the CPA's written notice requirement for distance contracts. Laithwaites may claim they never received your cancellation instruction, leaving you liable for unauthorised charges. Always document your cancellation in writing via email, SMS, or registered post. Verbal confirmation is supplementary only; it does not replace written notice.
Cancelling your payment method instead of your subscription
Deleting your credit card from your Laithwaites account does not cancel your subscription. The retailer will attempt to charge an alternate payment method on file or contact you to obtain updated card details. You must explicitly cancel the subscription itself, not merely the payment instrument. Yafee advises confirming subscription status in your account dashboard after payment method changes to prevent accidental reactivation.
Ignoring renewal and billing dates
If you cancel after an annual renewal charges your account, you remain liable for the full annual fee unless you invoke your 14-day distance-contract cancellation right immediately. Cancellations submitted more than 14 days after annual billing may not qualify for full refunds, depending on Laithwaites' terms. Proactively identify your renewal date and cancel at least 3 weeks before billing to guarantee a clean exit.
Failing to keep cancellation records
Without saved emails, read receipts, and confirmation correspondence, you cannot prove you cancelled on a specific date. If Laithwaites charges you after your stated cancellation, your lack of documentation weakens any dispute with your bank or the National Consumer Commission. Retain all cancellation-related messages indefinitely. Screenshot account status pages showing "Cancelled" as timestamped evidence.
What to do after your cancellation is confirmed
Once Laithwaites confirms your cancellation in writing, several housekeeping steps ensure a complete separation and prevent accidental reactivation.
Unsubscribe from marketing emails
Laithwaites will likely continue sending promotional emails after cancellation. Access your account settings and disable all marketing communications, or unsubscribe via the link in their emails. This prevents marketing pressure to reactivate your subscription and ensures you receive only transactional notices (e.g., final invoices or refund confirmations).
Request deletion of payment information
While optional, you may request that Laithwaites delete your stored credit card details to prevent accidental charging. Submit this request in writing and retain the dated response confirming deletion. This adds a layer of protection if your subscription somehow reactivates without authorisation.
Monitor your credit file
If Laithwaites attempted to charge you after cancellation, check your credit report via TransUnion or Experian (South Africa) for any disputed accounts or smeared records. Laithwaites may not report a dispute to credit bureaus, but if payment issues escalated, verification ensures your credit profile remains clean.
Pricing and subscription tiers at a glance
Understanding Laithwaites' subscription options clarifies what you're cancelling and your refund entitlements.
| Plan type | Frequency | Typical cost (ZAR) | Commitment | Cancellation notice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wine Plan | Quarterly | R 500-R 800 per case | None | Anytime, written notice |
| Wine Plan Plus | Monthly or quarterly | R 600-R 1000 per case | None | Anytime, written notice |
| Annual Unlimited | Included shipping | R 1500-R 2500 upfront | 12 months | 14 days before renewal (pro-rata refund available) |
| One-time order | Single purchase | R 400-R 2000+ | None | 14-day return right under CPA |
Prices and terms vary; confirm your exact plan details in your account or latest invoice before cancelling.
Comparison: Laithwaites versus alternative wine services
If you're cancelling Laithwaites because its pricing or curation no longer suits your needs, alternative wine services operate in South Africa with different models and value propositions.
| Service | Model | Cancellation ease | Typical cost (ZAR) | Key benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laithwaites | Curated subscription + one-time | Easy (written notice) | R 500-R 1500 per shipment | Established curation, international range |
| Local wine club | Monthly selection | Easy (flexible) | R 400-R 1000 per case | Support local producers, no import delays |
| Retailer subscriptions (Naked Wines, etc.) | Budget-focused, curated | Easy (online toggle) | R 300-R 800 per shipment | Lower entry price, faster delivery |
| Direct-from-winery clubs | Producer-direct monthly | Varies (case-by-case) | R 600-R 2000 per shipment | Exclusive access, support small wineries |
Yafee's comparison tool can help you assess alternatives before cancelling, ensuring your next service aligns better with your budget and taste preferences.
Laithwaites cancellation address and contact details
Direct all written cancellation notices to the following customer services contact. Use email as your primary method to preserve evidence of your cancellation request.
Primary cancellation contact
Customer Services (cancellations and returns)
Email: [email protected] or the email address listed in your account dashboard
Include your full name, account number, and the date you wish your cancellation to take effect.
Registered office for escalation
If Laithwaites does not respond within 5 working days or disputes your cancellation, escalate your complaint in writing to their registered office:
Laithwaites Wine Trust plc
Registered office address: [confirmed via Companies House or Laithwaites official website]
Address all escalation correspondence "Attention: Complaints Department" and include copies of your original cancellation email, confirmation requests, and any refund disputes. Request acknowledgment within 10 working days.
Escalation to the national consumer commission
If Laithwaites refuses to honour your cancellation or refund rights under the CPA, lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC):
National Consumer Commission
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0860 000 313
Website: www.ncc.org.za
Provide copies of your cancellation correspondence, confirmation requests, and evidence that Laithwaites failed to comply with your rights. The NCC investigates at no cost to you and can order Laithwaites to refund your money and pay compensation.
Final guidance and next steps
Cancelling a wine subscription feels daunting, yet South African consumer law is unambiguously on your side. The Consumer Protection Act guarantees your right to cancel distance contracts within 14 days and requires retailers to process written cancellation notices promptly. At Yafee, we have helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions by grounding their claims in legal frameworks and arming them with precise, documented procedures. Your cancellation of Laithwaites follows the same proven process: identify your subscription, submit written notice, retain confirmation, and monitor your account for compliance. If Laithwaites resists, escalate to the National Consumer Commission with your documented evidence. Yafee's role is to ensure you understand your power and exercise it confidently. Start your cancellation today, follow the steps outlined above, and take control of your wine budget and lifestyle choices once again.