Cancel Laithwaites: The Right Way

How to cancel your Laithwaites wine subscription in australia and stop unwanted charges

Why you might want to cancel Laithwaites and what your legal position is

Laithwaites (operated by Wine People Pty Ltd) delivers curated wine cases to Australian homes on a recurring basis, often paired with an optional Unlimited membership that costs A$39.99 per year or A$3.99 per month for free delivery and member pricing. Many Australian wine enthusiasts sign up for the selection and discounts, but subscription fatigue, budget shifts, delivery issues, or faulty bottles often prompt cancellation requests.

If you've decided to cancel, you should know straight away: you have clear legal rights under Australian Consumer Law, and Tocancel has documented every cancellation path available to you. You can stop charges, claim refunds for faulty wine, and hold Laithwaites accountable if they ignore your cancellation request. The process is straightforward once you know the method that suits you best.

Common reasons australians cancel Laithwaites

Customers cite unexpected or repeated charges after cancellation, confusion about case delivery timing, faulty or damaged bottles, unwanted membership fees, and difficulty reaching customer service for refunds. These frustrations are valid. Tocancel's research shows that most cancellation friction stems from unclear billing cycles or customer service delays, not contract traps. The good news: you can resolve each issue through the right channel.

Your consumer rights under australian law

Your legal position is strong. The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) guarantees that goods must be of acceptable quality and fit for purpose. If Laithwaites ships you corked bottles, damaged wine, or defective stock, you can claim a remedy within a reasonable time, not just within Laithwaites' 14-calendar-day window. The ACL overrides shorter company timeframes when a major fault exists.

For billing disputes, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces rules against misleading charges and unreasonable contract terms. If Laithwaites continues to charge you after you've cancelled, or traps you in unfair renewal terms, you can lodge a complaint with the ACCC or your state consumer protection authority, which will investigate on your behalf.

Cancellation methods Laithwaites offers you

Laithwaites gives you three cancellation routes: online through your account dashboard, by telephone, or by postal mail. Each method has different response times and documentation trails, so Tocancel recommends choosing based on your urgency and preference for a written record.

Cancel online via your Laithwaites account

This is the fastest option and creates an immediate digital record. Log into your Laithwaites account on laithwaites.com.au, navigate to "Account Settings" or "Manage Subscription", and select "Cancel Subscription" or "Cancel Membership" (these are separate if you have both a wine plan and Unlimited membership). You will be asked to confirm your cancellation and may see retention offers. Decline these and proceed to final confirmation. You should receive an email confirmation within minutes.

Important: if you have both a wine plan and an Unlimited membership, cancel each one separately using the same process. Cancelling the wine plan alone will not stop membership charges, and vice versa.

Cancel by telephone

Call Laithwaites customer service and speak to a representative who will process your cancellation in real time. During the call, ask for the date and time of the cancellation, the name of the staff member, and a confirmation number. Write these details down immediately. Request that the agent send you a confirmation email once you hang up. This creates a paper trail if Laithwaites later disputes your cancellation request.

The telephone method is slower than online cancellation but useful if you encounter billing errors or need to discuss refund eligibility before you cancel. Keep the call time and agent name in your records.

Cancel by postal mail

Write a formal cancellation letter and send it to the address below. Include your full name, email address, customer ID (visible on invoices), the date of the letter, and a clear statement: "I cancel my Laithwaites wine subscription and Unlimited membership effective immediately." Post via Australia Post Registered Mail so you have proof of delivery. Keep a copy of your letter and the receipt from Australia Post. Laithwaites typically processes postal cancellations within 10 business days of receipt.

Postal cancellation is the slowest method but provides the strongest legal evidence if a dispute arises. If you choose this route, send your letter to the official customer service address listed at the end of this guide.

Step-by-step guide to cancelling your Laithwaites account

Follow these steps to cancel your subscription cleanly and avoid missed charges or disputes after you exit.

How to cancel online in five steps

1. Log into your Laithwaites account at laithwaites.com.au
   • Enter your email address and password in the login fields
   • If you have forgotten your password, select "Forgot Password" and reset it via email
2. Navigate to Account Settings or My Account
   • Look for a menu link labeled "Account", "Profile", or "Manage Subscription"
   • Click on it to open your account dashboard
3. Locate the Manage Subscription or Cancel option
   • You should see your active wine plan and any active Unlimited membership listed separately
   • Select "Cancel" or "End Subscription" next to each active service
4. Confirm your cancellation
   • Laithwaites will ask you to confirm and may offer you a discount to stay subscribed
   • Ignore retention offers and proceed to final confirmation
   • Read the cancellation confirmation message carefully to confirm your exit date
5. Save your confirmation email
   • You should receive a confirmation email within 10 minutes
   • Take a screenshot of the email and save it to your computer or cloud storage
   • Note the cancellation date and any reference number provided

How to cancel by telephone in three steps

1. Call Laithwaites customer service at the number listed on laithwaites.com.au or your invoice
   • Have your customer ID and email address ready
   • Note the date, time, and the staff member's name
2. Tell the agent you want to cancel both your wine plan and Unlimited membership
   • Be explicit: "I wish to cancel my wine subscription and my Unlimited membership effective immediately"
   • Ask for a cancellation date and a confirmation number or reference
3. Request a confirmation email and keep your notes
   • Ask the agent to send you a cancellation confirmation email
   • Write down the agent's name, date, time, and reference number immediately after the call
   • Save the confirmation email when it arrives

How to cancel by postal mail in four steps

1. Write a cancellation letter on plain paper
   • Include your full name, email address, customer ID, and the date
   • Write: "I cancel my Laithwaites wine subscription and Unlimited membership effective immediately"
   • Sign and date the letter
2. Address an envelope to the Laithwaites customer service address
   • Use the postal address provided at the end of this guide
   • Write "Cancellation Request" on the envelope
3. Send via Australia Post Registered Mail
   • Visit your local Australia Post office with your letter
   • Request Registered Mail service so you receive a delivery receipt
   • Keep the receipt and your copy of the letter
4. Monitor your account for confirmation
   • Laithwaites will process postal requests within 10 business days
   • Log into your account to confirm cancellation status once the timeframe has passed
   • If no confirmation arrives, contact customer service with your receipt as proof

Laithwaites pricing, plans, and billing cycles explained

Understanding how Laithwaites charges you helps you cancel at the right time and claim refunds for unwanted deliveries. The table below breaks down the main subscription options available to Australian customers.

The critical point: Unlimited membership auto-renews unless you explicitly cancel it. Wine cases are scheduled in advance and charged before shipment. If you cancel your wine plan but forget to cancel Unlimited, you will continue to pay the membership fee with no benefit. Always cancel both services if you want to exit completely.

How to claim a refund from Laithwaites

Laithwaites' refund policy and your legal rights under Australian Consumer Law sometimes differ. Tocancel advises you to know both so you can claim what you are entitled to.

Refunds for unopened wine within 14 days

Laithwaites offers a 14-calendar-day refund right for unopened wine after receipt. To claim, contact customer service, explain the issue, and Laithwaites will arrange free collection. You must have the original invoice and the wine must be unopened and unsampled. If you received damaged or corked bottles, mention this explicitly, as fault claims are handled separately from change-of-mind refunds.

Refunds for faulty wine (corked, damaged, or defective)

The Australian Consumer Law gives you a separate right. If wine is faulty (corked, mouldy, damaged in transit, or otherwise defective), you can claim a remedy at any time, provided you notify Laithwaites within a reasonable timeframe. The 14-day window does not apply to faults. In practice, notify Laithwaites within 30 days of receipt with a photo or description of the defect. You are entitled to a replacement or refund at your option. If Laithwaites refuses, you can escalate to your state consumer protection authority or the ACCC.

Refunds for accidental charges after cancellation

If Laithwaites charges you after you have cancelled, ask for an immediate refund in writing. Include your cancellation date, the date of the unwanted charge, and your confirmation number or postal receipt. If Laithwaites delays or refuses, lodge a complaint with your bank or credit card company, which can reverse the charge within 120 days (chargeback rights). You can also lodge a complaint with the ACCC if the charges are part of a pattern of misleading billing.

Refund timeline and payment method

Laithwaites typically processes refunds within 7 to 14 business days once approved. The refund is credited to the original payment method (credit card or bank account). If you do not see the refund within 14 days, follow up with Laithwaites and ask for a refund confirmation number. Keep all emails and correspondence in case you need to escalate to the ACCC or your payment provider.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Laithwaites

Cancelling a subscription feels stressful, and it's easy to miss a step that leaves you exposed to unwanted charges. Here are the pitfalls Tocancel sees most often.

Forgetting to cancel unlimited membership separately

Many customers cancel their wine plan but overlook the Unlimited membership, which continues to auto-renew. This is the single most common reason people report unexpected charges weeks after they thought they had exited. If you have Unlimited, cancel it explicitly using the same method you used for the wine plan. Check your account settings 48 hours after cancellation to confirm both services show as "cancelled".

Assuming cancellation is complete without written confirmation

An agent on the phone or a verbal agreement is not enough. Always request a confirmation email or letter from Laithwaites. If you cancelled online, save the confirmation page as a PDF or screenshot. If you posted a letter, keep your Australia Post receipt. These documents are your proof if Laithwaites later disputes your cancellation date or claims it never received your request.

Cancelling too close to a billing date

Laithwaites charges you before each case ships. If you cancel just before a scheduled shipment, you may still be charged for that case. Check your account for the next scheduled case date and cancel at least 48 hours before it ships. If you are charged for a case you did not want, request a refund by citing the cancellation date and asking Laithwaites to treat it as an unwanted charge.

Not documenting faulty wine in time

If you receive corked or damaged bottles, photograph them or the bottles, note the date received, and contact Laithwaites within 30 days. Do not drink the wine if you plan to claim a fault remedy. Keep the original invoice and the bottle (or a clear photo of the defect) as evidence. This makes your claim much stronger if Laithwaites disputes your refund request.

What happens after you cancel Laithwaites

Cancelling Laithwaites is not the end of the process. You should monitor your account and billing for the next 30 days to ensure no unwanted charges appear and that your refunds process on time.

Check your account status within 48 hours

Log into your Laithwaites account one or two days after you cancel. Both your wine plan and Unlimited membership should show as "cancelled" or "inactive". If either still shows as "active", contact customer service immediately and provide your cancellation confirmation. This step catches errors before you are charged again.

Monitor your bank and credit card statements

Check your bank or credit card statement for 30 days after cancellation. If Laithwaites charges you after the cancellation date, contact your bank immediately and request a chargeback (reversal). Your payment provider can typically reverse charges made after a cancellation within 120 days. Keep your cancellation confirmation as evidence.

Follow up on any refunds within two weeks

If Laithwaites promised a refund (for faulty wine, unopened bottles, or accidental charges), confirm receipt within 14 business days. If the refund does not appear, email Laithwaites with your cancellation or refund reference number and ask for an update. Request a refund confirmation number in writing so you have evidence of the claim.

Escalate to the ACCC if needed

If Laithwaites refuses to cancel, process a refund, or respond to your requests, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) at accc.gov.au. The ACCC investigates breaches of the Australian Consumer Law and can take enforcement action. Have all your documentation ready: cancellation confirmations, emails, proof of payment, and details of any charges after cancellation.

Your legal rights and Laithwaites' obligations under australian consumer law

Australian Consumer Law gives you protections that apply even if Laithwaites' terms say otherwise. Understanding these rights empowers you to cancel confidently and claim refunds when things go wrong.

The right to goods of acceptable quality

Every bottle of wine shipped by Laithwaites must be of acceptable quality and fit for purpose. This means no corked wine, no mould, no damage, and no hidden defects. If Laithwaites delivers faulty stock, you have the right to a remedy: refund, replacement, or repair at your choice. This right exists for a reasonable time after purchase, not just 14 days. Notify Laithwaites of the defect as soon as you discover it, ideally within 30 days, with a photo or description. If Laithwaites refuses, you can claim the remedy through a consumer tribunal or small claims court at no cost.

The right to cancel distance contracts within 14 days

If you ordered wine online (which Laithwaites customers do), you have a statutory 14-calendar-day cooling-off period from receipt. You can cancel the transaction and ask for a full refund, and Laithwaites must arrange collection at no cost to you. This right is separate from Laithwaites' own 14-day change-of-mind refund and applies even if the company's terms are silent.

The right to transparent and fair contract terms

Laithwaites cannot include unfair terms in its subscription contract. A term is unfair if it creates a significant imbalance in rights and obligations, and you have not negotiated it. Examples of unfair terms include: excessive cancellation penalties, automatic renewal without clear reminder, or refusing refunds for faulty goods. If Laithwaites has included an unfair term, you can ignore it and rely on your ACL rights instead. Tocancel recommends saving a copy of Laithwaites' full terms and conditions before you cancel; if a dispute arises, you may need to reference them.

The right to complain and seek enforcement

If Laithwaites breaches the Australian Consumer Law (misleading billing, unfair contract terms, or failure to refund faulty goods), you can lodge a complaint with the ACCC or your state consumer affairs authority. These agencies investigate and can take enforcement action, including seeking refunds on your behalf. Tocancel advises you to include a copy of any complaint to Laithwaites in your escalation to the regulator so they understand what you have already tried.

Compare your wine subscription options before you re-subscribe

If you are cancelling Laithwaites because of service issues, cost, or selection, you may want to explore other wine subscription services available in Australia. The table below compares Laithwaites against other popular options so you can make an informed choice.

Each service has different cancellation rules, refund policies, and member benefits. Before you sign up with a new wine subscription, check its cancellation terms and review how quickly customers report being able to exit. Tocancel recommends keeping records of cancellation instructions so you can act quickly if you change your mind.

How to contact Laithwaites customer service and submit your cancellation

Laithwaites customer service is available via phone, email, and postal mail. Use the contact methods below to cancel your subscription or request refunds.

Customer service contact details

Postal address for cancellation:

Wine People Customer Service
PO Box 665
Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
Australia

Online cancellation: Visit laithwaites.com.au, log into your account, and navigate to Account Settings to cancel your wine plan and Unlimited membership.

Phone and email: Visit laithwaites.com.au/customerservice or your invoice for current phone and email contact details. Customer service hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST.

What to include in your cancellation letter

If you cancel by mail, include the following in your letter so Laithwaites can process your request without delays:

• Your full name
• Your email address used for the Laithwaites account
• Your customer ID (found on invoices)
• The date of the letter
• A clear statement: "I cancel my Laithwaites wine subscription and Unlimited membership, effective immediately"
• Your preferred refund method (original payment method or alternative)
• A request for a cancellation confirmation email

Sign the letter, keep a copy, and send via Australia Post Registered Mail so you have proof of delivery.

Summary and next steps

Cancelling Laithwaites is straightforward once you choose your method and follow the steps above. Online cancellation is fastest; postal mail is slowest but leaves the strongest legal trail. Either way, you have clear rights under Australian Consumer Law: the right to goods of acceptable quality, the right to a 14-day cooling-off period, and the right to complain if Laithwaites breaks its obligations.

If Laithwaites refuses to cancel, process a refund, or charges you after you have exited, escalate to the ACCC or your state consumer protection authority. They have the power to investigate and enforce your rights on your behalf.

Tocancel has helped thousands of Australian consumers cancel subscriptions, reclaim refunds, and hold companies accountable. You are not alone in this process, and your cancellation is legally valid the moment you submit it through any of the approved methods. Stay calm, keep records, and follow up within 48 hours to confirm your cancellation was processed. If you encounter resistance, contact the ACCC. Tocancel is here to empower you to take action confidently and protect your consumer rights every step of the way.