• Laithwaites

Laithwaites

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Overview

Laithwaites has a rating of 1.5 stars from 184 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Laithwaites most frequently mention customer service, wine club, and credit card problems. Laithwaites ranks 108th among Wine sites.

  • Service
    55
  • Value
    51
  • Shipping
    49
  • Returns
    36
  • Quality
    47

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 0%
Positive
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Negative
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How would you rate Laithwaites?
Top Positive Review

“Are we discussing the same Company?”

Alan W.
2/12/21

I started with Laithwaites just before Xmas 2020. Father in law's been using them for years. Love 90%+ of the wines I've tried but they're not for novices. Had a poor champagne bought for wife's Xmas and called to mention it was tasteless. Money was refunded without question so I have to say I've had excellent service with them so far and f-i-l has always been pleased.

Top Critical Review

“If I could give negative stars i would”

Core O.
7/21/24

The wine was low quality and when we cancelled our subscription they charged us again and again until we were forced to cancel our card. What a scam.

Reviews (184)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

wine club (39) credit card (31) customer service (72)
Thumbnail of user cherylb92
Montana
2 reviews
5 helpful votes
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December 29th, 2016

I received a bill from this company for an order apparently placed TWO YEARS AGO! I eventually spoke with Floor Supervisor named "Todd", the highest customer service level achievable apparently as he said there was no one else above him to handle the issue and, while he seemed to agree that this was an excessive time frame to follow up with for billing, they still find it reasonable to expect a payment, after acknowledging that my credit card company did pay, but then six months later reversed the charge apparently... but their out of line accounting practices have put me at a terrible disadvantage to know whether I really owe or not, or how much for that matter.
Ridiculous business practice and I would avoid the headache and go to ANY OTHER wine club and save yourself the headache that could hit in 2018!

Thumbnail of user tws4
Wisconsin
1 review
10 helpful votes
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March 4th, 2017

Maybe there is Karma because after all the reviews I have done a check and reading of this forum saved me a bundle. I had the envelope sealed and tore it up. Basic math for a review is that each represents about 100 customers or more depending upon the product. There isn't one decent review about this company.

Do customers know that every state has a consumer division in the Attorney General's Office to respond to frauds and scams and stop a company from doing biz in their state? Immediately, however, each consumer has to contact their credit card company and get the charge reversed ( sometimes requiring a letter) and stopping future subscription charges.

BTW, always use a check for your first discounted order. If it is not a con then set up your credit card. Finally, anyone else noticing that there are certain ethnic groups starting businesses or buying US businesses and then running them like they are in a third world country without obeying our laws, providing safe products and services, and treating the customer with a problem like something stuck on the bottom of their shoe? Maybe it is just me and the Fake President has no reason to keep laws protecting Americans' air, water, and finances.

Thumbnail of user timc135
GB
3 reviews
8 helpful votes
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December 8th, 2017

Ordered from these guys for a long time but given up now, the amount of paper they send through the post is a total disgrace, I asked them to stop 4/6 weeks ago now or I would not order again but low and behold they can't help themselves with their Christmas offer! Total joke and destruction of the worlds resources all for a sale! NO MORE SALES HERE YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED, sometimes its every 2 or 3 days so you have slowed down but hey you need to stop printing so much rubbish and bombarding customers!

Thumbnail of user johnb7750
GB
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 19th, 2021

Laithwaites must have the worst customer services in the UK, I've been waiting weeks for my card to be refunded and its just not happening, 4 times I've called and promises have been made however still no refund is forthcoming. I asked to speak with a manager about the matter only to be informed none were available, but one would call me back. Well that's never happened, I was even promised a voucher for the trouble, still no voucher and still no refund, I just despair when I hear that there is an issue refunding my card, as when it comes to payment it is out of my a account instantaneously. I cant understand why someone can call you to sell additional cases of wine, but cant discuss refunds which is a marvelous sales tactic. I again sent them an email today about my complaint but in all honesty I don't hold out much hope of this getting resolved. One thing for sure I won't be buying or using this company in the future, I've been a loyal customer since 2019, and spent £3,078.39 and that to me is totally unacceptable to get the treatment I've received.

Tip for consumers:
Keep away

Products used:
A cancelled wine order, don't know what the refund policy is, because I've never had my refund.

Service
Thumbnail of user thomasf556
Thomas F. – Laithwaites Rep

Hi John

Thank you for contacting Laithwaite’s USA. We are so sorry to hear of your disappointing experience.

Please contact Laithwaite’s UK Customer Service on 03330 148 198 or email customerservice@laithwaiteswine.co.uk - the team there would certainly like to look in to the matter and further assist you.

Kind regards,

Laithwaites USA Customer Service

Thumbnail of user tomt624
New Mexico
1 review
6 helpful votes
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January 18th, 2021
Verified purchase

Laithwaites is a wine delivery service.

Over the past year, Laithwaites has been conducting fraudulent business practices including: (1) Taking deposits months in advance on items, but actually does not ship the products at the promised time - in my case, they didn't ship it at all). It took over 6 weeks (started 12/1 ended 1/14/21) to get the deposit back after they failed to deliver and I spent hours on the phone with their incompetent staff. (2) Laithwaites shipped damaged products and refused to replace them - I had to dispute the charge to get refunded. (3) failed to uphold its product quality guarantee. We received a wine that smelled like a portapotty and tasted like mildew/mold. When we reported it to them, they refused to uphold their guarantee. And (4) Twice this year, I ordered two wines that our patrons enjoy; but, Laithwaites substituted them with alternates of their choice without discussing the replacement with us first. The replacements were NOT the same wine style and instead were cheap replacements that we had already rated as "poor"/"did not like" in the past.

It is clear this business is on its way out. I highly recommend alternate businesses.

Tip for consumers:
Be sure to check the order confirmation. Even though that is not a guarantee that you'll receive what you ordered, at least you can cancel the order before it ships and get a refund.

Products used:
Wines

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user mikem1216
West Virginia
1 review
6 helpful votes
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May 1st, 2019

We have been a member of their Laithwaites- National Geographic Wine Club for a year and a half. For the most part we have enjoyed the wines. Their booklet that describes each wine, the grower and region is fun and educational. HOWEVER, they do not stand by their written "100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE- IF ANY WINE FAILS TO DELIGHT, FOR ANY REASON, YOU'LL BE REFUNDED IN FULL. SIMPLE AS THAT." Last night we opened a bottle we had laid-up from our first order 1 1/2 years ago. It fizzed and was not good. I called to get my refund. They indicated they don't do refunds on bottles shipped over a year ago. Nowhere in any material we received or observe posted on their website do we see such a policy. SO much for their integrity! Since we did not get our refund I cancelled an in-process order and then cancelled our membership. Buyer BEWARE.

Thumbnail of user marys5376
Australia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 7th, 2022

I bought a one off dozen wines from Laithwaites a few months ago and have just had an unauthorised charge put on my credit card for $209 from The Wine People so I had to cancel my credit card as I'd never heard of them and hadn't orders any more wine. Now I discover that they are Laithwaites. So much hassle has been caused by this and I'll NEVER buy wines from Laithwaites again. I had to tick one star as it wouldn't accept no stars!

Thumbnail of user thomasf556
Thomas F. – Laithwaites Rep

We’re sorry to hear that you had such a negative experience, Mary. We’re always looking for ways to improve and would love your feedback. Please reach out to us by phone, email or DM (direct message).

https://www.laithwaites.com/jsp/customerservice/common/contactus.jsp

Thumbnail of user philippem9
Florida
1 review
7 helpful votes
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April 2nd, 2017

Bought the first level 12 bottles red wine. All wines are disgusting!
Unreal. First time I did this. Just pour the freaking bottles in the sink. I paid 98$ for this crap. NEVER BUY WINE FOR THIS COMPANY.

Thumbnail of user pauln563
Colorado
1 review
6 helpful votes
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November 23rd, 2020

I am writing this review to warn other wine drinkers not to use Laithwaites service under any circumstance. My experience with them has become a nightmare and I'm now considering legal action if my issue isn't resolved immediately. It all started when we ordered a single case of wine months ago, probably June of 2020. Laithwaites sent 6 cases and billed our credit card on file for all 6 cases. We communicated their error with them and they ensured us they'd send return labels within 5 days. After 5 days we received 1 label. Once again we contacted them and said we needed 5 labels not one. After 5 or so days we again received 1 label. This exact scenario went on for several months: we'd ask for 5 labels they'd send 1 which would expire within 2 days.We have called and explained our situation to them multiple times and they are sorry and ensure us they will correct the situation immediately which they don't. We finally returned their wine via fedex on a refused delivery return. We called them and let them know they now had their wine and we needed a refund. No response was received from them. Today we once again called them to ask where our refund was and their response ws we'll give you a $277 refund. Unfortunately that's over $800 short of what they charged on their error. We have no wine and we are out over $1,000 dollars. I feel like they will never return our money unless we file suit. We have spent hours and hours dealing with this company just to be ignored. We are not vindictive people. All we want is our money. They have both their wine and our money.

Thumbnail of user brianam51
Illinois
1 review
2 helpful votes
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June 25th, 2020

Wow... I have not experienced ANY of these issues... the wines are great, I can ALWAYS push back a box (which I do quite often, since I'm not always ready for more wine) customer service was VERY friendly and helpful the one time I had to call (after an additional box was sent out for delivery that i didn't order) I love the educational inserts with pairings and optimal aging time and I love that i earn Southwest points with every box! And I fully knew that i was signing up for a supscription when i signed up. I recommend them to all my friends!

Products used:
Four Seasons Club

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user davidh6550
GB
1 review
2 helpful votes
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January 8th, 2022

Had one box of wine which was OK but nothing special. They then took another payment without my consent and tried to deliver another box. I refused delivery and my bank reversed the charge.

Products used:
Wine

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user thomasf556
Thomas F. – Laithwaites Rep

Hi David,

Please accept our apologies for any confusion regarding how our Wine Club works.

Our Wine Club includes delivery every 3 months, and you are always in complete control! Email notifications are sent prior to each Wine Club case being sent out and shipments can be declined any time they are unwanted.

You can also cancel your Wine Club at ANY time either by phone, email or online under 'My Club > Wine Club Settings'.

You are also welcome to return any unwanted shipments at no cost to you, and all of our wines are backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.

We hope this information helps. Please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 1-800-649-4637 from 8am - 8pm ET, or email us at customerservice@laithwaiteswine.com if we can assist with any outstanding issues or further questions - we're happy to assist!

Best regards,

Customer Service

Thumbnail of user kevink69
New York
2 reviews
8 helpful votes
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November 22nd, 2019

What a PIECE OF GARBAGE this place is. Just awful. Now 13 days after the original scheduled delivery date. 3 unanswered e-mails. On hod over 20 minutes with no answer.

I haven't seen a single bottle of wine, and they sent a direct mailer to me. How in the world do you have an enormous marketing push without being prepared to execute?

I've had the excuse that "they're moving warehouses"

WELP - WHY IN THE WORLD DID YOU LAUNCH A NATIONAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN WHEN YOU'RE MOVING WAREHOUSES.

This almost seems criminal at this point.

STAY AWAY

Thumbnail of user ianc261
GB
1 review
1 helpful vote
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June 5th, 2020

I have brought my wine from Laithwaits for years, the quality is reflected in the price. Service has always been good with 100% no quibble return, just because I didn't like it,

Thumbnail of user joeb297
Canada
1 review
7 helpful votes
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March 30th, 2017

I ordered (and paid for) this deal from this company in Oct... NEVER got my shipment, email, or any notice... Nothing. I'm a nice and understanding customer of any business... Happy to be lenient and give second chances, since I realize mistakes happen, but:

- Contacted several times in multiple ways regarding my order not arriving.
- Very poor communication throughout / effort by the company to resolve issue, which was only SOME via phone telling me to wait longer (no replies to emails from myself or Paypal or phone messages left).
- I wanted the items for a specific occasion (ordered several months in advance) and had I known I totally couldn't rely on the company (even after given chance after chance) I would have made other arrangements. This thoroughly inconvenienced my plans.

***AND... Worst of all... I'm STILL waiting for my money back via a paypal dispute. It's been 1/2 a year! Looks like I might get it April 5th since the seller (this company (Laithwaites)) has NOT responded to myself of Paypal. I just cannot believe Paypal has given them so many opportunities as well. I really could have used the money in the meantime too.

Thumbnail of user haroldd283
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 27th, 2022

My 92 year old dad ordered a case of wine and wanted to return. Tried 10 times, but they will not send a mailing label. Reported situation to both BBB and FTC regarding false advertising

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user thomasf556
Thomas F. – Laithwaites Rep

Hi Harold. We are so sorry for the issue experienced in receiving your return label. Glad we were able to speak with you yesterday and get the matter resolved - please don't hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further assistance.

Kind regards,

Customer Service

Thumbnail of user seand53
California
1 review
8 helpful votes
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March 22nd, 2017

Placed an order for wine for my Dad for Christmas, one time order. They auto signed me up for a wine club I never asked for and then hit my card for TWICE the amount of my original order 3 months later. When I logged into the site there was no way to cancel my 'membership' (in a club I never joined) and no way to remove my credit card info. TOTAL SCAMMERS -- AVOID AT ALL COSTS!

Thumbnail of user chrisy218
Ohio
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 23rd, 2020

We have been a member for several months, we have found the customer service to be good, and the wines pair well with the suggestions on their paring cards. Very decent wine club.

Thumbnail of user donnaw1495
Florida
1 review
1 helpful vote
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September 16th, 2021

We canceled our wine club or so we thought… In the middle of June in Florida on the 91° day a case of wine showed up at our doorstep from this company. The wine was all hot and I had been on a truck for two days to get to our house. We contacted laithwaites and they assured us they would send us A prepaid shipping label from FedEx To return the case of wine. It took six contacts and phone calls and emails to get that label over two weeks later. Here it is September 16 and we still have not received a refund from them and we keep getting the runaround for almost the tune of $200 I am in dispute with the credit card and this company and I've made several other calls to them. Today they told me They issued a refund to me 17 days ago. According to the credit card there is no such refund. I told him I wanted to speak to billing and they said nobody can speak to billing billing will call me in three days. Of course the week is gone by and nobody has contacted me. So if you wanna get ripped off this is a great place to go.

Products used:
Never got their full refund guarantee

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user thomasf556
Thomas F. – Laithwaites Rep

Hi Donna

We are very sorry to hear of your frustrating experience and would like to look in to this right away.

We were unable to locate an account using the information provided with this review, so please do send us your information at customerservice@laithwaites.com?

We look forward to hearing from you, and promptly getting this resolved!

Best regards,

Customer Service

Thumbnail of user gemmac17
Nevada
2 reviews
7 helpful votes
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November 8th, 2016

I ordered their promotional wine and received it 8 days ago. I called customer service and Penny answered the phone. VERY RUDE. I ask to cancel my membership and she was so obnoxious and asked me to send her the rest of the wine. That was not the terms of this purchase. Their terms states you can cancel membership anytime you want without having to send the wine back. I asked her if she can email me a cancellation confirmation and she wont answer and just hang up on me. I called her back and told her how RUDE she is. DEFINITELY not recommended. Better buying from Groupon. Better quality, better customer service. I will NEVER recommend this company. VERY VERY BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE. BE AWARE. SHE WILL NOT LET YOU CANCEL. DONT EVEN TRY THEIR PROMO. GROUPON HAS BETTER WINE DEALS WITHOUT HAVING TO DEAL WITH RUDE CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Thumbnail of user karent715
Rhode Island
1 review
3 helpful votes
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April 25th, 2020

You can pick from any price range
You can stop or start or just pick what you want, when you want it.
Lots of great options that you will never see anywhere else
They also helped us throw a Wine Pairing dinner for our Daughter in-law's Shower.
My husband and son cooked but it was OUTSTANDING they served the wine

Thumbnail of user bradg105
Oklahoma
1 review
6 helpful votes
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December 7th, 2019

These people can not get 3 orders correct. I would not recommend ordering from this company. From looking at all the poor reviews, this is not an isolated problem. BG

Thumbnail of user kathrynp178
New Jersey
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 12th, 2021

Some of the wine we got was great, some just okay... but the customer service was consistently bad. I contacted them because they missed a shipment (the special holiday one), and didn't get a response, so after waiting a week or so, tried again, and again, and again. I wound up getting "help" which consisted of a rep telling me that I just had to wait. Gee, thanks. (The holiday case never came. I did however get the next regular shipment.) That was a year ago. This year, the same thing happened: holiday case showed up as pending on my credit card, then the pending charge disappeared and the case never arrived. I again emailed, again twice. First I got an email saying that things were delayed. Then I got one saying that they couldn't fill all my requests (there were no requests; I was getting whatever they wanted to put in the case!). In the meantime, a charge reappeared on my credit card, but a case didn't appear at my home. I wrote again. Finally got a case, but not the holiday one, but the usual January one. Long story short, I just canceled my membership. I'm sick of dealing with them, and the wine isn't good enough to warrant the hassle.

Tip for consumers:
Don't join. There are better wine clubs out there.

Products used:
wine

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user pjl14
Nebraska
1 review
7 helpful votes
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March 5th, 2019

We're going to flash fiction this review just to get it over with.

1. Signed up for a promo crate, no on site indication that you were signed up *indefinitely*.
2. Cancelled subscription upon realizing I'd been enrolled.
3. Got charged few a new crate I didn't want - called to cancel as you can really only cancel by calling in.
4. Was told over phone crate subscription was cancelled, received refund.
5. Week later. Was re-charged for crate and called asking why.
6. They had still shipped my previously cancelled order, an order I never received.
7. I live at an apartment complex. I was told that if I wanted my money back AGAIN. I'd have to go find it. The crate I wasn't supposed to receive.
8. Find the crate, call again. Said it's now my responsibility to ship back the crate that wasn't supposed to send. All return fees were my responsibility. While still holding the money they'd already given me back ONCE BEFORE hostage.
9. Manage to send back their stupid crate.
10. THERE IS NO WAY TO DELETE YOUR LAITHWAITE ACCOUNT. If you have one I recommend immediately filling in dummy information and blocking them anyway you can because this company is a disaster.

Long story short. Got treated like crap, and got the wine isn't even that good. I read the fine print, don't say I didn't. I reached out to cancel this subscription many times and still was held responsible for the companies mistake.

Tip for consumers:
Don't.

Service
Value
Shipping
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Quality
Thumbnail of user deannak51
Minnesota
1 review
4 helpful votes
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October 14th, 2019

My initial shipment arrived at the local FedEx distribution site and was immediately shipped back due to damage. Laithwhaite DID receive and accept shipment of damaged item. I have contacted their customer service line five times and in each phone call, there was a promise to ship. In the last contact on 10-9-2019, I was assured that someone from the business office would contact me in 2-business days. October 14th was my sixth phone call (plus I also went through their "Contact Us" button) and I was promised a complete refund in 3-5 business days as well as a cancellation from their wine club. In each encounter, the representative has been very apologetic and polite--however, that doesn't change the fact that taking money without delivery is theft and fraud. I'm certainly not holding by breath about the refund and have everything prepared to open a fraudulent case with PayPal. Additionally, I will be contacting NatGeo to let them know about how their connection to this company truly works for their subscriber.

Products used:
Nothing since I never received them

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user bradyp26
Missouri
1 review
9 helpful votes
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May 31st, 2019

I normally don't write reviews but I thought I needed to, based off the horrendous reviews that I have been seeing on here. Most of which, are due to the idiots who are not paying attention to the fine print.

First off, this company is GREAT. I signed up a few years ago because of their stellar deal with SouthWest Rapid Rewards. I knew of course the intro rate was to get me to join their membership which I was willing to try at least for an extra case or so. I have consistently been impressed with their selection, value, and price. I even added their $89 unlimited shipping last year and probably got about a case per month delivered. Every one was on time, great wines, etc.

Now on to the poor reviews below. If you are dumb enough to think that a company is going to send you a case of wine for half price and not have a string attached that's your fault for not paying attention. Heaven forbit you still got a great deal, on great wine delivered to your door on the second case, (which is when you would have realized you signed up for a subscription). Laithwaites understands there is a cost to earn a new client. Which is why they offer a great introductory deal. Hoping you will like them, and then stay as a client on at least a 4 times per year case delivery basis. If you cancel, following your intro case, you can do so with no issues and they gave it a good effort at least.

Soapbox rant over... either way, try out this company. I have reverred 6 other friends and they all love it too!

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Thumbnail of user thomasf556
Thomas F.
Typically does not respond to reviews

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