Virgin Wines – is Richard Branson involved in a scam business?

This time last year I ordered a case of wine from Virgin Wines. It was a present for someone; the specific case they’d asked for.

A few weeks later I received another case. Apparently the small print on their website says that by placing an order you’re also signing up to their wine club – which essentially means they’ll choose more wine for you and keep delivering it until you say stop.

So I said stop.

A few weeks later… more wine arrived. I e-mailed them, forwarding my confirmation to show I’d already cancelled. They apologised, offered a refund and said they’d send someone to collect the wine.

A few weeks later… more wine arrived. They also hadn’t refunded me from the last time. So I sent a slightly rougher e-mail and they sent a slightly more profuse apology, offering another refund and another man to come collect the wine.

Guess what? Another case arrived a few weeks later!

This time I didn’t sign for it so the driver had to take it back. I contacted Virgin and they sent another apology and another promise…

… and four months later I still haven’t got the full refunds.

Are they drunk on their own wine or what?

UPDATE: It’s kinda cool having a well-read blog! As a customer you can hang around for a year… as a blogger you get action within 12 hours, even so close to Christmas. My refunds have been done. I’m at peace with the Virgins.