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

Posted by Chris Morris on 21st December 2009

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.



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9 responses:

Nick Bright

17th February 2011 (9:22 am)

Completely with you on this one. I have just had a similar experience. They assured me on the phone that one three seperate occasions I was told I would be signing up to Discovry Wine Club and have wine sent to me automatically! I think if I was notified three times I would know about it.

Anyhow, I am currently awaiting my first refund…

Scammers!


Chris Mann

24th February 2011 (10:28 am)

Agreed. I think the whole process is very misleading. I am awaiting collection of a box of wine I have never ordered. I am really rather annoyed. I’ll avoid other Virgin products where possible.

Chris.


susan

12th March 2011 (1:22 pm)

I bought a Morphy Richards iron the other day and received one of these Virgin Wines vouchers? Is Richard Branson part of this? I am very sceptical. What are they charging you for the further wines you receive? They’ve been using these vouchers for years so can they really be scammers, otherwise by now surely they’d be shut down?


GameCla.im

7th April 2011 (1:37 pm)

I had a voucher also, so I got a free case at £40 and found the wine mediocre. Then the next case came along without warning or asking at £80! I refused it at the door, was charged the postage but had the money back for the wine and cancelled my card so they couldnt do this again….. but they still keep ringing all the time!!!! BEWARE OF THIS!!!!!


Alan Taylor

13th April 2011 (7:54 pm)

Me too; but they won’t get away with it: I’ll have their guts for garters – even if it costs me thousands. Down with Branson: the schister.


Kathy D

9th May 2011 (8:40 pm)

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrgh!!!!!!! VIRGIN WINES SCAMMING ROBBING B***ARDS!!! WATCHDOG NEEDS TO HEAR ABOUT THIS!!! THINK IM GONNA SEND THIS BLOODY CASE OF WINE BACK TO BRANSON PERSONALLY WITH A FEW CHOICE WORDS!!! AFTER BEING OFFERED A SINGLE CASE FOR LITTLE MONEY THEN ONCE YOU ENTER CARD DETAILS YOU FIND OUT IT IS ACTUALLY 3 TIMES THE AMOUNT AND CANCEL THE ORDER, 3 MONTHS LATER DISCOVER THEY HAVE TAKEN £90 FROM YOUR ACCOUNT AND THEN TWO DAYS LATER, CONVENIENTLY WELL AFTER 6PM IN THE EVE, THEY DELIVER A CASE OF WINE TO MY UNSUSPECTINE HUSBAND!!! CLIMBING UP THE WALL ANGRY OF ESSEX!!!


Andrew Wallace

27th August 2011 (2:58 pm)

Exactly the same thing has happened to me, 96.98 taken from my account promised refund etc. Just as well the legal system in Scotland is so streamlined. Will cost me £15 to take the robbing bastards to the local court with no expenses. Naked Wines did something very similar the other week. I am sick of this country!


Robin Pain

4th October 2011 (9:27 pm)

I just got a surprise delivery too – that I did not order (either).

I am also now waiting for a refund.

I just sent my experience of to BBC’s Watchdog and tomorrow I will cancel my Virgin Media ADSL contract – has anyone else got any extra ideas to hurt the bastards?


Andy Whale

16th December 2011 (12:22 am)

I can’t believe they can get away with this.
I had a voucher for a £40 off case which was ok.I just wanted that ONE case,I asked them to leave it in my greenhouse if I’m not in
Guess what I get another case and another case of totally Unwanted wine delivered(When I not in it seems do thay ring the door bell I wonder !!. This is a big scam and it takes a lot of effort to get out of it which is what I’m sure they rely on.It just should be illegal to do this to people !!!!


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