Ending your Wowcher VIP membership made easy

About Wowcher VIP

Wowcher VIP is a premium membership programme offered by Wowcher, one of the UK's leading online deals platforms. This subscription service provides members with exclusive access to enhanced discounts, early deal notifications, and priority customer support. As a consumer rights specialist, I understand that whilst these benefits may initially seem attractive, circumstances change, and you may find yourself needing to cancel your membership. This is entirely your right, and understanding how to exercise it properly is essential.

The VIP membership operates on a recurring payment basis, typically charging members on a monthly or annual cycle. Members gain access to deals across various categories including restaurants, beauty treatments, travel experiences, and retail products. The enhanced discounts promised through VIP membership usually range from an additional 5% to 10% off standard Wowcher deals. However, many consumers discover that the actual savings don't justify the membership cost, particularly if they're not frequent users of the platform.

Wowcher, operated by Wowcher.co.uk Limited, has grown significantly since its launch, serving millions of UK customers. The VIP programme represents their attempt to build customer loyalty through a subscription model. This means that once you sign up, payments continue automatically unless you take active steps to cancel. Therefore, understanding your cancellation rights and the proper procedure is crucial to avoid unwanted charges.

As a consumer, you're protected by UK law when it comes to subscription services. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 provide important safeguards. These laws ensure that subscription terms must be transparent, fair, and that you have clear routes to cancel. In practice, this means Wowcher must honour properly submitted cancellation requests and cannot make the process unreasonably difficult.

Subscription plans and pricing

Understanding the financial commitment of Wowcher VIP is essential before considering cancellation. The membership structure has evolved over time, and pricing may vary depending on promotional offers available when you signed up. As a result, your specific subscription cost might differ from current advertised rates.

The monthly subscription represents the most common option, appealing to consumers who want flexibility. However, this flexibility comes with the responsibility to remember your subscription is active and renewing automatically. Many members find themselves paying for several months without realising, particularly if the charge appears on bank statements under a name they don't immediately recognise.

Annual memberships typically offer better value per month but require a larger upfront commitment. This means that if you decide to cancel mid-term, you may not receive a refund for the unused portion of your subscription. Therefore, understanding the refund policy specific to your membership type is crucial before proceeding with cancellation.

The promised benefits of VIP membership include exclusive access to deals before standard members, additional percentage discounts on top of advertised prices, and enhanced customer service with faster response times. In practice, however, many consumers report that these benefits don't materialise as significantly as expected. This discrepancy between expectation and reality is one of the primary reasons members seek to cancel.

Common reasons for cancellation

Through my years of experience helping consumers, I've identified several recurring reasons why people choose to cancel their Wowcher VIP membership. Understanding these reasons helps contextualise your own decision and confirms that you're not alone in seeking cancellation.

Firstly, insufficient usage represents the most common reason. Many members sign up during a period of enthusiasm, perhaps after making a purchase that saved them money, only to realise they don't use the platform frequently enough to justify the ongoing cost. This is particularly true for monthly subscriptions where small amounts add up significantly over time.

Secondly, disappointing savings often drive cancellation decisions. The additional VIP discount may seem minimal when applied to actual purchases, especially if the deals available don't match your interests or needs. As a result, the membership fee exceeds any savings gained, making the subscription financially counterproductive.

Thirdly, forgotten subscriptions cause considerable frustration. Consumers discover they've been paying for months or even years without realising, often only noticing when reviewing bank statements or during financial planning exercises. This situation highlights the importance of maintaining awareness of all active subscriptions.

Finally, quality concerns regarding deals or customer service experiences can prompt cancellation. If you've had negative experiences with vouchers not being honoured, poor customer support, or deals that didn't match descriptions, cancelling your VIP membership becomes a logical step in disengaging from the service entirely.

Cancellation terms and conditions

Understanding the specific terms governing your Wowcher VIP membership is fundamental to ensuring a successful cancellation. These terms form a legally binding contract between you and Wowcher, and both parties have obligations under this agreement. However, UK consumer law provides additional protections that override unfair contract terms.

Legal requirements in the UK

The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 grant you specific rights when dealing with subscription services. These regulations require that companies provide clear information about cancellation rights and make the cancellation process straightforward. This means that whilst Wowcher can set reasonable terms, they cannot create barriers that effectively prevent you from cancelling.

Under these regulations, you have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you sign up for any online service. During this period, you can cancel for any reason and receive a full refund. This right exists regardless of what Wowcher's own terms might state. Therefore, if you've only recently joined VIP membership, you're in a particularly strong position to cancel without penalty.

Beyond the cooling-off period, your cancellation rights depend on the specific terms you agreed to when joining. However, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires that these terms be fair and transparent. Any clause that significantly disadvantages you compared to Wowcher could be challenged as unfair and potentially unenforceable.

Notice periods and refund policies

Wowcher VIP typically requires notice before cancellation takes effect. The standard notice period is usually stated in your membership terms, commonly ranging from immediate cancellation to requiring notice before the next billing cycle. Understanding your specific notice requirement is crucial for timing your cancellation letter correctly.

For monthly subscriptions, cancellation usually needs to occur before your next payment date to avoid being charged for another month. This means you should send your cancellation letter with sufficient time for it to be received and processed before this date. As a practical measure, I recommend sending cancellation letters at least 10 working days before your next billing date.

Regarding refunds, Wowcher's policy typically states that membership fees are non-refundable except during the cooling-off period. However, if you've been charged incorrectly, after submitting a valid cancellation, or if there have been technical errors, you have grounds to request a refund. In such cases, documenting everything becomes essential for pursuing your claim.

Your consumer rights

As a UK consumer, you possess important rights that protect you when cancelling subscriptions. The first and most important right is to cancel any subscription service, provided you follow the correct procedure. Companies cannot force you to remain a member indefinitely, and any terms suggesting otherwise would likely be unenforceable.

You have the right to clear information about how to cancel. If Wowcher has made the cancellation process unclear or difficult to find, this could constitute an unfair commercial practice under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. This means you could report such practices to Trading Standards or the Competition and Markets Authority.

Additionally, you have the right to stop payment through your bank if a company continues charging you after you've properly cancelled. This is known as requesting a chargeback, and UK banks must investigate such requests. However, this should be a last resort after attempting to resolve the matter directly with Wowcher, as it can affect your relationship with both the company and potentially your credit rating if disputed.

How to cancel Wowcher VIP by post

Cancelling your Wowcher VIP membership by post represents the most reliable and legally secure method available. Whilst online cancellation options may seem more convenient, postal cancellation provides you with concrete proof of your cancellation request, which becomes invaluable if any disputes arise later. This is why I consistently recommend this approach to consumers seeking to protect their rights.

Why postal cancellation is most reliable

The fundamental advantage of postal cancellation lies in the paper trail it creates. When you send a letter via Royal Mail's Tracked or Recorded Delivery service, you receive proof of posting and confirmation of delivery. This evidence becomes crucial if Wowcher claims they never received your cancellation request or if they continue charging you after cancellation.

In my experience helping consumers, disputes about whether cancellation requests were received occur frequently with online methods. Emails can be filtered to spam folders, online forms may malfunction, and customer service portals sometimes fail to generate proper confirmation. These technical issues leave you vulnerable to continued charges and make it difficult to prove you took appropriate action.

Furthermore, a formal letter demonstrates the seriousness of your intention to cancel. Companies generally treat postal correspondence with greater priority than online requests, particularly when it arrives via tracked services. This is because they understand that consumers who take the time to send formal letters are more likely to escalate matters if not handled properly.

From a legal perspective, a posted letter with proof of delivery provides the strongest evidence of communication. UK courts recognise postal communication as legally binding, and the date of posting or delivery can be definitively established. Therefore, if you ever need to prove you cancelled on a specific date, your tracked delivery receipt provides irrefutable evidence.

Preparing your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter should be clear, concise, and contain all necessary information to identify your account and process your request. The tone should be polite but firm, making your intention to cancel absolutely clear without ambiguity. Avoid lengthy explanations about why you're cancelling, as these aren't legally required and could potentially complicate your request.

Essential information to include comprises your full name as it appears on the account, your email address associated with the Wowcher account, any membership or account number if available, and a clear statement that you wish to cancel your VIP membership immediately or from a specific date. Additionally, include the date you're writing the letter and request written confirmation of your cancellation.

You should explicitly state that you're exercising your right to cancel the subscription service and that you do not authorise any further payments to be taken from your account. This clear instruction protects you if Wowcher attempts to process additional charges. As a result, any charges made after they receive your letter could be considered unauthorised and subject to chargeback through your bank.

Keep your language simple and direct. Phrases like "I am writing to cancel my Wowcher VIP membership" and "Please confirm this cancellation in writing" leave no room for misinterpretation. Remember, this letter is a legal document that may need to be referenced later, so clarity is paramount.

Sending your letter via recorded delivery

Royal Mail's Tracked 24 or Tracked 48 services provide the security you need when sending cancellation letters. These services cost between £1.70 and £3.35 depending on the speed and level of tracking required. Whilst this represents an additional cost, the protection it provides far outweighs this small investment, particularly if your monthly subscription fees are at stake.

When using tracked services, you receive a unique tracking number that allows you to monitor your letter's journey online. You'll also receive confirmation once the letter has been delivered, including the date and time of delivery. This information becomes your proof that Wowcher received your cancellation request on a specific date.

I recommend using Tracked 24 for time-sensitive cancellations, particularly if your next billing date is approaching. This service aims to deliver your letter the next working day, giving you confidence that your cancellation will be received in time. For less urgent cancellations, Tracked 48 provides adequate service at a lower cost.

Keep your proof of postage receipt in a safe place along with a copy of your letter. These documents form your evidence package if you need to dispute continued charges or pursue a complaint. In practice, many consumers photograph these documents and store them digitally as well as keeping physical copies.

The correct postal address for cancellation

Sending your cancellation letter to the correct address is absolutely critical. An incorrectly addressed letter could delay processing or provide Wowcher with grounds to claim they never received your cancellation. Therefore, verifying the current correspondence address before posting is essential.

Based on current information, Wowcher VIP cancellation letters should be sent to:

• Wowcher.co.uk Limited
• 6th Floor
• Medius House
• 2 Sheraton Street
• London
• W1F 8BH
• United Kingdom

Ensure you write this address clearly on your envelope, and consider marking it for the attention of the "Customer Services Department" or "Membership Cancellations" to help ensure it reaches the appropriate team quickly. Double-check each line of the address before posting, as any errors could result in delays or non-delivery.

Using Postclic for easier cancellation

Whilst you can certainly handle the entire postal cancellation process yourself, services like Postclic exist to simplify the procedure and save you time. Postclic specialises in helping consumers send formal letters with tracked delivery, handling the printing, envelope preparation, and posting on your behalf.

The advantage of using such a service lies in convenience and professional presentation. You compose your letter online, and Postclic ensures it's properly formatted, printed on quality paper, and sent via tracked delivery. You receive the same tracking information and proof of delivery that you would if posting yourself, but without the need to visit a post office or print documents.

This approach particularly benefits people with mobility issues, those without easy access to printers, or individuals who simply want the peace of mind that comes from professional handling. The service maintains a digital record of your letter, providing an additional backup of your cancellation request. Therefore, you have multiple layers of proof regarding your cancellation.

However, it's important to note that using Postclic or similar services is entirely optional. The cancellation process works equally well whether you handle it personally or use an intermediary service. The choice depends on your personal circumstances, preferences, and how much you value the convenience factor.

Following up after sending your letter

Once you've sent your cancellation letter, monitoring the tracking information becomes your next priority. Check the Royal Mail tracking website regularly to confirm delivery. Once delivered, make a note of the delivery date, as this establishes when Wowcher received your cancellation request and triggers any notice period specified in your terms.

Wowcher should acknowledge your cancellation in writing, typically within 5 to 10 working days of receiving your letter. This acknowledgement might arrive via email or post, depending on their procedures. If you don't receive confirmation within two weeks, you have grounds to follow up and should consider sending a second letter requesting acknowledgement of your first letter.

Continue monitoring your bank account to ensure no further payments are taken after your cancellation should take effect. If you notice any unauthorised charges, contact your bank immediately to discuss a chargeback. Provide them with copies of your cancellation letter, proof of delivery, and any correspondence with Wowcher. UK banks take such matters seriously and must investigate your claim.

Keep all documentation related to your cancellation for at least 12 months. This includes your original letter copy, proof of postage, delivery confirmation, any acknowledgement from Wowcher, and bank statements showing when charges stopped. This complete record protects you if any issues arise later and provides everything needed to escalate a complaint if necessary.

Customer reviews and tips

Learning from other consumers' experiences provides valuable insights into the Wowcher VIP cancellation process and helps you avoid common pitfalls. Through my work with numerous clients, I've gathered extensive feedback about what works and what challenges to anticipate.

Common experiences with cancellation

Many consumers report that Wowcher processes postal cancellations efficiently when proper procedures are followed. Letters sent via tracked delivery typically result in cancellation within the stated notice period, and charges stop as expected. This positive outcome reinforces why following the correct process matters so much.

However, some members encounter difficulties, particularly regarding timing and refunds. A common complaint involves cancellation requests submitted close to billing dates, where consumers are charged for an additional month despite believing they cancelled in time. This situation often arises from confusion about notice periods or delays in processing. Therefore, allowing extra time before your billing date provides a safety margin.

Another frequent issue concerns the lack of immediate confirmation. Some consumers feel anxious when they don't receive acknowledgement within a few days, leading them to submit multiple cancellation requests. Whilst this approach is understandable, it can sometimes create confusion in Wowcher's systems. My advice is to wait at least 10 working days for acknowledgement before sending follow-up correspondence.

Consumers who successfully cancel often emphasise the importance of keeping detailed records. Those who experienced disputes but had comprehensive documentation invariably resolved matters in their favour. This consistent pattern demonstrates that proper record-keeping isn't just bureaucratic caution—it's practical protection of your rights and money.

Tips for successful cancellation

Based on extensive experience helping consumers cancel subscriptions, I've developed a set of practical tips that significantly increase the likelihood of smooth, dispute-free cancellation. Following these recommendations protects your interests and minimises stress throughout the process.

Firstly, act promptly once you decide to cancel. Don't wait until just before your next billing date, as this creates unnecessary time pressure and increases the risk of being charged for another period. Ideally, initiate cancellation at least three weeks before your next payment is due, giving ample time for processing.

Secondly, be meticulous with documentation. Photograph or scan every document related to your cancellation, including your letter, envelope, proof of postage, and delivery confirmation. Store these digitally in a dedicated folder, and keep physical copies in a safe place. This redundancy ensures you're never without evidence if needed.

Thirdly, check your bank statements carefully for several months after cancellation. Whilst most cancellations process correctly, occasional administrative errors occur. Catching an incorrect charge immediately makes resolution much easier than discovering it months later. Set a calendar reminder to check your statements monthly for at least three months post-cancellation.

Fourthly, consider informing your bank about the cancellation. Whilst not legally necessary, some consumers find peace of mind in alerting their bank that they've cancelled a subscription and that any future charges from Wowcher should be queried. Some banks can even set alerts to notify you if charges from specific merchants are attempted.

What to do if problems arise

Despite following correct procedures, you may occasionally encounter problems with your cancellation. Understanding how to escalate issues effectively protects your rights and increases the likelihood of satisfactory resolution. The key is to remain calm, persistent, and methodical in your approach.

If Wowcher doesn't acknowledge your cancellation within two weeks, send a second letter. Reference your first letter, including the date sent and delivery confirmation number. State clearly that you require immediate confirmation of your cancellation and that continued charges will be disputed through your bank. This escalation usually prompts action.

Should you be charged after your cancellation should have taken effect, contact Wowcher immediately in writing, again via tracked delivery. Explain that you properly cancelled on a specific date (providing evidence), that the charge is unauthorised, and that you require an immediate refund. Give them 14 days to respond before escalating further.

If Wowcher doesn't resolve the matter satisfactorily, contact your bank to request a chargeback for unauthorised transactions. Provide all your documentation, including cancellation letters, delivery proof, and correspondence with Wowcher. UK banks must investigate such claims and often side with consumers who have clear evidence of proper cancellation.

For more serious disputes or if you believe Wowcher has engaged in unfair practices, you can report them to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service. Additionally, if you paid for your subscription by credit card, you may have protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which makes card providers jointly liable for breaches of contract.

Preventing future subscription issues

Your experience with Wowcher VIP offers valuable lessons for managing subscriptions generally. Many consumers find themselves in similar situations with multiple services, and applying these lessons broadly helps prevent future problems and unwanted charges.

Consider maintaining a subscription register—a simple spreadsheet listing all your active subscriptions, their costs, billing dates, and cancellation procedures. Review this register quarterly to assess whether each subscription still provides value. This proactive approach prevents forgotten subscriptions from draining your finances unnoticed.

When signing up for any new subscription, immediately note the cancellation procedure and any notice periods required. Some consumers even set calendar reminders for a few days before renewal dates, prompting them to consciously decide whether to continue or cancel. This habit transforms subscriptions from passive drains into active choices.

Be cautious about free trials that require payment details. These often convert automatically to paid subscriptions, sometimes at significantly higher prices than initially apparent. If you do sign up for trials, immediately note the trial end date and cancellation deadline in your calendar. Better yet, cancel immediately after signing up if the service allows access for the trial period regardless.

Finally, consider using virtual card numbers or payment services that allow you to create temporary card details for subscriptions. These services let you set spending limits or expiry dates, providing an additional layer of control over recurring payments. Whilst not necessary for everyone, they offer peace of mind for those concerned about managing multiple subscriptions.

Understanding your broader consumer rights

Your rights regarding Wowcher VIP cancellation exist within a broader framework of UK consumer protection law. Understanding this wider context empowers you to deal confidently with all types of commercial relationships, not just subscription services.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 establishes that services must be performed with reasonable care and skill, as described, and within a reasonable time. If Wowcher VIP doesn't deliver the promised benefits or if the service quality is poor, you may have grounds for complaint beyond simple cancellation. This could potentially include claiming refunds for periods when the service didn't meet required standards.

The Consumer Contracts Regulations protect you specifically in distance and online sales, which includes digital subscriptions. These regulations mandate clear pre-contract information, confirmation of key terms, and your right to cancel. If Wowcher failed to provide this information properly when you signed up, you might have additional grounds for complaint or refund claims.

Furthermore, the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR give you rights regarding your personal information. When you cancel your Wowcher VIP membership, you can request that Wowcher delete your personal data if you no longer want them to hold it. This right to erasure represents an important aspect of digital consumer rights in the modern economy.

These various legal protections work together to create a comprehensive shield for consumers. Therefore, if you encounter resistance or unfair treatment when cancelling your membership, remember that UK law strongly supports your position. Companies operating in the UK must respect these consumer rights, and enforcement mechanisms exist to ensure compliance.