Ending your The Modern Milkman subscription made easy

About The Modern Milkman

The Modern Milkman is a UK-based subscription delivery service that brings fresh milk, groceries, and household essentials directly to your doorstep in reusable glass bottles and containers. Founded in 2018, the company operates across various regions in England, including Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Yorkshire, and parts of the Midlands. Their mission centres on reducing single-use plastic waste whilst providing convenient access to locally sourced products.

The service works through a straightforward subscription model where customers receive regular deliveries of milk, bread, eggs, fruit, vegetables, and other everyday items. What sets The Modern Milkman apart is their commitment to sustainability – all products arrive in returnable packaging, which the company collects, sterilises, and reuses. This means you're not just receiving groceries; you're participating in a circular economy that significantly reduces household plastic waste.

Customers typically find The Modern Milkman appealing because of the convenience factor combined with environmental benefits. Your order arrives early in the morning, often before you wake up, placed safely at your doorstep in insulated bags. The company partners with local suppliers and producers, which means you're supporting regional businesses whilst reducing food miles. This approach has resonated with environmentally conscious consumers across the UK who want to make sustainable choices without sacrificing convenience.

However, circumstances change, and you may find yourself needing to cancel your subscription. Common reasons include moving house to an area outside their delivery zone, changing household needs, budget adjustments, or simply wanting to try alternative shopping methods. Whatever your reason, you have the right to cancel your subscription, and understanding the proper process protects your consumer rights.

Subscription plans and pricing

The Modern Milkman operates on a flexible subscription basis rather than fixed-term contracts, which gives you considerable control over your deliveries. Understanding the pricing structure helps you make informed decisions about your subscription and any financial implications of cancellation.

How the subscription works

Unlike traditional contracts with minimum terms, The Modern Milkman allows you to customise your delivery frequency and product selection. You can choose weekly, fortnightly, or monthly deliveries depending on your household needs. The service doesn't typically require long-term commitments, which means you're not locked into a year-long contract. This flexibility is a significant consumer advantage because it means you have greater freedom to adjust or cancel without facing substantial penalties.

Your account operates on a rolling basis, with payments processed before each scheduled delivery. The company charges for the products you've ordered plus a small delivery fee, which varies depending on your location and order value. Many customers find that orders above a certain threshold qualify for free delivery, making larger, less frequent orders more economical.

Typical costs and product range

An important financial consideration is the deposit system. When you first order items in reusable containers, you pay a small deposit (typically £1.00 per bottle or container). This deposit is refundable when you return the empty containers. Therefore, when cancelling your subscription, ensuring you return all containers means you'll receive your full deposit back. This is a consumer right that you should actively protect by keeping track of how many containers you have at home.

Payment methods and billing cycles

The Modern Milkman processes payments through direct debit or card payments linked to your online account. Understanding your billing cycle is crucial when planning cancellation because you want to avoid being charged for deliveries you don't intend to receive. The company typically charges your account 24-48 hours before your scheduled delivery date. This means that timing your cancellation appropriately ensures you won't face unexpected charges after you've decided to end your subscription.

Cancellation terms and conditions

As a consumer in the UK, you're protected by robust legislation that governs subscription services and your right to cancel. Understanding these protections empowers you to navigate the cancellation process with confidence.

Your legal rights under UK consumer law

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 provide significant protections for UK consumers using subscription services. These laws establish that you have the right to cancel subscription services with reasonable notice, and companies cannot impose excessive penalties for doing so. In practice, this means The Modern Milkman cannot legally require you to continue paying for services you no longer want, provided you follow their stated cancellation procedures.

Because The Modern Milkman operates on a rolling subscription rather than a fixed-term contract, you have even greater flexibility. You're not bound by minimum contract periods, which means you can cancel at any point without facing early termination fees. This is an important consumer advantage that you should be aware of when considering cancellation.

Notice periods and final deliveries

The Modern Milkman typically requires reasonable notice before cancellation takes effect. Based on standard industry practice and consumer feedback, you should provide at least 48-72 hours' notice before your next scheduled delivery to ensure cancellation is processed in time. This notice period exists because the company needs time to adjust their delivery routes and product orders from suppliers.

When you submit your cancellation request, clearly state your desired final delivery date. This removes ambiguity and protects you from receiving (and being charged for) unwanted deliveries. If you want to cancel immediately with no further deliveries, explicitly state this in your cancellation letter. As a result, the company has clear instructions and you have documentary evidence of your intentions.

Refunds and outstanding deposits

You have the right to receive refunds for any prepaid deliveries that haven't been fulfilled and the return of all container deposits. The Modern Milkman should process these refunds within 14 days of receiving your returned containers, as required by UK consumer protection regulations. Therefore, keeping accurate records of your deposits and any advance payments protects your financial interests during cancellation.

If you've been charged for a delivery after submitting proper cancellation notice, you have the right to dispute this charge and request a refund. Your cancellation letter sent by recorded delivery serves as evidence of when you notified the company, which is why postal cancellation is so valuable for protecting your consumer rights.

How to cancel The Modern Milkman by post

Cancelling by post through Recorded Delivery is the most reliable method for ending your subscription because it creates an official paper trail that protects your consumer rights. This approach provides legal proof of when you submitted your cancellation request, which is invaluable if any disputes arise about charges or final delivery dates.

Why postal cancellation is recommended

Whilst online cancellation methods might seem more convenient, postal cancellation offers superior consumer protection. When you send a letter via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery, you receive a certificate of posting and tracking information that proves exactly when your cancellation notice was sent and received. This documentation becomes crucial if the company claims they never received your cancellation request or if you're charged for deliveries after your intended cancellation date.

Email cancellations can be overlooked, filtered into spam folders, or claimed as never received. Phone cancellations rely on the company's internal record-keeping, which may not be accessible to you if disputes arise. In contrast, a posted letter with recorded delivery creates independent, verifiable proof that stands up in any consumer dispute resolution process. This means you have solid evidence to support your case with your bank, trading standards, or consumer protection organisations if necessary.

Preparing your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter should be clear, concise, and include all essential information that identifies your account and states your intentions unambiguously. Start by including your full name, delivery address, and account number or customer reference if you have one. This ensures the company can immediately identify your account without delays.

Clearly state that you are cancelling your subscription and specify your desired final delivery date or state that you want immediate cancellation with no further deliveries. Include the date you're writing the letter, as this establishes your notice period. Request written confirmation of your cancellation and specify how you want to return containers and receive your deposit refund.

Mention that you expect any outstanding deposits to be refunded and provide details of how you'll return the containers. If you want the company to collect them during a final visit, state this clearly. Alternatively, if you prefer to drop them off at a collection point, request information about how to do this. This proactive approach demonstrates you're fulfilling your obligations as a customer whilst asserting your rights.

The correct postal address

Sending your cancellation letter to the correct address is absolutely critical for ensuring it reaches the appropriate department. The registered office address for The Modern Milkman is:

• The Modern Milkman Ltd
• Beehive Mill
• Jersey Street
• Manchester
• M4 6JG
• United Kingdom

Always address your letter to "Customer Services" or "Subscription Cancellations" to help ensure it reaches the correct department promptly. Double-check you've written the postcode correctly, as this is essential for Royal Mail to deliver your letter to the right location.

Sending via recorded delivery

Visit your local Post Office and send your cancellation letter via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery. This service costs approximately £3.35 and provides tracking and proof of delivery. When you send the letter, you'll receive a receipt with a tracking number. Keep this receipt in a safe place along with a copy of your cancellation letter. This documentation is your insurance policy if any problems arise.

You can track your letter's progress online using the Royal Mail tracking service, which shows when it was delivered and who signed for it. This tracking information provides concrete evidence of when the company received your cancellation notice, which is particularly important for calculating notice periods and determining when charges should stop.

Using services like Postclic for convenience

If you find the process of writing, printing, and posting a letter inconvenient, services like Postclic offer a modern alternative whilst maintaining the legal benefits of postal cancellation. Postclic allows you to create your cancellation letter online, and they handle the printing, enveloping, and sending via tracked delivery on your behalf.

The advantage of using Postclic is that you save time whilst still obtaining the legal protection of a formal posted letter with proof of delivery. You don't need to visit a Post Office or buy envelopes and stamps. The service provides digital proof of posting and delivery tracking, which you can access online at any time. This means you have the convenience of digital communication combined with the legal strength of traditional postal methods.

For consumers who work full-time or have mobility challenges, Postclic removes the practical barriers to sending formal cancellation letters. The service typically costs around £3-4, which is comparable to Recorded Delivery costs when you factor in stationery and postage. Therefore, it's a cost-effective option that doesn't compromise your consumer protection rights.

Following up on your cancellation

After sending your cancellation letter, monitor your email and post for confirmation from The Modern Milkman. The company should acknowledge your cancellation within 5-7 working days. If you don't receive confirmation within this timeframe, your tracked delivery proof allows you to follow up with confidence, referencing the exact date they received your letter.

Check your bank statements to ensure no further charges appear after your final delivery date. If you notice any unexpected charges, contact your bank immediately to dispute them, providing your cancellation letter copy and proof of delivery as evidence. UK banks are required to investigate disputed transactions, and your documentation makes this process straightforward.

Customer reviews and tips

Understanding other customers' experiences with The Modern Milkman, including their cancellation experiences, helps you anticipate potential challenges and prepare accordingly. Consumer feedback provides valuable insights that protect your interests.

Common experiences with the service

Many customers praise The Modern Milkman for their environmental commitment and product quality. Reviews frequently highlight the convenience of doorstep delivery and the satisfaction of reducing plastic waste. However, some customers report occasional issues with delivery timing, product availability, or communication about service changes. These mixed experiences are typical of subscription services and don't necessarily indicate systemic problems, but they do emphasise the importance of clear communication when cancelling.

Customers who have cancelled their subscriptions report varying experiences. Some find the process straightforward and receive prompt confirmation, whilst others mention delays in receiving deposit refunds or difficulty getting responses to cancellation requests made through online channels. This variability reinforces why postal cancellation with proof of delivery is so valuable – it eliminates ambiguity about whether your request was received and when.

Tips for smooth cancellation

Based on consumer experiences and best practices, several strategies can help ensure your cancellation proceeds smoothly. First, time your cancellation to avoid being charged for upcoming deliveries. If your next delivery is scheduled in two days and you want to cancel, explicitly state that you're cancelling immediately with no further deliveries required. This removes any potential confusion about whether you're accepting one final delivery.

Take photographs of all containers you're returning, including close-ups of any reference numbers or labels. This visual evidence protects you if disputes arise about how many containers you returned. When returning containers, ensure they're clean and in good condition, as the company may refuse to refund deposits for damaged items. This is a reasonable commercial practice, but being aware of it helps you protect your deposit refund rights.

Keep all documentation related to your subscription and cancellation in one place. This includes your original subscription confirmation, payment receipts, your cancellation letter copy, proof of delivery, and any correspondence with the company. Having this complete record makes it much easier to resolve any disputes quickly and in your favour.

What to do if problems arise

If The Modern Milkman doesn't process your cancellation properly or refuses to refund your deposits without valid reason, you have several escalation options. First, send a formal complaint letter to the same address, referencing your original cancellation letter and proof of delivery. Give them 14 days to resolve the issue, as this is considered reasonable under UK consumer law.

If the company doesn't respond satisfactorily, contact your bank or card provider to dispute any charges made after your cancellation date. Provide them with your cancellation documentation and proof of delivery. UK financial institutions are required to investigate such disputes and typically side with consumers when clear evidence exists.

You can also report unresolved issues to Citizens Advice Consumer Service, which provides free, impartial advice and can escalate serious cases to Trading Standards. For disputes involving significant amounts (such as substantial unreturned deposits), the small claims court offers an accessible route to resolution for claims under £10,000. Your postal cancellation documentation makes any legal process much more straightforward because you have clear evidence of your actions.

Alternatives to consider

If you're cancelling The Modern Milkman because of specific service issues rather than no longer wanting doorstep delivery, consider whether alternative providers might better meet your needs. Several other UK companies offer similar sustainable delivery services, including traditional milkmen who've modernised their offerings and newer eco-focused delivery services. Researching these alternatives ensures you're making the best choice for your household.

Alternatively, many local shops and supermarkets now offer their own delivery services with increasing focus on reducing plastic packaging. Some communities have milk vending machines where you can fill your own containers, combining sustainability with flexibility. Whatever alternative you choose, the experience of cancelling The Modern Milkman teaches you valuable lessons about protecting your consumer rights in subscription services.

Remember that cancelling a subscription is your right as a consumer, and you should never feel pressured to continue a service that no longer meets your needs. By following the proper postal cancellation process, you protect yourself legally and financially whilst ensuring a clean break from the service. The key is clear communication, proper documentation, and understanding your rights under UK consumer law. These principles apply not just to The Modern Milkman but to any subscription service you might use in the future, making you a more empowered and protected consumer overall.