Wine service The French Cellar closes, leaving customers who paid thousands high and dry

[covertbriar]

An online local wine subscription platform has shut down abruptly, leaving customers in the lurch with unfulfilled subscription plans amounting to thousands of dollars.

The French Cellar, once touted as the first wine subscription e-commerce platform in Asia, announced on its Facebook page on Tuesday (May 28) that business would cease owing to "difficult business circumstances".

It said it ceased operations on May 27 and is in the process of voluntary liquidation.

The online post did not specify how or if the company would refund its customers. It only said the company could no longer deliver wine and its liquidator would be in touch with customers with information on "how to file a proof of debt".

The company could not be contacted by press time.

More at https://tinyurI.com/ydbgfbop

 

[glockman]

Very good, money now gone. Serves the subscribers right! Trying to appear atas and chi-chi by being wine drinkers. What's wrong with beer and toddy? I drink them everyday.

 

[red amoeba]

Subscription service is an excuse to lalong off unwanted stocks. All the carrot heads should feel happy.

 

[krafty]

the subscriber-based concept is only good if there is a constant improvement or upgrade on the goods but definitely not on consumables, such as food or wine, what improvement does it offer over time?

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Why can't just go to cold storage or NTUC to buy wine when needed? Atas wineshop also have

 

[JohnTan]

Why can't just go to cold storage or NTUC to buy wine when needed? Atas wineshop also have

Because only losers buy wine from supermarkets.

High SES folks like myself only buy our wines from wine stores selling nothing but the finest wines money can buy.

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Because only losers buy wine from supermarkets.

High SES folks like myself only buy our wines from wine stores selling nothing but the finest wines money can buy.

So why need a subscription only to buy wine?

 

[jw5]

Boo Friggin' Hoo!

 

[laksaboy]

EDB Future Ready Singapore “The subscription model” (from The French Cellar's Winemag, 07 MAR, 2016)

Unique offerings seem to be a cornerstone of this business model, with products that have a high level of differentiation – such as premium products or carefully curated selections – seeing success in Asia. The French Cellar, which started out in Singapore in 2013, has since expanded into Hong Kong and Shanghai.

The company offers monthly subscriptions of artisanal wines from top wineries in France, chosen by its sommelier who has previously worked in three-starred Michelin restaurants. It plans to expand into major cities in China and Japan, according to Vincent Morello, The French Cellar’s CEO.

“We decided to expand because of the good traction in Singapore and because there were no such services in Hong Kong and China,” says Morello. “The demand from millennials is increasing significantly, showing that what we offer is fully adapted to mass-affluent markets.”

Exclusivity seems to keep subscribers coming back. The wines offered by The French Cellar, for instance, are available only to its subscribers.

“Our wines are personally curated by our sommelier Nicolas Rebut. Thanks to his experience and connections, we get exclusive artisanal wines from top-quality wineries that do not export to Asia and which sell out quickly in France.”

 

[laksaboy]

I think many other businesses will be affected, check out its website. Restaurants, banks, institutions etc.

https://www.thefrenchcellar.sg

 

[garlic]

got coffee subscription, shaver subscription, food subscription... humans are lazy.

 

[JohnTan]

So why need a subscription only to buy wine?

Maybe they were peddling exclusive wine that you can't find in NTUC, Shen Siong or Cold Storage?

 

[Rogue Trader]

So why need a subscription only to buy wine?

Guaranteed recurring income. Conjob

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Guaranteed recurring income. Conjob

In singkieland never prepay n never subscribe to anything bcos there is basically no consumer protection

 

[eatshitndie]

don't tell me another run road story involving owner and partner.

 

[AhMeng]

Very good, money now gone. Serves the subscribers right! Trying to appear atas and chi-chi by being wine drinkers. What's wrong with beer and toddy? I drink them everyday.

where you buy your toddy? Lol

 

[glockman]

where you buy your toddy? Lol

Tekka or Petain Rd. Best of the best!

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Tekka or Petain Rd. Best of the best!

Why can't u drink whiskey like everyone else?

 

[KuanTi01]

Drink ngor kar pi dabest! Available in supermarts; no need pay subscription fees. Lol

 

[glockman]

Why can't u drink whiskey like everyone else?

Too costly. Moonshine toddy is cheaper, and has unlimited alcohol content. My liver cries all the time.