Meghan Markle’s As Ever Brand Issues Refunds After High Demand

Success can sometimes create unexpected challenges, and Meghan Markle‘s As Ever brand is learning that lesson firsthand. The Duchess of Sussex’s lifestyle company has been forced to issue refunds to customers who ordered the popular apricot spread after inventory issues prevented fulfillment of all purchases. The product, which launched last month as part of As Ever’s expanding lineup, sold out within an hour due to overwhelming consumer response.

Affected customers received apologetic emails from the company’s customer service team explaining the situation. “Due to high demand, we are unable to fulfill your order of the apricot spread at this time. We are refunding your purchase of this item by the end of this week,” the message stated, according to Us Weekly.

The company didn’t just offer monetary compensation. As Ever promised disappointed buyers priority access to future inventory, telling customers: “In addition to the refund, we want you to know that when the apricot spread is back in stock, you will be the first to receive it, free of charge.”

Us Weekly experienced the fulfillment issues directly when they placed an order for multiple As Ever products. While they received flower sprinkles from Markle’s summer collection, the anticipated apricot spread was noticeably absent from their delivery, prompting them to contact customer service, which resulted in a refund notification.

Previous Supply Challenges

This inventory miscalculation isn’t the first time As Ever has faced distribution difficulties. In April, Markle personally addressed customers who had ordered the brand’s limited-edition honey but never received their purchases, according to Us Weekly. Her handwritten note to affected buyers displayed a hands-on approach to customer relations.

“My goodness, what a whirlwind this week has been! Thank you for the support. It really means so much to me,” Markle wrote in her personal message to customers. She acknowledged that the problem occurred “due to overselling” and expressed empathy for disappointed buyers.

“Please know the team worked very hard in every department and felt just as sad when we learned what had happened,” she continued in the note. “I know it’s not the same as the limited edition item you had your heart set on (I would feel the same!) so I would also like to promise you something else. When our next limited edition item drop happens, you won’t just be the first to know … you’ll be the first to receive it.”

The honey situation arose when orders exceeded available inventory after an unexpectedly strong response to the product launch. Only a limited number of orders were processed after the item had actually sold out, necessitating refunds and alternative product offerings.

Expanding Product Portfolio

The apricot spread, which retails at $9 per jar or $14 in special packaging, represents just one component of As Ever’s growing product portfolio. The brand launched with nine initial products in April, including various spreads, herbal teas, and baking mixes that sold out within 45 minutes of availability.

Markle has since expanded beyond food products, recently introducing a 2023 Napa Valley Rosé wine produced by Fairwinds Estate. The wine development reportedly took months of careful blending work to achieve the desired flavor profile. As Ever’s manufacturing partner, Republic of Tea, produces the spreads and honey at their Illinois facility, located approximately 2,000 miles from Markle and Prince Harry’s Montecito residence.

The brand emerged following the premiere of Markle’s Netflix cooking show “With Love, Meghan,” which has been renewed for a second season. Beyond food and beverages, Markle has revealed ambitious plans to expand As Ever into the hospitality and entertainment sectors, indicating significant growth objectives despite current fulfillment challenges.