Zavvi Enters Administration Again: Orders and Pre-Orders Won't Be Fulfilled

Former game seller Zavvi has entered administration and ceased trading while the insolvency process unfolds. The company stated it "is unable to fulfil any outstanding orders or pre-orders." The news broke on 14 October 2026 via Eurogamer.net. If you had a pending order or pre-order, your money and goods are now at risk.

What Happened

Zavvi, once known for selling video games, has entered administration again — this isn't the first time. Trading has stopped, and administrators are now handling debts and assets.

What It Means for Buyers

The key point: outstanding orders and pre-orders have no guarantee. If you paid by card, you may be able to dispute the transaction via chargeback. If you paid with crypto or a virtual card without protection, recovering funds will be harder.

• Bank card payment: Contact your card issuer to request a chargeback. Deadlines apply — usually up to 120 days from the transaction date, but don't wait.
• Virtual card payment: If the card was issued through a service like VirtCardPay, check the dispute terms with support. In most cases the same chargeback mechanism applies, but it depends on the issuer.
• Pre-orders: If the item hasn't shipped and the company has ceased trading, chances of receiving it are minimal. Keep all receipts and correspondence.

What to Do Right Now

First, check your order status in your Zavvi account if you still have access. Second, save payment confirmations: screenshots, emails, transaction IDs. Third, if you paid by card, initiate a chargeback through your bank or virtual card issuer. The sooner, the better.

The company said it "is unable to fulfil any outstanding orders or pre-orders." This effectively means customers must pursue refunds on their own.

Why This Matters for VirtCardPay Readers

Zavvi isn't the first — and won't be the last — overseas retailer to exit the market. For those buying games, collector's editions, or merch abroad, this is a reminder: your payment method affects your ability to get money back. Virtual cards with chargeback support offer more protection than direct crypto transfers. If you plan purchases from foreign stores, check refund policies in advance and use payment tools that allow disputes.

What's Next

Zavvi's administrators will handle creditors and assets. Customers will likely need to file claims as part of the process. Watch for official announcements from administrators — they may appear on the company's website or in insolvency registers. For now, the only practical step is a chargeback.

FAQ

Can I get a refund for a pre-order if Zavvi entered administration?

If you paid by card — yes, via chargeback. If you paid with crypto — it depends, but usually harder. Contact your card issuer or virtual card support.

How long do I have to file a chargeback?

Usually up to 120 days from the transaction date, but rules vary by bank and payment system. The sooner you act, the better.

What if my order shipped but never arrived?

If you have a tracking number, check the delivery status. If the parcel is stuck and the company ceased trading, chances are slim. In that case, also initiate a chargeback.

Service names, games, and franchises belong to their respective owners and are mentioned only to describe the payment scenario; VirtCardPay is not affiliated with them.