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Open Now "Free gift enclosed"

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DavidApp

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Saturday I get a package in the mail with Open now "Free gift enclosed" on the outside.

I open the envelope attached to the outside to find a bill enclosed listing a $20.00 dollar charge and shipping and handling. The bill is the first installment of 4.

I did not order this book and had not renewed the associated magazine in the last 6 months.

Called the customer service number this morning and was told that I could return it by taking it to the post office if I have not opened it? As I had removed the attached envelope I would have to pay return shipping.
When I said I would not be renewing the magazine the customer service person said we can wave the charges this time.

We will see what happens.

David
 
DavidApp said:
Saturday I get a package in the mail with Open now "Free gift enclosed" on the outside.

I open the envelope attached to the outside to find a bill enclosed listing a $20.00 dollar charge and shipping and handling. The bill is the first installment of 4.

I did not order this book and had not renewed the associated magazine in the last 6 months.

Called the customer service number this morning and was told that I could return it by taking it to the post office if I have not opened it? As I had removed the attached envelope I would have to pay return shipping.
When I said I would not be renewing the magazine the customer service person said we can wave the charges this time.

We will see what happens.

David
Click to expand...

I had the exact same thing happen (well, very similar). I received a hard back book which was my "free gift" for subscribing to a magazine and there was also a bill attached for my subscription. I did not subscribe and I called them and told them I'mm not wasting my time returning the book and I'm not subscribing and I'm not sending any money. Thank you and have a nice day.
 
There is a law or group of laws governing this behavior, I think. Stemmed from the record clubs of the 60's and 70's...and probably book clubs.

You may want to look it up, but again, if I recall, you did not sign up nor order....and they have no path of action.

Again, if I recall...you do not even have to contact them, just pitch the product and bill.

Me? I'd call or e-mail and save a copy of the e-mail....and place the product and e-mail in the back of a closet for a while.
 
Thanks for the links.

What I thought.

I did go back to make sure I had not renewed my subscription recently and missed a check box. It was over 6 months ago.

David
 
Well that gives me useful information. Have sent several packages marked return to sender. I was curious but didn’t open. From now on I’ll open and keep or discard.
 
Judy - considering the number of crazies in the world these days ... might be a good idea *not* to open any unexpected packages, especially if the sender isn't someone you know. Actually, maybe a good idea *not* to even touch those packages.

Just sayin'

Tom M.
 
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I think it is along the lines of "Your magazine subscription is about to expire . Renew now."
Then when you check the address label where it has your subscription expiration date you see it is good till Nov. 2020. I had one of those a few weeks ago.
They are hoping you will just pay the bill enclosed without questioning it.

David
 
Dave - same here. That's been happening more and more. Another tack they use: mail you a "Past Due" envelope, when you've never ever subscribed. A friend in the business told me it's a popular ploy, as many wives handle the bills and other finances, and rarely ask their husbands about the details. The wife doesn't want hubby to lose his favorite subscription (!), so she sends the coupon back with payment.

And more and more actual subscriptions these days are automatically renewed; you have to call an 800 number to prevent renewal. And who remembers to keep that phone number?
 
Even the VFW sends out renewal notices nine MONTHS in advance....and when you do send a check in, you get three more MONTHS of late notices before they get their act in gear.
Must be Air Force folks running it.
 
I use to get Time magazine and noticed that the annual renewal got earlier and earlier every year. So the Christmas gift started its 12 months in December but after a few years the final copy was going to be delivered at the end of October. Called them about it and they said it was because I was also getting the special coppies. Person of the year, Year in review etc.
So I said I would cancel it. The reply was Give us a credit card number and you can have a free year. So two years for the price of one. Told them No cancel it I always do the year to year check payment.

David
 
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