World Books

november

My OH was a member of a book club that he was going to cancel but it closed. He thinks it has been taken over by World Books as today they sent his 'Introductory free book'.

In the parcel they have a 'Welcome Back' leaflet which says "Welcome back to your book club". It also has a letter saying "Thank you for joining World Books" (he didn't) It says in order to "activate his account" he just needs to pay £1.49 postage for his 'free book'.

It also says if he doesn't want to "renew his membership" he just needs to pay £1.49 postage for his 'free book'. And he needs to apparently do this within 10 days of receipt.

He's never been a customer of World Books which apparently does 'General Interest' and 'Adventure and Thriller'. His book club was related to his interests.

I can see that they are hoping to make a fair few £1.49's out of people who think they have to pay postage for a book they didn't order to cancel membership of a book club they didn't ask to join :mad: Or as they probably hope even more money when they decide people want to carry on with their "membership" and they continue to send them books.

I know with book clubs you have to respond to say you don't want the editor's choice but surely they don't think they can not give you this choice but send you a 'free' book and insist you pay postage or they will carry on sending you books for you to pay for :mad:

I think I may have to compose a letter.

Anyone else heard of this? I am assuming I am right in that he can tell them to come and pick up the book if they want it back, that he isn't a member, never has been a member, doesn't want to be a member and has no intention of paying anything for unsolicited goods?

rach1973

World Books is a part of the BCA group (Mango/Mystery & Thriller Guild etc etc) BCA Link

I among other people have had problem with the Mango Book Club, signing us up with any knowledge....look here Mango Thread

This number 020 7760 6500 will get you through to someone (Receptionist???) and they will put you through to Customer Services.

HTH
Rachel

Bossyboots

If it is unsolicited, he can keep the book without any payment at all and he does not have to even contact them.

november

Thanks Rach - looks like they are on a recruit-a-thon

Thats what I thought Bossyboots - I did wonder though if they have taken over a book club that he had been told had closed could they 'transfer' his membership if he didn't close the membership of the old club? Otherwise I personally wouldn't bother contacting them either. It doesn't makes any difference to this particular book though which is unsolicited.

eta I think my post wants amalgamating into the other thread although I still think 'warning' seemed appropriate!

Bossyboots

The words "Welcome Back" imply to me that they knew he had gone somewhere. In this case he had left the club. My membership of World Books automatically lapsed a while ago when I ignore their "We want you back pack" and then told their rep who called that I wouldn't be using them again.

If he has not agreed to World Books sending him books then they are unsolicited. If WB have taken over another book club then one of them should have written to him telling him what was happening and that his membership would be transferred and perhaps even giving him the option to close his account then. As none of this appears to happen, I cannot see how they can perceive the book as anything other than unsolicited.