Magazine Subscription

Sparky2806

I have recently been caught out by the old favourite of a subscription company automatically renewing a subscription that wasn't wanted. This time it was Great Magazines. Whilst I fully accept this is outlined in the terms and conditions, I was staggered to find out that they REFUSED to refund my £22 subscription fee and would continue to issue the magazine for another year. I find this astonishing in terms of customer service in that they are happy to take £22 from my account for something I don't want!!

What is slightly frustrating is that the subscription was bought as a gift, 1 year ago, so with myself not even receiving the magazine it was not at the forefront of my mind to cancel. This has happened before but I have been able to reclaim the monies no problem.

Has anybody else had a similar experience - it just doesn't feel right that's all. If I have to take it on the chin then so be it but I will not be recommending this company as 'Great' by any means.

arcon5

How are they supposed to know you don't want it if you don't cancel the renewal?

If you made the mistake before why haven't you learnt your lesson?

You can't assume the policies of one company (the one happy to cancel and refund you) will be mirrored across the industry.

If you know this is outlined in their T&Cs then how have you been caught out?

shilcor

Sparky2806 wrote: »

Has anybody else had a similar experience - it just doesn't feel right that's all. If I have to take it on the chin then so be it but I will not be recommending this company as 'Great' by any means.

I'm afraid this falls into the same category as things such as mobile phone contracts, car/pet insurance policies, savings account introductory deals, etc, etc. It's up to you to remember to cancel anything that automatically renews if you don't want it any more. I'm a great fan of Google Calendar and set reminders for things such as this so I don't get caught out.

FUNKYDADDIO

Hi Guys, took the 3 magazines for £1 offer recently, can you advise how/ when you need to cancel, is it after first or second mag arrives? and do I need to let them know or just cancel with bank? Many thanks...Paul..

wealdroam

FUNKYDADDIO wrote: »

Hi Guys, took the 3 magazines for £1 offer recently, can you advise how/ when you need to cancel, is it after first or second mag arrives? and do I need to let them know or just cancel with bank? Many thanks...Paul..

Funkydaddio, as you haven't given us any details of which company you are dealing with, can I suggest you have a read of any documentation/emails you may have?

One thing is certain though, do not cancel any direct debit until you have cancelled your magazine subscription.

FUNKYDADDIO

Its with great magazines, thanks, read their e mail, no details on cancellation...

wealdroam

FUNKYDADDIO wrote: »

Its with great magazines, thanks, read their e mail, no details on cancellation...

Well, maybe I was wrong in my earlier post.
It appears that cancelling the DD may be the way to go.

Only took me a few minutes on google to find on their website...

Direct Debit trial offers
Some Direct Debit offers have a reduced price for a trial period. This will be for a variable number of issues depending upon the magazine. The issues you receive during this trial period are covered by your first Direct Debit payment. You can cancel the subscription (your next Direct Debit payment) at any time during this trial period. However, once the 2nd payment has been claimed from your bank account the subscription will be for a minimum of 12 months in duration, even if the frequency of payment is for a shorter period (for example, quarterly). In accordance with the Direct Debit Guarantee below, you will still have the right to cancel your Direct Debit if you so desire. If you do cancel, you will receive only the issues you have already paid for. If a gift is included as part of the subscription offer, we reserve the right to request the return of the gift/value of the gift in the event of an early cancellation of the subscription.

arcon5

It's worth adding that generally cancelling a DD doesn't terminate the agreement, merely the method of payment. So it's always wise to follow their cancellation procedure (read their terms and conditions) - in this case it will, but it's rare.

SGE1

This has happened to me as well - with a tastecard. What is irritating is that they claim to have emailed, 3 weeks prior (as per T&Cs), warning that the subscription would be automatically renewed, and providing an opportunity to cancel - but they didn't. Had I received the email I would obviously have cancelled there and then. I asked for proof that the email was sent, and they simply sent me a screen shot of their computer that said "email sent at 10am". I checked my spam folder any everything, and I definitely did not receive an email. Lots of stories posted online about these fantom emails as well.