Cancelling magazine subscription

Chewie1234

Hello  newbie here! Wondering if anyone can suggest what I can do next to get a refund and company has agreed to but are not implementing ...

I cancelled a magazine subscription to BBC Gardeners World before it renewed via email.
I had a reply confirming cancellation.

I was then charged for another year.
I replied to the email confirming cancellation to query this.
 No response.
I emailed again. Response, saying they didn’t have the email they sent me, could I send it to them. (!).
I did this.
No response.

4 days later, i email again.  
No response.

4 day later. I email again.
No response.

2 days later I email again stating I wanted to raise a complaint about the lack of response and being charged for the subscription after cancelling.
I get a reply confirming the complaint and asking for me to forward the email that they sent me confirming my cancellation (again!). 
I send this.
No response.

I chase wirh another email.
No response.

I phone (if you're wondering why I haven't phoned before ... I am autistic and hate phone calls, they make me feel sick).
I speak to someone who confirms my refund will be with me within 48 hours.

6 days later ... no refund. I phone again. They confirm my refund is being issued, but the first person was wrong and it takes 1p days, plus they need my bank details from me. I give them.

8 days later ... no refund. I phone again (today). They say they need to speak to the person I spoke to before and will phone me back before the end of day 
End of day has come and gone, no phone call.

What else can I do? They've agreed to my refund but I'm not getting anywhere and getting more frustrated by the day. Any advice on the next step would be appreciated!

Thank you

user1977

What was the method of payment?

Chewie1234

It was a direct debit from my bank account

user1977

Chewie1234 said:

It was a direct debit from my bank account

In which case claim it back from your bank via the Direct Debit Guarantee. Likely to be much more efficient than talking to the publishers.

Chewie1234

Thank you, I will contact them tomorrow and try and get it that way

marcia_

Chewie1234 said:

Thank you, I will contact them tomorrow and try and get it that way

 You can probably ring your bank tonight. They generally have the phone line open 24/7. 

 Just ask for a refund under the direct debit guarantee and explain why. 

Chewie1234

Thank you, I've got an online chat open with them and explaining now. Fingers crossed.
I couldn't face a second phone call in one day!

Chewie1234

Update: my bank has issued the refund.  Thank you for your help!
I got slightly concerned with the disclaimer that they could cancel their services and take legal action against me, but I guess that is standard.

user1977

Chewie1234 said:

I got slightly concerned with the disclaimer that they could cancel their services and take legal action against me, but I guess that is standard.

To be successful with any legal action they'd need to prove that you owe them the money. Which you don't. And in any event, they're hardly likely to pursue legal action for such a small amount.

marcia_

Chewie1234 said:

Update: my bank has issued the refund.  Thank you for your help!
I got slightly concerned with the disclaimer that they could cancel their services and take legal action against me, but I guess that is standard.

 As user1977 says they must prove you owe them money. You have an email trail to prove you don't as you cancelled your service. 

saajan_12

Chewie1234 said:

Update: my bank has issued the refund.  Thank you for your help!
I got slightly concerned with the disclaimer that they could cancel their services and take legal action against me, but I guess that is standard.

Just watch out for any letter before action or court claim (99% chance they won't bother). If they do though, you have a great defense, namely the emails you sent to cancel.