Connections did it to me too!**Update**

[patsal]

I received my February CC statement and on it was a charge for 139.99 from Connections. Apparently they billed me in February for a one year renewal on a membership that does not expire until March 20,2003 (should be April 20, 2003 but ...). After I called Connections to cancel I also called the CC company to verify that I did not authorize the charge, since Connections said it could take two months for the credit to show up. I am going to follow this up with a letter to the BBB and my State's Attorney General because of the one year membership thing--they owe me one more month of services or a refund for the paid amount for that month. Once I follow up I will share what (if anything) transpires. I thought that the original price for a one year membership was fine, as I used many of the things and found value in the membership, but the now current rate is much more than I could even come close to justifying.

** After filling out all the paperwork for the Attorney General's office and attaching all of my copies of membership info/billing dates/etc. I felt like I should give Connections one more chance to "do right". I e mailed them with my complaint (a one year membership is 365 days NOT 335). Anyway I came home from work and found a really rude message on my machiene pointing out that they owe me nothing and intend to do nothing. The paperwork was immediately sent off to the Attorney General's office today!!!! Alhough I didn't mind paying the original membership rate, I don't want a more expensive "upgraded membership" and I don't want to deal with companies that work with a 335 day year! FYI I was including the $1 trial membership into the paid for year so I really paid $90.99 for an 11 month membership( since the Connections year runs from March to February--that they did not give me) or re-instate my membership until midnight March 19, 2003 + the days for this month they cancelled when I refused to re-new. I'll repost when I hear from the ATTY GEN.
Sally

 

[TreeOfLife]

The BBB would be effective but remember that unless they have a logo in their website, they aren't members. The thing about them is sometimes more of a hoopla than anything else. The BBB is just a non-profiut agency offering to mediate disputes, it really isn't a government watch dog as many people think. Your results through them may or may not be what you want. Even companies with logos in their sites and offices only tell you that they paid a membership to join.
You can, however, go to the BBB's website and see if there have been other complaints against Connections. But again, being just a non-profit that offers to mediate disputes they really have no power over legislating against a company

Going through your State Attorney's office is most effective, as they may follow up with legal actions. Also file a complaint with your credit card company. Eventually they'll reimburse your overpayment but at least it is on record.

Sorry it happened again...

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

I had a problem this week too! I signed up for the 30 day trial on 1-10-03. The page I printed out states the yearly fee is $79.95. I've bought a ton iof vouchers and planned on keeping it. On 2-27-03, they billed me $109.95.

So, I called and was told that was the renewal fee. I was told the CSR could do nothing about this and pretty much it was they didnt beleive I had the paper stating it was $79.95. Demanded to speak with a supervisor and was told none were available. Tell that lie to someone else b/c I worked in customer service for several years and supervisors HIDE. So, after telling the CSR that, magically a superviosr is on the phone with me.

The supervisor tells me I am being charged $109.95 b/c that is the renewal rate and that I have been a member since 2001. Then he tells me that I signed up via an infomercial off the tv. WHAT?? I have never seen an infomercial regarding Connections. Have any of you?

Anyway, I faxed the paper I have and was told they would credit the account. Good grief. They are NOT customer friendly.

 

[patsal]

Your're not kidding you should have heard the messaage on my answering machiene. I really like using the vouchers for meals at Disney and I liked the gift cards for restaurants and Toys r Us as well as the movie vouchers, but really the so called "Upgraded membership" and no fixed rate for membership really makes me think they are not a place to do business with.
If we could just get Disney to sell these things themselves--like th AK meal voucher life would be just too good!LOL

 

[sm4987]

I was going to sign up in March for out trip in June. I'm beginning to wonder if I should change that. I keep hearing horror stories regarding their services.

 

[TreeOfLife]

If we could just get Disney to sell these things themselves

Agree but the thing is, Disney would never do such a thing. It makes too much sense!

 

[Lilly's Dad]

don't be impressed by BBB....they are not a gov't agency, and as a cover, scam businesses can join it!........maybe if enough consumers wrote DISNEY about Connections' misdealings, a shining image company like Disney would cease supplying connections with the goods.

 

[patsal]

Actually, last night I wrote to Disney about this as well, although they are not Connections their name is affiliated with it and they do use Disney's name in their advertising. It doesn't hurt to let them know how poorly thier product is being "pimped"!

 

[crazyforgoofy]

is mightier than the sword, they say. I agree. I'm writing to Disney to tell them how I feel about their business relationship with these characters. Can't hurt and might help.

 

[Spirit Feather]

Well, I just called to cancel my connections. I have been putting it off because it seemed like such a hassle.

The Customer Serv. Rep., of course, kept trying to get me to reconsider. I just kept repeating, "I would like to cancel my membership now, please."

I have a credit of $106.60 coming. They have my Visa Check Card number. I wonder how long it takes to show up in the acct? We have leaving tommorow and it would be nice to have a little extra $100 bonus to spend!

 

[patsal]

Forty-eight hours and several Cusomer Service management representaltives later, they finally admit that I am correct and am entitled to membership privleges until March 19, 2003. (However I already mailed forms to the Attorney General's Office and letters to Disney as well). So they give me a "special new number" to access my account through and tell me that I have until the 19th to continue enjoying thier service--ummm no I still need the days that you didn't let me have access to my account--Feb. 19-today!! I am just going to wait and see what the Attorney General finds out for me and take it from there. My hopes are not very high, but I wouldn't mind seeing them slapped with a fine and made ot give back the month they "stole" form all their other customers.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I think the only result that will be achieved by contacting Disney is that they may prevent Connections from selling the vouchers period. I'm sure Disney will not rush out to find another outlet to sell these as they have not yet. This termination would dry up our source on EBAY as well and then the only other place to get these vouchers will be through packages and timeshares.
I have learned alot on how to deal with Connections by reading this board and all of their tactics I don't agree with. But right now they have a monopoly on these vouchers and if you want them you have to go through them. Disney is not gonna come to our rescue on this one. I agree with contacting the AG. That MAY prompt positive change.

Everyone knows what they can handle and Connections pushes many to their limits and that's understandable. Would I recommend Connections to my family or friends? Only after I told them all the drawbacks and let them make their own decision if they are up for the extra work involved.

I am very diligent in keeping up with my Connection transactions (not stating anyone else is not) and making sure my membership is more of an asset than a liability. When/If it becomes a liability I will take appropropriate action also. In the meantime, I get enough savings out of the program (as crooked as it is) to continue.

If you know what your dealing with you can make the best decision for your situation.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

I also have a problem with them. I returned some vouchers via certified mail on 2/01/03. I called about a week ago, and was told they never received it. They asked for the certified # and of course I can't find the receipt. I stalled by saying I left it at work and would call this week with it. I've searched high & low and can't find it. My DH thinks the certified thing is just ridiculous, how can you prove what you really mailed? Anyway, I find it hard to believe that they didn't get, it never acame back to me? Anyone else have this problem too?

 

[patsal]

I've never had a problem with them getting the things I've mailed by certified mail to them, but it did take an extraordinarily long time for the process to transpire.


As far as value from Connections I have no problem with very carefully keeping track of the transactions I do with them. But I think that they have VERY poor customer service. Would I join again for the 30 day trial--yes It's the only place to get vouchers. Would I join for about 90.00 per year? Yes and nearly max it out. Will I pay 50 more for the membership? NO--I don't need or want an upgraded membership and that is the "breaking point." Besides, I do want a full 12 months of membership if that is what I paid for. I don't care if they have a "monoopoly" on vouchers or if the "illegal" secondary market on E-bay is able to continue. Bottom line run a legitimate business or be prepared to be called on the carpet for it. Hopefully everyone who does business with Connections is aware of their right to have 12 months of service and insists that they get it. I,just as liferbabe, would just give people the facts as we know them about Connections and let others base their decision to join on what they feel is correct and what they feel is a value. Bottom line for me is that I paid for a 12 month membership and I want just that. It would be nice of them to send out the note they said they would warning of a price increase/new membership year--but I'm sure that won't ever happen.

 

[Spirit Feather]

Originally posted by Spirit Feather
I have a credit of $106.60 coming. They have my Visa Check Card number. I wonder how long it takes to show up in the acct?

For those interested, my credit appeared in my checking account on Monday, March 10. About a week after I called and cancelled my membership.

 

[DMRick]

My DH thinks the certified thing is just ridiculous, how can you prove what you really mailed?

Did you pay for the return receipt? If so, then you shouldn't need your receipt..just the note from the post office that comes after Connection gets the item. If you did pay for that, and still no note from the post office, then I would say they in fact didn't get it...and you'll need to find your own receipt from when you purchased it : (

Can you imagine if they didn't insist on that type of mail, how many people would claim they returned something?

Here is what the Post Office says about certified mail:


Certified Mail

Provides proof of mailing at the time of mailing and date and time of delivery. A delivery record is maintained by the USPS. Available with First-Class Mail and Priority Mail. For an additional fee, certified mail may be combined with restricted delivery or return receipt.