Doubleday Book Club - A Scam?? Having problems with them...

[themilesfamily]

My elderly mother joined the Doubleday book club for large print books.

She was obligated to buy 4 books at regular club prices. She did that and bought an additional six books and now she wants to get out.

They keep sending her notices that she needs to buy more books, that she owes them more money, that they're going to report her to a collections agency if she doesn't pay them more money, etc.

She tried to call their customer service line and she said the lady was so rude to her, she was in tears by the time she got off the phone. All the lady said was she had to pay $43 more dollars to get out -- didn't say exactly why or where that amount came from.

Has anyone had any experience with this company - specifically how to get OUT of their bookclub?

 

[kaytieeldr]

They're not a scam, but try calling for her. If they give you a hard tim, have her call and authorize you on her account - ideally when you're at her house. Make sure she has proof of all her purchases: initial, required, and additional. If you can, have a copy of the terms of the agreement handy too. They must have a website.

Then call on her behalf. Explain that she has met/exceeded the conditions of membership and that you are canceling it with her approval. Get names. From the website, get their address. Make copies of everything - agreement, shipping slips, everything. Send to the correct address via registered mail, along with her written cancellation.

If they persist, contact the Attorneys General offices in both your state and theirs for help.

 

[tasha99]

Also, make sure the books she bought met the membership requirements. Some sale books don't.

 

[themilesfamily]

Good advice! Thank you!! Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this. She does keep very good financial records, so she should have records of all the transactions.

I did some research online and there are a lot of complaints about this Doubleday book club.

 

[Belle0101]

Also, make sure the books she bought met the membership requirements. Some sale books don't.

Good point.

 

[PatsMom]

Doubleday has been around for a long time so its not a scam. But they will hold you to the conditions of membership. So if anything she bought didn't meet the requirements, then she may still have additional books to buy. I think they have to be at "regular club price" not on sale.

 

[Over the Rainbow]

I work for a lawyer and you would be surprised how quickly some people change their tunes when you say the word lawyer.

I have to say that I have bought from Double Day in the past and never had trouble canceling my membership. But there is no reason for them to be that rude. I hope you get this resolved easily.

 

[GFC]

I made an order in june of 2011, for my free books having paid the $23 for shipping. I supposedly have until june 2012 to make my 4 purchases at member price.

This morning I was checking my bank account online and say they charged me $42!!! For what? I didnt order anything else!

Ive contacted them aprox 6-9 times and have yet to speak with a person.

Ive also contacted my bank to reverse charges, but charge reversals can be $34 with some banks.

I am beyond furious!

Beware...

they store your card number and will charge you whenever the heck they feel like it.

 

[ocooper]

My elderly mother also joined Doubleday Large Print book club, fulfilled her obligation to buy 4 regular priced books, and then requested cancellation of her membership. Months later she has received an invoice notifying her she owes $46.38 and must choose 2 more selections to be shipped to her. She called customer service. The woman answering the call was polite but not knowledgeable or helpful. Before I let my mother pay this unwarranted bill, I googled Doubleday Book Club complaints, and found this site and many others. Apparently this company has found that harassing seniors will turn a profit. She is a productive member of society at age 80, and I think Doubleday should be ashamed!