Rachael Ray's Garbage Business Plan

[Fyrefly]

So I got my issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray in the mail today. It came with an letter attached announcing it was a special "Thanksgiving Blowout!" that had 40+ extra pages in it.

And because they think it's such a great value, they're treating it like two subscriber issues so "the duration of your subscription will be adjusted accordingly." And if I'm not "completely satisfied", to call their customer care or email and they'll credit me.

I'm sorry, but what the BLEEP is that?!

1) You're taking advantage of the fact people will be too busy or shy to contact you to skimp out on shipping an extra mag per prescription.

2) There was no contact prior to this, no opt-out for the bigger issue, etc. Just a nice clinical typed note saying "The issue you are holding in your hands RIGHT NOW cost two issues! Congrats!"

3) My last Rachael Ray was 152 pages. This one is 176. On what planet does adding 24 extra pages justify doubling the price? You want to shut me up? Either let me start my subscription by opting out of the big issue or by getting a small surcharge for it, or give me a 300 page magazine!

This is stuff that comes out of a bull on the wrong end, to put it bluntly and in as Disney-friendly a way I can.

I heartily encourage everyone who gets this magazine to take a moment out of their time and email their customer service to tell them what kind of crap this is. It isn't about how many recipes you cram into a magazine. It's doubling your price on one arbitrary issue for reasons which are false, giving your subscriber no warning. Last time I checked magazines wanted to keep subscribers?

 

[Sandy321]

Good rant -

thanks for pointing it out -

now I wonder of those 24 pages how many more were ads?

Look how well that worked for Netflix!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I completely agree with you (but I don't subscribe to the RR magazine). I just wanted to say your post made me laugh (not at you). They picked the wrong person to send that magazine to!

 

[eyes4eeyore]

I believe it was my Coastal Living that did this same thing a few months ago. However, I've yet to find a place to complain to.

 

[Mommee]

A few years ago I received notice that Parenting magazine was ending and that the remaining time (a year+) on my subscription would be honored by some other magazine. I can't remember the name of it because I ONLY RECEIVED ONE! Imagine my irritation when I found out Parenting still exists

 

[cvjw]

Call them and complain, or even cancel your subscription. That's what I did when Good Housekeeping sent me my monthly issue with Michelle Obama on the cover, telling me how I should eat. I called them and cancelled my subscription on the spot. They must have had lots and lots of cancelled subscriptions - they included an apology in the next issue for offending their loyal customers. Magazines, as well as other companies, will take heed if enough customers complain!

 

[merekc]

It's funny you should mention this because I had the exact same thoughts when I read the letter. I think it is extremely deceptive to tell your customers that since you decided to add a handful of additional pages the customer will be getting one less magazine from their contract.

I also wonder how many people take the time to read the letter and for those that don't read it how many people will even notice that they receive one less issue. Underhanded and deceptive in my opinion.

Epic Fail. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I know it is one issue, but I wonder how much it helps their bottom line to cut the mailing costs of each subscripition by one issue. Where is my Walmart consumer advocate when I need her?

 

[Fyrefly]

Yeah, I fully intend on complaining.

The rant was more to get it off my chest because I was in a bad mood (I'm glad I provided someone with some amusement! ) and to try and alert anyone who might be crazy busy and just toss the sheet without really reading it over first.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

The number is (800) 947-3530 - ask for operator and then other.

Tell the CS Rep that you are not willing to accept it as two issues and they will change your dates back to the original dates. While a pain in the rump, the phone call took about 3 minutes total and my subscription is back to normal.

 

[luvmy3]

If they have a satisfaction guarantee and said they would credit you, what is the big deal? call and get your credit

Sorry, saw your 2nd post.

 

[MrsPete]

I've heard this a number of times recently, and I think it's a new stealth-tactic to make a bigger profit. I'd complain too. It's completely unfair; however, it must be working for them -- if it weren't, other magazines wouldn't be picking up on it.

 

[DisneyJan]

I agree!! Very sneaky. Thanks for the reminder. I just sent an email for a "credit ".

 

[merekc]

If they have a satisfaction guarantee and said they would credit you, what is the big deal? call and get your credit

Sorry, saw your 2nd post.

The big deal is the 90% of subscribers who will overlook the letter or don't have the time to deal with it and are thus not getting what they paid for.

In the whole scheme of things, yes it is one of the small things not worth sweating over, however, as a consumer you get tired of companies finding ways to increase their profits at the expense of you, the customer.

 

[Green-bay]

I called and told them I didn't like the idea of adding on a "double month" for one magazine and they gave me a free year and and extra month.... worth the call.

 

[nancycg56]

I've gotten a couple magazines that did this ~ Taste of Home comes to mind. I think it's lousy.

 

[maggiew]

Call them and complain, or even cancel your subscription. That's what I did when Good Housekeeping sent me my monthly issue with Michelle Obama on the cover, telling me how I should eat. I called them and cancelled my subscription on the spot. They must have had lots and lots of cancelled subscriptions - they included an apology in the next issue for offending their loyal customers. Magazines, as well as other companies, will take heed if enough customers complain!

I'm not sure why this would make you cancel your subscription??? Isn't the first lady's pet project about eating healthy? Kind of like Nancy Reagan and "Just Say No". Or did she say something offensive in the article?? I don't know because I don't get that magazine.

I've gotten a couple magazines that did this ~ Taste of Home comes to mind. I think it's lousy.

Yes. Taste of Home recently did this. My mom gets this magazine and luckily I read about it here on the DIS so I was able to clue her in. Otherwise she wouldn't have noticed it.

Maggie

 

[luvmy3]

The big deal is the 90% of subscribers who will overlook the letter or don't have the time to deal with it and are thus not getting what they paid for.

In the whole scheme of things, yes it is one of the small things not worth sweating over, however, as a consumer you get tired of companies finding ways to increase their profits at the expense of you, the customer.

No, you are the consumer, its your money and its your job to not overlook that letter and its your job to make time to deal with it. Don't blame the company, they gave the info and said if you aren't satisfied to call and get a credit. If you as a consumer are tired of companies increasing their profits "at your expense" (how else do the get their profits? ) then at the very least make sure you don't overlook those letters, take advanatge of the guarantee they offer or don't give them your business at all. You can complain all you want but at the end of the day, the company didn't scheme you, they were up front and if you choose to do nothing about it, its your own fault. So in the grand scheme of things, its not really a big deal to expect consumers to take care of themselves and not expect some company to do it for you

(speaking you generally)

 

[njsweetP]

The number is (800) 947-3530 - ask for operator and then other.

Tell the CS Rep that you are not willing to accept it as two issues and they will change your dates back to the original dates. While a pain in the rump, the phone call took about 3 minutes total and my subscription is back to normal.

This is what I did also.

 

[apnep]

So I got my issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray in the mail today. It came with an letter attached announcing it was a special "Thanksgiving Blowout!" that had 40+ extra pages in it.

And because they think it's such a great value, they're treating it like two subscriber issues so "the duration of your subscription will be adjusted accordingly." And if I'm not "completely satisfied", to call their customer care or email and they'll credit me.

I'm sorry, but what the BLEEP is that?!

Ugh. THANK YOU for posting this. I felt the same way!!!! I AM calling to tell them I have a problem with this and that I expect to receive ALL of the magazines I PAID for. I looked at the magazine and didn't think it had anything "extra" in it!

I'm with you!

 

[okeydokey]

Call them and complain, or even cancel your subscription. That's what I did when Good Housekeeping sent me my monthly issue with Michelle Obama on the cover, telling me how I should eat. I called them and cancelled my subscription on the spot. They must have had lots and lots of cancelled subscriptions - they included an apology in the next issue for offending their loyal customers. Magazines, as well as other companies, will take heed if enough customers complain!

I guess you don't subscribe to many magazines then, since many have articles about eating healthier.