Warning: Taste of Home magazine sneaky trick

[Lori2202]

Word of warning to anyone giving or receiving a Taste of Home magazine subscription this season. Yesterday I received a magazine in the mail as a gift subscription from my parents. Inside was a welcome letter that stated; "This issue is so big that we are treating it as a double issue that will count toward two of your subscriber issues, so your subscription will be adjusted accordingly."
A normal 1 year subscription is 6 issues and when I called to clarify this with them, they stated that this Dec/Jan issue would count as 2 of those 6 issues. It didn't take long for the customer service person to "extend the subscription by one more issue", but I am upset that I had to call in the first place. Very deceptive trading practice if you ask me. I honestly don't think most people would read through the letter to find out that information. And I don't believe that this issue is so much more outstanding than any other issue.
Just thought I would give you all a heads up.

 

[Anne34]

Word of warning to anyone giving or receiving a Taste of Home magazine subscription this season. Yesterday I received a magazine in the mail as a gift subscription from my parents. Inside was a welcome letter that stated; "This issue is so big that we are treating it as a double issue that will count toward two of your subscriber issues, so your subscription will be adjusted accordingly."
A normal 1 year subscription is 6 issues and when I called to clarify this with them, they stated that this Dec/Jan issue would count as 2 of those 6 issues. It didn't take long for the customer service person to "extend the subscription by one more issue", but I am upset that I had to call in the first place. Very deceptive trading practice if you ask me. I honestly don't think most people would read through the letter to find out that information. And I don't believe that this issue is so much more outstanding than any other issue.
Just thought I would give you all a heads up.

I got the same note with my magazine last week (Simple & Delicious). I thought WTH, but haven't called yet. Guess I should get off the DIs and actually do it. I didn't like it either

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

So they are saying it is equivalent to 4 months? I know it is normal for magazines to have a double issue but those are normally monthly magazines and not bi-monthly. Kind of crazy. I would have called too.

 

[lonegirl]

I called and told them to extend it back--didn't think anything in it was worthy of two issues. They seem to be going downhill--any other comparable magazines that are not sliding?

 

[Lori2202]

I've enjoyed Cooking Light in the past, but it's been a couple of years since I've looked at it.

 

[Leshaface]

I've enjoyed Cooking Light in the past, but it's been a couple of years since I've looked at it.

I have a subscription to Cooking Light (it was $5/year) and it's great! Lots of great recipes and tips!!

 

[okeydokey]

How sneaky. Can they really change your terms or agreement after it is in effect? I have had their magazine in the past, but i am sure I'll never have it again after learning this.

 

[tweedlemom]

The Food Network magazine is great!

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Thanks for posting. You're right. That is a dirty trick. I almost signed up for the free issue because I used to love this magazine, but I'll pass on it now.

 

[maslex]

I used to love Taste of Home magazines. I had a subscription for years!!! Then a couple years ago, they changed the format of the magazine and I haven't ordered or bought any since. I just do not like the new format. I do however still LOVE their cookbooks!!! I have a ton.

Other food/cooking mags that I love are the Food Network and Rachael Ray ones.

 

[Tina]

It used to be such a great magazine. I never renewed after the format change. It's too bad they haven't gone back. I recommend everyone switch to the Food Network mag. It's WAY better!

 

[2minnies]

http://mrmagazine.wordpress.com/2007/08/20/bringing-down-the-house-of-reiman…one-“ripple”-at-a-time/

 

[cm8]

http://mrmagazine.wordpress.com/2007/08/20/bringing-down-the-house-of-reiman…one-“ripple”-at-a-time/

Great read! Thanks for the info!

 

[mercydisney]

OH KNOW!! I ordered this for one of my friends. We are not close but we see each other everyday. I thought it was a good magazine.

 

[StregaNona]

WOW! I haven't seen a Taste of Home magazine in several years because I have been reading Cooking Light. 2minnies, thank you for the link - sad, but very informative.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

I was disappointed in that as well. It would have been a nice "bonus" to make a larger issue that didn't take away from the number you receive in your subscription, but the way they did it was a negative. It's unlikely I care enough to call. I just won't renew my subscription.

 

[yoopermom]

My aunt worked for them for years BEFORE they were bought out, and they were a superb company to work for (as seen by the quality of the product at that time, as well). Once Reader's Digest bought them out, she got a new job as soon as she could, because the writing was on the wall. Sooooo sad. Their company store in Greendale is still fun to visit, though.

Terri

 

[MrsPete]

That IS a sneaky trick, and I hope all their subscribers call them on it! If so, they won't try to pull such things again.

 

[CTdiznymom]

Have been a subscriber to TOH for many years, and after hearing this, I won't be renewing my subscription. The quality just isn't there anymore. Pity, I really enjoyed the recipes. I even enjoyed the quality of the paper they used. Now it's just flimsy.

 

[SylvieRD]

Word of warning to anyone giving or receiving a Taste of Home magazine subscription this season. Yesterday I received a magazine in the mail as a gift subscription from my parents. Inside was a welcome letter that stated; "This issue is so big that we are treating it as a double issue that will count toward two of your subscriber issues, so your subscription will be adjusted accordingly."
A normal 1 year subscription is 6 issues and when I called to clarify this with them, they stated that this Dec/Jan issue would count as 2 of those 6 issues. It didn't take long for the customer service person to "extend the subscription by one more issue", but I am upset that I had to call in the first place. Very deceptive trading practice if you ask me. I honestly don't think most people would read through the letter to find out that information. And I don't believe that this issue is so much more outstanding than any other issue.
Just thought I would give you all a heads up.

My name is Sylvie. I work in Customer Care for RDA which is the parent company for Reiman publications and I just came across your blog post.

I would like to explain that, while our Taste of Home magazine is currently published 6 times a year, we felt it important to notify our subscribers that there may be certain times of the year when we increase the editorial content. At these times, the special issue would count as two.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-308-9281. One of our agents will be most happy to take your call.


Sylvie Robert
E-Care Coordinator