The National Magazine exchange, something I had never heard of, called me a few days ago on my cell phone. I answered and a young man explained that I had been chosen to be entered in a one-million dollar sweepstakes that was available only to VISA holders.
Also, it was my "lucky" day because I would get to choose three free magazines and only pay a discounted price for a fourth. It sounded great to me, since I already buy a ton of magazines every month. He proceeded to tell me that he was new working there, so he wasn't very good at selling products yet, blah blah blah lies.
So, like a fool, I chose three free magazines, and a fourth weekly news magazine. I thought my dad would enjoy reading it, so why not? The man told me that nobody had turned down his offer yet because it was so good.
He then told me his name and my confirmation number, and that he would transfer me to his supervisor to complete the order.
The woman on the phone sounded pretty nice to me, and I felt comfortable with my purchase... So far. She informed me that I would also be recieving a free mini-vacation at a four-star hotel, just for "helping out" the news magazine I had chosen.
At this point, I was utterly confused as to why they would be giving me such a good deal, but then she threw out the price. It would be $3.99 a week, and the subscription to all four magazines would last 5 years! My bill would be $16 dollars per month for five years! It sounds so much better when it's stretched out, doesn't it?
I then gave her my credit card number, and she told me that, for my convenience, I would be paying a monthly bill of $65 for sixteen months. That way, she said, I wouldn't be paying a bill every month for five years. Umm... I'd rather!
Whoa, I was in way too deep to process that info, and I knew deep down I couldn't afford it, but also felt like there was no turning back. I had already given her my credit card number! It doesn't help when you're young and never had a call like this before.
She then put on a recording so I could answer some "confirmation" questions. I was in a daze, and answered all of the questions correctly. I just wanted to get off the phone.
The supervisor kept tellling me, "Good luck on the sweepstakes". I could tell she was just excited about getting another nieve customer (me) to purchase their wares.
After our conversation ended, I immedeatly snapped out of it. I started doing math in my head, and the totals were astonishing. 3 free magazines, yes, but the fourth would end up costing me tons!
16 monthly installments of $65 each totaled to $1040!! I was infuriated with myself, and the company's immoral sale tactics.
I then went on the news magazine's official website to see what they charched for five years of their weekly publication, and it came to around $500, not $1040!
I called the customer service number as soon as I got the chance, and the lady told me that she couldn't access my order until I got my confirmation number in the mail. The silly thing about that is that all they need to access your order is your phone number!
I gave it a day, hoping my order would come in the mail, but it didn't so I called customer service back. It was a different lady, and she just asked me for my phone number. I gave it to her, and I told her I wanted to cancel.
She asked me why I was cancelling, and I simply replied, "Insufficient funds." I asked her how long it would take, she said 24-hours. Sure enough, I had been credited $65 dollars on my card the next day.
After all I've read now about this company, I got out easy. I feel very thankfulbut still feel strongly about their selling method. It is completely based on lying to the customer and jacking up the price 50 % on the magazine you have to pay for.
My advice to you is this: Say no right away, especially if it sounds to good to be true.
Serena
Ogilvie, Minnesota
U.S.A.
0 comments