I joined Columbia House Movie Club about 3 years ago. I was greeted with a huge welcome package and several specials.in those 3 years I agreed to order 3 movies costing $14.99 or more in order to meet my agreement.
I received a mailing every month with a catalog and ordered several movies in that time frame. Unfortunately, the scam is that all their popular movies were always on some kind of "special" sale. That means that if you ordered movies to try to fullfill your CONTRACT they never amounted to the $14.99&and then if you ordered more than one movie, the second movie was sold to me at some other "lower" price.
Their shipping fees are a true rip off also!!! I know what shipping rates are as I am a Customer Service/Shipping Manager. All the times I had a question or ordered, I could call this 800 number and was kindly taken care of.
When I reached the end of my 3 year agreement, I had 2 more movies to go to fullfill my commitment. (Even though I have several already on my shelf) I received a VERY RUDE letter from them, informing me after only this one contact, that I was to send them $36.99 or they would send me to collections!!! I had no other advance notice.in small print they said I could order 2 movies if I wished but I had better do it right now.
I didn't have a current catalog, I tried to go on line with my account number but was not allowed due to my "account status" and when I was finally able to reach them by tricking the telephone push button hell for about 2 days, I was hung up on by their staff 4 times in a row! All I wanted to do is order my 2 stupid movies!!! I tried to explain this to the person that answered everytime but unless I was ready to order at that moment they hung up!!! Without a list or internet access, that was pretty impossible.
The last operator I spoke with offered to send me a catalog that would take 2 weeks to arrive, which meant I could go to collections before I even had a chance to order. I was able to get an old catalog from a friend and ordered 2 movies under duress&and wouldn't you know it... The second movie didn't qualify!!! I just sent the total to be done with it. I still haven't recieved my 2 movies and can't check my order status either. But I do know this - I will NEVER deal with any one of their companies or their affiliates again.
They count on people forgetting and make it near to impossible to fullfill their agreemnets. But I'll bet alot of people, out of frustration just send the 36.99 and get nothing!!! I recently purchased a DVD player for my husband, and was considering joining their DVD club, and CD club. After this experience, they can kiss my business and everyone else I can convince otherwise, GOODBYE!!!
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