In May I made a purchase through 1-800-flowers. The sales rep upsold me to a more expensive bouquet, saying that if I joined "Live Well" for a trial membership, I would receive a $20 rebate on the purchase. I sent in the rebate form and received the $20 without any problem. I called on the last day of my trial to cancel and the rep convinced me to hang up and print off the month's coupons before canceling. I did so and called a hotel to make a reservation. They had never even heard of Live Well or Travelers Advantage, so the "special rate" was not something they were aware of. I called Travelers Advantage immediately back to cancel. The next rep began to give me the same script, at which point I informed him that I had done so and just wanted the membership canceled. He told me my account was now canceled.
Silly me, I did not create a special file folder and place the cancellation code in a fireproof safe.
The charge on my card was for TLG*TRVLADVXXXX3462 for $11.99. I didn't know what it was, but assumed my husband had made the charge. After a couple months, I noticed the pattern and called to find out who the company was. I was LIVID to find out that my account had never been canceled. The rep, of course, gave me plenty of attitude when she found out that I didn't have the cancellation code. I suppose the burden is on the consumer to make sure Travelers Advantage's system works and that we should be forced to constantly check back with them (e.G. Hi, it's Thursday. Did you cancel my account yet? OK. I'll check back tomorrow.)
Anyway, the rep agreed to reverse ONE charge, but not the other two. Honestly, sometimes it takes three times to notice a pattern with this kind of stuff. She said I was welcome to write a letter and ask for special consideration. I should not have needed to call to make a second cancellation request, let alone write a letter.
0 comments