American Radio Relay League

Review: I am surprised to hear that the ARRL would not refund the difference in subscription cost for the [redacted] magazine I recently renewed.I have supported the ARRL and received [redacted] for years, paying each year for the magazine. Of course, there were some years I had to stop because of financial priorities. I have also ordered other publications from the ARRL. But as I explained in my email to the ARRL, I was not reading most of the magazine anymore because of its content.(See attached email print)I had recently renewed the [redacted] subscription in June because it was to expire in August. The cost was $39 for 12 issues. Since the September issue was in print, it was shipped according to the email. Therefore I assumed I would receive a prorated portion of the subscription cost back. I searched everywhere to find a statement that said the subscription cost is not refundable, but could not find it. If I should have clearly seen it but had missed it, then I should not ask for a prorated refund.

Product_Or_Service: [redacted] magazine

Order_Number: [redacted]Desired Settlement: My thoughts are that a good company in good faith would refund the difference because they are no longer mailing me the magazine.If the ARRL would like to provide a credit for any other publications they sell, that would also be of good faith.

Business

Response:

Thank you for taking the time to write to the ARRL. Our records indicate that you had renewed your membership on 06.03.2013 for one year and valid until 08.31.2014. We also received your request to terminate your membership on 7.30.2013 via phone.

With respect to membership dues, please understand that ARRL, as a not-for-profit organization, uses its revenues both for direct member services such as [redacted] magazine, which you have been receiving, and member-only Web site access, which you have had, and for activities that benefit amateur radio as a whole, such as spectrum defense and education. Member dues are expended for these benefits and purposes on an ongoing basis and are thus not available for refund.

We have however made an exception in hopes to resolve this issue. Because the September issue of [redacted] was already mailed to you, we will gladly prorate the unexpired portion of your current-year membership dues ($35.75). We will issue a credit to your [redacted] card which was used to process the transaction. Thank you!!