International Masters Publishers

Review: company is charging me for products that were returned unopened. I have had legal advice and found that this is not legal. I have written them 2 letters about this. They admit they have the product. There was no formal contract signed, but requested a copy of any such contract and request was ignored. When first shipment was sent back was cancellation of membership according to my legal advisor.Desired Settlement: stop trying to collect money for merchandise they have.

Business

Response:

July 30, 2013

Review: I signed up for shipments of Elmo Learning Adventure books and activities be delivered to my grandson. The first shipment was not received. When I was billed for the second shipment a few weeks later I tried to call customer service. After 2 days of sitting on hold for 30 minutes +, someone finally came to the phone, only to put me on hold another 10 minutes. As of now, I still do not have the problems resolved. I'm being told the introduction shipment is on back ordered...but shipped on 5/6 ??? Customer service is talking in circles on the status of the shipment. I've asked for my money to be reimbursed but was told the shipment was on its way -... but still in the warehouse. By the time I had got off the phone with these guys I had spent a total of 1 hr 40 minutes just trying to find out the status and cancel my subscription.Desired Settlement: no resolution at this time. I was told to wait on the back ordered shipment, they would not reimburse my money. Thus my follow through with my complaint. The shipment has not went out and I should be reimbursed for the purchase.

Business

Response:

June 24, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: My account number is [redacted]. I am complaining about the Everyday Cooking My Way. I made an payment of $9.20 on April 23, 2013 on the International Masters Publishers website. I used my [redacted] credit card as my method of payment. I noticed a few days later that it was not posted to my account. I checked with my credit card company and the charge did go through my credit card successfully. I called International Masters Publishing since it appears that there is a problem with their website-- since my card was charged and my account was not credited. I called them on April 26th and was told to mail in the documentation from my credit card so they could credit my account for the payment. As of May 6th I called and they said they did not credit my account for the amount I already paid. They told me I had an outstanding amount from the amount I already paid and for another shipment on my account. I fail to see where I need to pay for an amount I already paid. Its not like I receive items and not pay for it. I have been using their website for the Everyday Cooking My Way and for 4 other collections I get from this company and this is the first time I ever encountered a problem like this. I have been a customer with International Masters Publishers for about 4 years now.Desired Settlement: I would like my account to be credited for $9.20 for the Everyday Cooking My Way collection. This is only fair as I already paid this amount.

Business

Response:

May 16, 2013

Review: This is to inform you of an unethical/fraudulent business practice implemented by International Master Publishers Inc.

In 2011, as part of a [redacted] promotion, I purchased a one year subscription to the magazine " Gardening Made Easy" .Only two issues of the magazine were received over the course of the year. Several attempts were made to cancel the subscription , prior to its' expiration date. Then , approximately one year later, I was sent a bill for another year subscription. I responded to the bill several times & have written "REFUSED/CANCEL" on every magazine sent me.

As of 2/13/2013 I've recieved a letter of collection for this account from [redacted], demanding payment in full of $30.87.

I will not be paying this, nor will I be participating in future [redacted] promotions until this matter has been satisfactorily concludeDesired Settlement: close this account- remove any negative report to credit monitoring agencies & inform [redacted] of such.

Business

Response:

March 18, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: this company makes it very difficult to cancel and when you finally get a person and cancel they continue to charge you. I called on may 6th to cancel my elmo learning adventure books that my son was not interested in. the women explained they only process their cancelations at the end of the month so I would get 1 more shipment. I had no choice but to agree although it didnt seem right that they can process a sale any time but not a cancelation. I was then charged on may 16 and on june 7. I called on june 12 and the women said I would have a credit for the 2nd charge within 10 to 12 days. I did not receive a credit. I called back the man said their was no record in my account of that credit and all he could do was listen to the recording of the phone call and call me back. he never called back. I called the following week. a new women said their was no record of the last 2 phone calls just the cancellation. she also expalined that the may 16th charge was shipped before I canceled but they process charges 21 days after the shipment and then the june 7th charge was the last shipment after I had canceled but because they do not process it until the end of the month and then charge 21 days after the shipment so it looks like I received to shipments after the cancelation but I really didnt. she put me through to a manager so I could discuss the strange billing and cancelation methods they use to continue to charge people after they cancel and she said she was just glad I understood why I was charged and their was nothing she could do. I didnt even want the stuff.Desired Settlement: I would like to be refunded for at least 1 of the shipments that was sent after I cancelled and I think they need to make their billing practices clearer.

Business

Response:

August 7, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: I canceled my account with this company before they sent a package anyway to me after I canceled I sent the package back because I refused it and they are giving me a hard time I paid 11.98 for it they are a bad company

I wont ever buy from this company ever again and I mean ever I want my 11.98 back now and I mean now I told I wasnt going to be refunded into they got the package back and its being over ten days since I returned it yea right I bet they got the package back anyway and not gonna refund me bad companyDesired Settlement: to be refuned 11.98

Business

Response:

May 7, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: I PAID TO RECEIVE RECEIPE CARDS EVERY MONTH AND I PAID FOR THEM. I WAS SUPPOSE TO BE ABLE TO CANCEL AT ANY TIME. I GOT VERY SICK AND WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE. SO I WAS UNABLE TO GIVE 10 DAY NOTICE AND GET THE CARDS BACK RIGHT AWAY. I FINALLY PACKAGED THE CARDS, SENT THEM OUT WITH A PAYMENT FOR THE ONE PACK I KEPT AND RETURNED THE REST WITH A WRITTEN STATEMENT. I RETURNED THE CARDS AND SAID I NO LONGER WANTED TO RECEIVE ANY RECEIPE CARDS FROM THEM. TERMINATE THE MEMBERSHIP. I SPOKE WITH THE PERSON ON THE PHONE AND FIRST SHE SAID THEY GOT MY LETTER BUT NOT THE CARDS. I SAID YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE CARDS, THEY WERE WITH THE LETTER. THEN SHE SAID OH WAIT YES WE HAVE THE CARDS, BUT YOU STILL HAVE TO PAY. I TOLD HER I HAD BEEN SICK AND THAT IS THE 10 DAY REASON, BUT I HAD FORGOTTEN ABOUT THAT. I SAID NO YOU KEEP THE CARDS AND I AM NOT PAYING I CANCELLED. SHE SAID WE WILL SEND THEM BACK TO YOU AND YOU CAN PAY. I SAID AND DON'T WANT THEM, I CANCELLED. DO NOT BILL ME FOR THEM. THEN ANOTHER MAN CALLS TO TALK TO ME THE SAME DAY TO GET PAYMENT FOR THE CARDS THAT I DO NOT HAVE AND DO NOT WANT. THE CARDS THEY HAVE, THAT I HAVE CANCELLED IN WRITING. THEN THEY SEND ME MANY LETTERS SAYING, I DID NOT TALK TO THEM ABOUT IT. THEY WANT $81.30 BUT I GAVE THERE CARDS BACK AND CANCELLED. THEY HAVE SENT ME TO COLLECTIONS, WHICH I HAVE IGNORED, BECAUSE I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOMETHING I DO NOT HAVE AND DO NOT WANT. JUST BECAUSE IT WASN'T EXACTLY AS THEY WANTED THE CANCELLATION TO BE. CANCELLATION WAS IN WRITING AND THEIR MERCHANDISE WAS RETURNED.Desired Settlement: THEY WILL NOT BE PAID, BECAUSE THEY HAVE THEIR MERCHANDISE. THEY ALSO HAVE A CANCELLATION NOTICE IN WRITING. THERE CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE NEVER GIVEN ME A HARD TIME. I WILL NEVER ORDER ANYTHING FROM THEM AGAIN! I WANT THEM TO TAKE ME OUT OF COLLECTION. THEY HAVE MADE PLENTY OF MONEY FROM ME.

Business

Response:

November 27, 2013

Review: They sent me an item I did not request and then billed me for it. When I called to tell them I did not want the item in June they stated they understood and I did not need to send the item back and that my balance on my account would be removed. I got a cancellation code at that time and wrote it down. I kept it for a couple months and didn't hear anything else so I threw it away, and now I started receiving balance due notices again. I called and spoke with an associate [redacted] and she could not help me. I asked to speak with a supervisor and she put me on hold stated she would get her supervisor, when she came back on the phone she said her supervisor was available and would take over the call and she was going to transfer me, as she went to transfer me she then stated that her supervisor had an immediate meeting that came up that she had to go to and was no longer able to take my call. I feel very mislead by this and believe I am being scammed.Desired Settlement: I want the balance to be removed as I was told it had been in June. I refuse to pay the bill as I already settled this matter. I even said I would ship back the grater and they said there was no need for that.

Business

Response:

November 21, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: I ordered a child's book package from them and received it no problems on July 5th (ordered 6/26/13 & shipped 7/2/13). I did not know that it was a club type organization that continued on a subscription so when I noticed a charge of $24.85 from my bank account on 7/18/13 I called the company (on 7/19/13) and talked to someone about it who said I could easily cancel the subscription and then when I received the package (as they said it had already shipped out the previous day) that I could return it and they would refund my money in full. I got a cancellation number (#[redacted]) and was reassured by the woman on the phone this was easily fixable. I waited for a week and a half only to call them back on the 31st of July when I still have not received this package (I received my original order on the 5th of July and the shipment date posted on my receipt was July 2nd, so I figured 13 day wait on this package was not right). I talked with a lady who told me that the package should be arriving soon and once again to just return it for my refund. I am now on day 17 and have nothing and when I called again yesterday I was told my account could not be found. I am a little upset with this since they already charged me for this 'package' that I did not get and they now say cannot do anything about with not being able to locate the account.Desired Settlement: I would like to get my $24.85 refunded back into my bank account to resolve this issue. If I ever happen to receive the package it will be returned unopened and the same day if I ever do get it.

Business

Response:

August 15, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: Hello I have received a promotional card from Great American Home Baking company that stated that I can receive a free 2 baking dishes if I send a card back to their address I sent a card and received one dish which had a shipping charge of $3.47 after that I received a bill for $9.79 for another dish which I paid to this company for shipping charges. After that I started receiving continuous billing of $9.68 from this company how they alleged for the recipe cards. I have never signed up for any recipe cards and when I was trying to call and inquire about those I have been asked for my phone number for the promotion campaign as well as they stated that I have signed up for their direct mail program (I never have done that). Please look into the business of this company I have been lied to and billed for their "services" repeatedly. I spoke with [redacted], her supervisor [redacted], and then [redacted] and his supervisor [redacted]. It is very "shady" business they are running and someone has to help people like me who were scammed. [redacted] promised that all of my bills will be canceled after I warned them that I will go to Revdex.com with complaint and I am waiting for written confirmation of that. I am not sure my information will not be used for other scams. Please help.Desired Settlement: I would like to receive a written confirmation that this company will not bill me anymore and never uses my address or phone number is the scams that they are running.Also, I would like to receive reimbursement for the money I paid for shipment since they were advertising its free.

Business

Response:

April 4, 2013

Review: I have contactect Wildlife Explorer/IMP Online several times to cancel my subscription, of which I was not receiving. They have stated that it was cancelled on December 11, 2013, they even gave me a cancellation number ([redacted]). Even with all of this information, Wildlife Explorer/IMP Online is still deducting $9.99 out of my checking account. I have sent emails to [redacted], Customer Relations. In his last email to me, **. [redacted] assured me that my subscription had been cancelled and that a refund would be accredited to me. The refund was accredited. But on January 21, 2014, another payment of $9.99 was deducted from my checking account from Wildlife Explorer/IMP Online. I am hoping that you are able to suceed in getting them to stop deducting funds from my account. Thank you for your time and consideration.

[redacted]Desired Settlement: I want to be refunded and to have no more monies taken out of my account.

Business

Response:

January 27, 2014

Review: I received shipments of IMP literature and when I wished to cancel and return my product I went to their website, imponline.com, they provided a phone number to call to return products. There is no mention of a timeline to return production in this section of the website. I was told I had passed the deadline to return my products. I believe this company makes the process of returning product cumbersome so as to discourage customers from returning product.Desired Settlement: I would like them to accept my merchandise for a full refund of all charges. I have not paid anything to this company. They have only billed me and threatened me with collection action.

Business

Response:

November 27, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: After contacting Ancient Civilizations costumer service via email on their website regarding the return of shipment product; I did not get a timely response but instead received other shipments. I then sent back approximately three shipments, and shortly after that two more shipments followed and I also returned them to the return address on the shipment container.

I received a letter from [redacted], customer relations person dated March 7th, 2013, stating decline of the return that was made, and as a result the charges for the shipments returned to his organization will remain. And if I don't accept the returned shipments within 30 days from the above date..., his organization will dispose of the returned shipments.Desired Settlement: 1. Accept Returned Merchandise and Credit Account.

2. Stop Sending Shipments

3. Stop Contacting Me

4. Change Return Policy

5. No settlement requested - for Revdex.com information only

Business

Response:

April 1, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: My child brought a business reply card to me that she said had been mailed to her. The card stated that if she found a white tiger under the scratch off sticker, she could send $4.95 to receive a wildlife gift package and bonus adventure kit. There was also information that said 12 cards would be sent every 3 weeks for $8.95. I only sent $4.95 expecting a gift package and adventure kit and did not want or expect any cards (no descripton of said card was included in the information). I received the adventure kit and gift package with no other information. Several weeks later, I started to receive what appeared to be pages from a book in pamphlet form (not cards). I had no idea what they were. I received several shipments of these pages which I thought were advertisements for the purchase of full books then I received a bill for $40.80 which I did not pay. I have subsequently been turned over to a collection agency who continues to send notices with accruing late fees. I called the company to complain and they cancelled my "subscription" but I continue to receive threatening alerts/bills from a collection agency.Desired Settlement: Please erase charges for unsolicited merchandise including late fees and don't ever contact me or my family again.

Business

Response:

June 27, 2014

Review: This company through it's alias "Elmo's Learning Adventure" has been systematically harassing me for months now. They have called asking whether I want to order books they sale, which I have replied in every occasion in the negative. After a while from the phone call, I received a past due bill for the amount of the books I did not order plus late charges. I spend over 60+ minutes dealing with their customer service/billing department explaining the situation and asking for any account that was opened in my name to be closed. They assure me that the matter would be rectified and that I would have to wait several weeks for their system to update the adjustment.

This process had repeated itself at least three times now and I have no patience with this kind of practice.

The cr they have assigned to me is [redacted]

Product# [redacted]Desired Settlement: I want them to stop contacting me wither via phone, mail, or any other way possible.

Business

Response:

October 7, 2013

Review: I have told Elmo's Learning Adventure to stop sending me books, but they still continued to do so, charging me for books that I specifically asked not to receive. I have paid for all the books that I have wanted and kept.Desired Settlement: I would like the fee to be waived because I requested not to have the books sent to me.

Business

Response:

November 19, 2013

Review: On May 7, 2013, I was charged $323.95 to receive the remaining books in the Elmo's Learning Adventure package. Since that time, I have not received any package from IMP. I called customer service over two weeks ago to notify IMP and let them know I either wanted the books or a refund. I was told the that the books shipped but due to the Memorial Day holiday. the postal service was delayed in delivering the box and that I would have to call back the following Monday to begin the process of obtaining a tracking number. I called the following Tuesday when nothing was received (June 11) and was told a tracking number would be requested from the post office and that a customer service agent would call me in a day or two with that tracking number.

As of June 24, I have not received any books or followup phone call. I once again called IMP today and was told by an employee that another set of books was sent to me June 19th via DHL but no tracking number was available. I'm supposed to wait 10 days to see if the package arrives. At that time, I told the customer service person I did not want the books and only wanted a refund. He then put me on hold again (mind you, at that time I had been on hold for 25 minutes already. At no time have I ever been on hold for fewer than 20 minutes). When he returned, I was told that I would have to call back again when (if) I receive the books to request a return authorization so that I can be refunded the $323.95 owed to me. I told him that I wanted a return authorization now, was put on hold again and then was finally given one. However, I now have to wait until 6/29 to see if I even receive the books before I can begin the process of receiving a refund.Desired Settlement: In addition to a refund, I would like this company to have some accountability for the horrendous customer service it offers the unethical business practices it seems to employ.

Business

Response:

July 11, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: Requested no further delivery of their products, but continue to receive them. I have returned unopened "refused, return to sender" unaware that there is an authorization code required to return items. Now I have received a letter from a collection agency threatening adverse consequences. Issue is being sent to the California and Federal Consumer Protection agencies for advise on how to deal with issue, but prefer a simpler resolution.Desired Settlement: Request my account be zeroed out and closed permanently.

Business

Response:

May 13, 2013

Review: I registered with Great American Home Baking to receive recipes. Each time I received a shipment of the recipes, I paid $25.10. I recently received a bill for $75.30. I called the company at least 2 times and told them I didn't owe them anything since I paid each time I received the recipes. They wanted me to fax the dates I paid but I don't have access to a fax. I just received a statement stating: "We need to receive your payment in full by May 29, 2013 or my account will be referred to a professional collection agency for immediate action." I don't like to be threatened like that; we have a very good credit rating and we pay bills we owe. I have canceled my account: Customer # [redacted], Product # [redacted]. I have received statements for: $75.30, $53.20, and $56.20 (late fee of $3.00). My cancellation number is [redacted]. I appreciate any help you can provide. Thank you.[redacted] (###-###-####)Desired Settlement: I would like to have my account closed with the amount they say I owe to be canceled/credited.

Business

Response:

June 10, 2013

Revdex.com

1054 Oak Street

Scranton, PA 18508

Re: Case ID [redacted]

Dear **. [redacted]:

This letter is in response to your recent correspondence regarding **. [redacted]’s Great American Home Baking® collection.

Between May 7, 2012 and April 10, 2013 we mailed 18 shipments to **. [redacted] having an aggregate invoiced amount of $415.27. To date we have received 16 payments totaling $362.07.

On March 26, 2013, **. [redacted] called our customer service department disputing her balance. The agent advised her of the amount of shipments mailed and the amount of payments received; however, the call was disconnected.

On April 8, 2013, **. [redacted] called our customer service department once again disputing her balance. The agent advised her of the total amount of shipments mailed and the amount of payments received. **. [redacted] stated she had only received one packet per shipment instead of three packets. In an effort to assist her, the agent offered to verify the recipes in her shipments to confirm receipt or lack thereof. However, **. [redacted] stated she didn’t have the binder with her and requested to cancel the account. As requested, the account was cancelled and she was provided with the cancellation number 2[redacted]. An outstanding balance of $75.30 remained owing for invoice 20 mailed on March 4, 2013, invoice 21 mailed on March 20, 2013, and invoice 22 mailed on April 10, 2013. As **. [redacted] insisted she didn’t owe the balance, the agent advised her to please fax us a copy of her credit card or bank statement showing the payments.

On April 16, 2013, we received payment in the amount of $28.10 for invoice 21.

On May 28, 2013, **. [redacted] called our customer service department stating she should not have an outstanding balance. The agent offered to verify the recipes mailed with the shipments in question; however, **. [redacted] refused.

As **. [redacted] believes she paid for all of the shipments and states she doesn’t have access to a fax machine, we ask that mails a copy of her credit card or bank statement showing the payments in question. She can block out any other information she does not wish us to view. She can mail the statement to the following address:

In the meantime, **. [redacted]’s account remains closed with an outstanding balance of $56.20 ($53.20 plus $3.00 in late fees). If I can be of further assistance you may contact me at ###-###-####.

Sincerely,

Director of Customer Service

cc: [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because: I am sending a copy of bank statements showing payments I made. I will await their reply.

Regards,

Business

Response:

June 28, 2013

Revdex.com

1054 Oak Street

Scranton, PA 18508

Re: Case ID [redacted]

Dear **. [redacted]:

This letter is in response to your recent correspondence regarding **. [redacted]’s Great American Home Baking® payments.

On June 25, 2013 we received **. [redacted]’s bank statements listing the 16 payments she made for the collection. Please note those payments have already been applied to her account. As previously advised we mailed 18 shipments to **. [redacted] and received only 16 payments.

We, at International Masters Publishers, pride ourselves on our products and are committed to our customers. In the interest of customer service, I have cleared the balance of $28.10 for invoice 22 as it was within the preview period when **. [redacted] cancelled her account.

**. [redacted]’s account remains closed with an outstanding balance of $28.10 ($25.10 plus $3.00 in late fees) for invoice 20 mailed to her on March 4, 2013. If I can be of further assistance you may contact me at ###-###-####.

Sincerely,

Director of Customer Service

cc: [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because: I don't feel I owe anything but I will agree to pay the $25.10 to get this mess settled, but don't feel I should pay the late amount.

Regards,

Review: I need to cancel my subscription. They say I can only do it over the phone. But no one answers the phone. Not allowing me to cancel my subscription.Desired Settlement: I want them to cancel my subscription.

Business

Response:

May 13, 2013