International Masters Publishers

Review: I signed up for a promotion to receive a book and inserts for my son from this company. it reads that you can cancel anytime after you receive the first shipment. I called and canceled via phone right when I got the first shipment. A month later I received a credit card charge on my account and another shipment. I tried to call the company number to cancel 3 separate times, where no one will pick up the line to cancel after 15 minutes of waiting on the phone line. I emailed the company and they say they do not accept written cancellation and that I have to call in to get a cancellation number before my account will get canceled. I had to contact my bank and get a new debit card issued to resolve this issue. I am reporting them because I believe they are scamming people because they will not let you cancel with them.Desired Settlement: I want the credit charge of 21.76 back on my card and for them to cancel my account with them and to stop sending me more material. I want no other contact with this company. They scam people out of money.

Business

Response:

July 22, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: This company keeps trying to charge me for products I have returned long ago. I contacted them by email several times, and by telephone once about this issue. I was unhappy with the quality of product, especially the storage box that was included. I returned everything and was promised a refund of what I have paid, which I have yet to receive. Now I keep getting threatening bills stating I owe them $96.50.Desired Settlement: I wish to receive a full refund for all monies they received from me, and the postage that was used to return the product.

Business

Response:

April 8, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: I purchased the first few packets sent them a check for the packets and included a letter to cancel my membership. Then they sent three more packets and demanded payment for them in the amount of $43.30. I called them and explained and they said I owe them the money and that was that. My husband had a stroke last February and after nine months of rehabilitation is in a wheelchair. I am his caregiver and money is very important to us. I explained this to the customer service member and they said they have no record of my letter of cancellation and I owe them the money. I always thought anything in writing was valid. They cashed the check I sent them and evidently they disregarded my letter of cancellation. Please help me with this, [redacted]Desired Settlement: I would like the company to cancel the amount of $43.30 they said I owe.

Business

Response:

February 6, 2014

Review: This company calls repeatedly, 5+ times a day, from a restricted number. They do not leave a message. Just this morning (03/26/13) they called two times in a row (8:02am and 8:04am). They are harassing me by phone by calling just to be annoying. I have mailed a cease and desist letter.

I have also mailed cancellation letters on several occasions. The company refuses to cancel my membership via written correspondence. My account has been cancelled as far as I'm concerned.Desired Settlement: A credit for any amount they feel I owe.

Business

Response:

April 8, 2013

Revdex.com

1054 Oak Street

Scranton, PA 18508

Re: Case Number [redacted]

Dear [redacted]:

This letter is in response to your recent correspondence regarding [redacted]’s Elmo’s Learning Adventure and Wildlife Explorer® collections.

During the time period of October 8, 2012 and February 7, 2012, we mailed seven Elmo’s Learning Adventure shipments to [redacted] having an aggregate invoiced amount of $186.17. To date, one payment in the amount of $44.77 has been received.

Between November 7, 2012 and January 31, 2013, we mailed five Wildlife Explorer shipments to [redacted] having an aggregate invoiced amount of $92.10. To date, one payment in the amount of $7.87 has been received.

As explained in the direct mail offer, the enrollment certificate, and subsequent welcome letter [redacted] received after enrollment, a new shipment would be sent to her approximately every three weeks. In addition, she was advised each shipment came with a ten-day free preview period to allow customers to review the recipes before having to pay for them. If a customer decides that she would like to return her shipment or cancel future shipments, all that was necessary for her to do was contact us via our toll-free customer service number printed on each invoice.

On February 26, 2013, we received [redacted]’s letter requesting to cancel her Elmo’s Learning Adventure account. In response, she was advised to call our customer service department to process her cancellation as per the cancellation policy. However, [redacted] did not call to cancel her account. We received no request to cancel her Wildlife Explorer Account.

Upon receipt of [redacted]’s Revdex.com complaint, we cancelled her Elmo’s Learning Adventure and Wildlife Explorer collections. For her reference her cancellation number is [redacted].

An outstanding balance of $144.40 ($141.40 plus $3.00 in late fees) remained owing for Elmo’s Learning Adventure invoice 5 mailed on November 15, 2012, invoice 7 mailed on December 7, 2012, invoice 10 mailed on December 28, 2013, invoice 12 mailed on January 17, 2013, and invoice 14 mailed on February 7, 2013.

An outstanding balance of $90.23 ($84.23 plus $6.00 in late fees) remained owing for Wildlife Explorer invoice 6 mailed on November 29, 2012, invoice 8 mailed on December 20, 2012, invoice 11 mailed on January 10, 2013, and invoice 13 mailed on January 31, 2013.

On April 4, 2013, we received [redacted]’s letter requesting to cancel; however, as her account had already been cancelled, no action was taken.

We, at International Masters Publishers, pride ourselves on our products and are committed to our customers. Although [redacted] did not follow the cancellation procedure, in the interest of customer service we have cleared the balance of $34.10 for Elmo’s Learning Adventure invoice 14 as it was within the 10 day preview period when we received her cancellation request.

[redacted]’s account remains closed with an outstanding balance of $110.30 for Elmo’s Learning Adventure and $90.23 for Wildlife Explorer. If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at [redacted].

Sincerely,

Director of Customer Service

cc:

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:

First of all, my complaint has nothing to do with invoicing. My complaint is regarding the collection practices of the company. As you can see from the attached file, this company has called me repeatedly from a restricted number. No messages were ever left for me to call back. This company called to be annoying numerous times a day. Some days several timed in a row.

According to the businesses response, a letter was received on April 4, 2013. What was failed to be mentioned was that along with the cancellation letter was also a cease and desist letter. It is very apparent from my call log (as seen in the attached file) this company violated the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act by continuing to call after receipt of this letter.

Review: I have returned products about 2 years ago and am still getting collection notices about the products I returned. The company keeps claiming they have no record of my returns, but I did return the products.Desired Settlement: I would like my account balance to be 0 and for the collection notices to stop. Also, I would like the company to leave me alone and also any third party contact on the company's behalf to stop.

Business

Response:

September 10, 2014

Review: I ordered a subscription to Baked and Delicious and was disappointed. I called and cancelled last month and was told my information would be destroyed. I checked my bank account today and they have charged me again even though I cancelled last monthDesired Settlement: I need my 24.90 refunded immediately

Business

Response:

May 9, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: The company continues to bill for a product that was not received. When calling the company to cancel/resolve this issue, they don't pick up the phone. The message states that they are closed. However, the office hours should be 9am-5pm Mon-Fri Eastern time. I can call any time during the day and they are always closed. They are threatening to send my name to a collection agency. This is a fraud company that asks you to buy children's product that you can receive every month. However, the second month, they inform you that they discontinue the product you ordered. You have an option to call and order more; however, the phone number doesn't work. Than they keep sending you a package and even when you return it without opening it, they keep billing you. There isn't any other way to cancel the order as the phone number (once again) doesn't work.Desired Settlement: I would like them to stop sending bills and threatening me with collection agency action as there isn't any product that I am paying for. In addition, it would be nice if they have a valid phone number.

Business

Response:

September 10, 2014

Review: International Masters Publishers has preyed upon an elderly consumer, who asked the company several times if the unwanted gardening materials (books) shipped to my address could be returned for a full credit. The company refused to receive any returns. When explained to International Masters Publishers that there was no understanding of a "trial period," they would only negotiate a reduction in late fees (charged against balances "owed" for unwanted shipments) IF I paid on the phone immediately with a credit card.

This company preys on people who are: 1) unassuming and unaware of the fine print that states "trial period"; 2) strong-armed into paying for unrequested things sent to them; 3) helpless in dealing with these restrictive, manipulative business antics; 4) live on a fixed income and cannot afford unwanted $25.00 books sent monthly.Desired Settlement: The amount owed to International Masters Publishers must be reduced to zero. All materials sent will be returned promptly upon their agreement to receive them and clear this account. Please, please assist us in making this happen. The amount owed ($99.48) is unaffordable to me and my husband, despite the fact that I wish NOT to own ANY of these items sent.

Thank you.

Business

Response:

September 30, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: see Attached documentDesired Settlement: see Attached document

Consumer

Response:

Please see attached complaint from OK Revdex.com.

Business

Response:

March 14, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: The Classic Composers have been trying to collect money from me for a service/item(s) I never ordered or received. I have asked them to show me where I ordered these items to no avail. I never received the items they are trying to bill me for.

Now they have sent this to collections and it is on my credit record. This is nothing more than a scam and I want it dealt with.Desired Settlement: I want these fraudulent charges removed from collections and from my credit record. I also want them to stop trying to collect a debt on items I never ordered, received or used.

Thank you

Business

Response:

April 8, 2013

Review: I ordered educational products through "Elmo's Learning Adventure" which is a sub-category of International Masters Publishers. I was to receive a card box/file to store the products we are receiving every 3 weeks. I contacted the company via email January 24, 2013 to ask about the missing card file. I received a reply January 25, 2013 stating a replacement card file had been ordered and would arrive in approximately 2 weeks. I made contact again via email on February 16, 2013 checking on the status. I received a reply February 20, 2013 stating the product was shipped February 14, 2013 as was told to allow about 4 weeks for delivery.

I made contact by phone on March 15, 2013 and spoke to [redacted]. She stated the shipment was to go out that day. This is 1 month later than when I was told it was shipped. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was transferred to [redacted]. She verified my shipping address and stated another card file would be sent by UPS on March 15, 2013 and she would call with the tracking information. On March 18, 2013 [redacted] called with the tracking information.

In checking the UPS web page today with the tracking information, (March 23, 2013), I see where the packed was delivered on March 21, 2013 to [redacted]. Obviously this is NOT my address.Desired Settlement: 1) I want to receive the card file/box. 2) I would like to cancel / stop any further shipments and therefore stop any further charges to my account after today's date.

Consumer

Response:

Review: I called to cancel my account on June 6, 2013. I was repeatedly hung up on during the cancellation process. I called again on June 14, 2012 after consulting with customer service via email. My account was cancelled and I was informed that I would be receiving ONE additional shipment. I received an additional shipment on July 5, 2013. I also received email confirmation that my account was cancelled. On July 17, 2013 I noticed an unauthorized charge coming out of my bank account. I called to find out why they were taking money out of my account and was told that my account was never cancelled. This is the SECOND package sent to me after I originally cancelled my account. I was informed that I can get a refund if I PAY to send back the EXTRA package that I did NOT order after confirming cancellation.Desired Settlement: I not only want a refund for both packages that I am having to return, but would also like a refund for the shipping that I'm having to pay for the extra package.

Business

Response:

July 26, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: see Attached documentDesired Settlement: see Attached document

Business

Response:

February 28, 2013

Review: In 2012, I agreed to start receiving these card reciepts then when I could no longer afford them, I cancelled my account August 04, 2012. At that time, I paid off my remaining balance. (I have the email stating that and their reply.)They kept sending me shipments which I kept returning. Finally I stopped because they kept sending me these cards even after I cancelled. We have went back and forth on this. Finally I told them I would send back the last three packages just leave me alone and quit resending and then harrassing me. (I kept all confirmation tickets.) Now they have all their shipments they had sent since I cancelled and they still are billing me for those shipments. Threatening me with my credit rating. Am I still obligated to pay them and to keep sending back shipments even after I canceled? I never heard of such. Especially when they have gotten back everyone of them packages. What more is a person to do? Thank You,Desired Settlement: They have their product back and they are paid in full. Please just leave me alone! I don't owe them anything! My credit rating has been going way up and I don't need people like this threatening me when I've done all I know to do.Thank You.

Business

Response:

March 18, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: I received a telephone call from the subscriber dept soliciting the offer in question. I had told them before that I was NOT INTERESTED in buying anymore materials from them, this was after I paid off the last bill from the previous order I was solicited for. Now this firm had resent me out another order to view, but again, I did not wish to BUY ANYMORE DVDS,BOOKS ETC. Since then I had returned the latest shipment, which they received, But wanted to to make questerly payments on and then would reship the items again.Desired Settlement: To credit the order to zero, and remove my amount of $112.65. I do not want to get anymore bills or offers from this firm.

Business

Response:

May 16, 2013

Review: I have called numerous of times to discontinue the items. They still ignore me and continue to mail the produces. I have no interest in them.

I have four packages unopened and will send them back when they will stop sending them. They keep billing me.

I have given into them one time but no longer. They are ruining my credit rating.Desired Settlement: no more produced and no more billing for items I don't want.

Business

Response:

May 7, 2013

Review: Several years ago I purchased product from this company and the item was discontinued. A couple of years ago they came back to me and assured me that with the new product Great American Home Baking the same issue would not occur. As part of my agreement I was advised and guaranteed by the customer service representative that this would not occur again. In June of this year I received a letter advising me that they would not be able to complete the entire order. After several emails, and phone calls they are not wanting to uphold the original guarantee of me having a complete order. During the course of these conversation I also found that I had been billed and paid for items that I never received. The total of these items was $150.16 plus shipping charges. They have an additional 10 packs that they originally advised me that I could have shipped with a 30 percent discount and now they are even refusing to this. The set is also missing 12 additional packets that I have been advised that I will not receive either. I have asked for them to forward my issues to someone in upper management to help with these issues and this has not occurred either. I have copies of emails that went back and forth with customer service on this issue over the last month.Desired Settlement: I have 2 options as settlement. The first is to complete my set as an entire set as I was guaranteed or I can send everything back for a full refund as they did not keep the original deal as they guaranteed.

Business

Response:

August 5, 2014

Revdex.com

Review: I ordered some cooking books in the summer of 2013. I received shipments each month and was charged $7.46 each for which I made payments. The proble** come in when their records show they shipped an order out on 11/08/13. When I received them I had decided I didn't want them and returned them within the 10 day preview period. A second shipment was shipped on 12/20/13 and I also returned those within the preview period. On approximately 01/05/14, I called and told them to cancel the order and they again sent another shipment on 01/08/14, which I once again returned, and another on 02/21/14, which I also returned. They originally had said the bill would be $7.46 per month and then the bills started coming in at $28.10, even though I had returned the books and called to cancel. Now, by not cancelling my subscription or excepting the returns,they say I owe $110.45 for which they are going to send me to collections if I don't pay. I always returned the shipments within 2 days of receipt and made payments for the shipments I accepted. They are not doing fair and honest business and I am respectfully requesting your assistance in resolving this matter in order to not have any negative credit reporting as I have good credit.Desired Settlement: I want to see them cease collections activity and close my account with no negative reporting being made on my credit. I have good credit and expect to keep it that way. I do not want any more shipments. If you decide you cannot help and they will not adhere to the request and I have to pay, I want all the books that I returned. I should not have to pay for something I don't have. They stated they would dispose of the books if I do not make payment and accept the shipment back.

Business

Response:

May 30, 2014

Review: International Masters Publishers, Inc has CHARGED MY ACCOUNT FOR GIVING ME NOTHING!!! I WANT ALL my money REFUNDED.I have NOT received the Welcome pkg for Gardening Made Easy, nor have I received any additional shipments for which I was only supposed to be charged $9.20 ($7.95+1.25 SH)every three weeks. Since 5/10/13 when I signed up for the Gardening Made Easy series, I have been charged a total of $ 85. 12. and have received NOTHING. I have been put off via email and I have NOT received any written communication from this company regarding this issue of taking money out of my account and giving me NOTHING in return!!!Do NOT deal with them. Very dishonest company.Desired Settlement: I WANT MY MONEY REFUNDED IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE PUT A STOP PAYMENT ON my bank ACCOUNT. This is Fraud and I want this Company shut down, if possible.06/24/2013 POS Withdrawal Point Of Sale Withdrawal IMP*Gardening Made Easy[redacted] NYUS $32.36 06/03/2013 POS Withdrawal Point Of Sale Withdrawal IMP*Gardening Made Easy[redacted] NYUS $32.3605/10/2013 POS Withdrawal Point Of Sale Withdrawal IMP*GARDENING MADE EASY[redacted] NYUS $20.40 TOTAL OWED TO ME FOR NON DELIVERY /NON SERVICE : $ 85. 12

Business

Response:

July 18, 2013

Revdex.com

Review: I recently signed up for a delivery of cooking ite** and recipes as a gift to my mother through Great American Home Baking, a company that is apparently handled by International Masters Publishers. After she decided she wouldn't want any further deliveries from them, I tried to cancel and have been unable to. She never even received the delivery! I have emailed them, and been told they do not allow unsubscription in any manner other than over the phone. I've tried calling their customer service on three separate occasions, and have been left on hold until hanging up every time, the longest time more than an hour! I have tried to contact them through email and over the phone to cancel what is apparently a subscription to them, and they have only responded with

"If you do not receive a cancellation number your account has not been cancelled and you will continue to receive shipments.

Please note you will be responsible for any outstanding balance on your account up to the date of cancellation."

Please help me out with this!Desired Settlement: All I want is this subscription cancelled. I'm out $4.95 so far, and that's a fine amount to walk away with nothing to show for. If that's all I'm out to be done with this, that's fine by me. I don't want anything else in the mail from them, and I am certainly not going to pay them a dime more after all of this.

Business

Response:

November 18, 2013

Revdex.com