Progressive Business Publications

Review: This company continues to invoice us for services NOT rendered. This is the second time in my career here in my company where they claim they obtained approval for billing. We never approved the delivery of their newsletters AND never received them. Then they send the issue to collections. Absurd!Desired Settlement: I NEED my name removed from this company's call list!

Business

Response:

November 17, 2014Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your email of 11/17/14 regarding the above referenced agency complaint that you received on 11/14/14. After review, we would like to respond to your letter with the following detailed explanation. Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line - programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the mailing address and asking for the month and day of the person’s birth date.Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted], Payroll Spec, placed an order on 4/14/14 for Our Keep Up To Date On Payroll publication and she provided us with birth date information as [redacted]. Prior to ending the conversation we clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked cancellation policy.The birth date information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletter and invoices over a 5-month period of time.Thus the goods that were ordered by [redacted] were sent. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests. It does not show ever receiving a cancellation request or mail returned as `undeliverable”. If we had we would have cancelled the account immediately.With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that is required is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return that to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry’s general custom. However, if neither paid nor cancelled after 5-months, 2-warning notices, plus an additional 30-day wait period the account may be turned over for collection. That is what happened in this instance.As a courtesy we contacted the collection agency on 11/17/14 and advised them to cease collection and cancel this account. They have assured us that this will be done. There will be no ramifications due to this account going for collection and there is no money due or owing on this account.While researching this complaint we did find that this company has done business with us in the past and is aware of our cancellation policy. We found many, many `risk free” subscriptions had been accepted before; 4-paid in full accounts while others were cancelled as we instructed without issue except this account. We did find 1-other account for [redacted] that shows all the information she gave us for the risk free subscription before matches the account in question.We have initiated a request on 11/17/14 that the name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30-days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If any company information changes our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, simply call us and we will remove that version, too.Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of companies who place "repeat” orders due to their continued satisfaction and our excellent customer service.All of our contact information is in the newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour /7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.Please feel free to contact our Customer Service Department if you have any further questions at [redacted].Thank you.Cordially Sylvia N. Dir. Of Subscriber Services

Review: Progressive Business Publications is billing our company for goods and services we never asked for or received (non existent). PBR turned its bill to a fake collection agency called International [redacted]. who is constantly calling our company and insisting we pay the bill.Desired Settlement: Our company did not agree to any services or goods from PBR, nor did we receive anything from them. We want the charges dropped and for them and [redacted] to stop contacting us immediately.

Business

Response:

See Attached:

Review: I was contacted by the company via phone. I was offered a free trial subscription. I said ok. They sent the free subscription and a bill. I called back and said I did not sign up. I was informed that their policy is if I don't cancel in writing then I auto subscribe. I was not told of this before the fact. Ipaid the subscription. I am now being sent to collections.Desired Settlement: Refund my money, remove me from collections, and be shut down for poor business practices.

Business

Response:

See Attached:

Review: Our company has received multiple issues of various newsletters from Progressive Business Publications over the last several years in 2011 we were coerced into paying an invoice for $299.00 by stating that they had authorized the order with our General manager [redacted] on "___ day" we went ahead and authorized payment that once verally and in writing stating that there would be no renewal. When publications began arriving again and soon after invoices as well I have cancelled by fax and mail several times. The notices just keep arriving.

This is my second complaint filed with Revdex.com my original was made on March 1st, 2013 and I received an email stating that my complaint had been received; but received no further information after that date.Desired Settlement: Would like confirmation that there is no owing balance and no further contact will be made...ever.

Business

Response:

See Attachment:

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

Review: We were contacted by phone and offered a free three issue trial of their newsletter. We attempted to decline however it was insisted that this is trial only and we could elect to process a subscription if we were interested. We never contacted the company to setup subscription services. They have since attempted to send our company to collections. I see that this company has a history of unsavory business practices as well on the Revdex.com website. This appears to be a common problem with them! They do not have consent to process a full subscription for our company. Only the trial no charge issues.Desired Settlement: Stop contacting our company and cease and desist attempting to collect unlawfully for product or services not solicited.

Business

Response:

November 14, 2013

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 11/13/13 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 11/11/13. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.

Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth and asking for the person's email address or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours, as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that need to be made.

Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted], A/P Superv, placed an order on 4/25/13 for our Keep Up To Date On Accounts Payable publication. We were provided with a birth date of [redacted], as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our records show the email went through without any problems.

The birthday information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 5-month period of time.

Thus the goods that were ordered by [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests. It does not show that we ever received a cancellation on this account or mail returned as "undeliverable". If we had we would have cancelled the account immediately.

With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.

However, if neither paid nor cancelled after 5 months, 2 warning notices plus an additional 30-day wait period the account may be turned over for collection. That is what happened in this instance.

As a courtesy we did contact the collection agency on 11/14/13 and advised the agency to cease collections and cancel the account. They have assured us that will be done. There will be no ramifications due to this account being turned over for collection and there is no money due or owing on the account.

We initiated a request on the same day that the name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30-days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If any company information changes our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, simply call us and we will remove that version, too.

While researching this complaint we did find that this company has done business with us in the past and is aware of our

cancellation policy. We found other trial subscriptions had been accepted before; 1-paid in full account while other accounts were cancelled as we instructed without issue except this account.

Please know that we do business continually with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.

All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a

24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.

Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####.

Thank you

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is somewhat satisfactory to me, however I still find their business practices unsavory. Their "sales" people are unwilling to take no for an answer and badger "customers" into accepting their offer. They should consider requiring an interested party to contact them to continue on after the initial period. No honest business forces customers to take their product, especially when I clearly indicated I was not interested from the beginning. Their publications went directly into the trash and were never even viewed as I made it clear I did not wish to receive them from the beginning.

Regards,

Review: The afore mentioned company has repeated, over the last 8 years, invoiced our agency for products that we did not request. They have gather information from different staff and billed us for products and services that we don't want. In the past, we have written them to stop contacting us in regards to their products, but they continue to do so.Desired Settlement: We request that they void this most recent bill. Because we NEVER asked for their products and we NEVER received. We would like for them to end all communications with our agency.

Business

Response:

June 2, 2014 Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your email of 5/30/14 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received 5/28/14. After review, of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on-line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer and they include verifying the mailing address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth date and asking for the person's email address or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours, as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that need to be made.Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that **. [redacted], CFO, placed an order on 9/30/13 for our CFO and Controller Alert publication and he provided us with a birth date of [redacted], as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked cancellation policy. We do show that the confirmation letter went through without any problems.The birth date information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 5-month period of time.Thus the goods that were ordered by **. [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, online programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests. It does not show ever receiving a cancellation on the account or mail returned as "undeliverable". If we had we would have cancelled the account immediately.With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the Invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.However, if neither paid nor cancelled after 5 months, 2 warning notices plus and additional 30-day wait period the account may be turned over for collection. That is what happened in this instance.As a courtesy we contacted the collection agency on 4/14/14 and advised the agency to cease collections and to cancel the account. They have assured us that this has been done. There will be no ramifications due to the account being turned over for collection. There Is no money due or owing on this account.We asked if they had received payment on this account, as **. [redacted] states in his complaint and they said they have not received any type of payment on the account. Be advised that once the collection does receive payment there can be no refunds made.While researching this complaint we did find that this company has done business with us in the past and is aware of our cancellation policy. We found other trial subscriptions had been accepted before and were cancelled as we instructed without issue.We initiated a request on the same day that the name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30-days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If the company's name is misspelled or the zip code incorrect, our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, please call and we will remove that version too.Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of companies who regularly place repeat orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.All of our contact information is in our newsletter. It contains our address and toll free telephone number. We, also have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####. Thank you.Cordially yours,

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

Review: Just like the 2400 previous complaints I was reading on your site. I was contacted by this company and offered a free 3 months of their newsletter. The rep said he would contact me at the end of the three months and see if I liked it and wanted to purchase. I told him I had no use for it but send me the three free issues to get him to stop pestering me with phone calls. I haven't heard from them in since until today. I received a collection notice for 5 months of subscriptions for $299. They have my name and birthday as "proof" that I ordered their product but I did not. I have no use for it in my business.Desired Settlement: bring my account to 0 balance and forget that I ever existed.

Business

Response:

October 23, 2014Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your email of 10/23/14 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 10/20/14. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth date and asking for the person’s email or fax number so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours. This serves to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that need to be made.Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted], Div Mgr., placed an order on 4/23/14 for our Environmental Compliance Alert publication. We were provided with birth date information as [redacted], as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our computers show that the confirmation went through without any problems.The birth date information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 5-month period of time.Thus the goods that were ordered by [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals and cancellation requests.With all telephone orders placed, if the Ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry’s general custom.As a courtesy we cancelled this account on 10/20/14 as requested. There is no money due or owning on the account.We have initiated a request the same day that the name and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30– days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If the company’s name information changes, our Computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, please call and we will remove that version also.Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of companies who regularly place repeat orders due to their continued satisfaction and our excellent customer service.All Of Our contact information is in our newsletter. It contains our address and telephone number. We also have a 24 hour /7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at [redacted]. Thank you.Cordially yours,Sylvia N. Dir. Of Subscriber Services

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

Review: Progressive Publications telephoned our office. It gets a person on the phone, and makes its sales pitch. the person declines their service. the caller then asks for the persons date and month of birth. they claim to need this information to show to their boss that they've made the call. they explain no publication will be mailed, and no cost will be charged. Then the horrid little worthless papers arrive, with the invoices. This company lists no telephone number to cancel, and no way to reach them. A web search divulged that many, many people are tired of this harrassment. The next Revdex.com complaint will be to [redacted], their own credit agency.Desired Settlement: This organization and all of its affiliates cease sending mail and invoices.

Business

Response:

See Attachment:

Review: We are being harassed by the company's collection agency, [redacted], to pay for a subscription that was "ordered" by an employee who is no longer with the company, and who while with the company would have had no authorization to order such. Additionally, the collection agency could not produce anything that showed that this was in fact ordered and received by our company. The girl at the collection agency, [redacted], was extremely rude and kept talking over me as I tried to explain that we would not pay an invoice for something that we had not ordered and they could not produce anything to show we had.Desired Settlement: I don't want any kind of mark on our credit, I want the collection agency to stop calling.

Business

Response:

See Attachment:

Consumer

Response:

See Attachment:

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: See attached.

Regards,

Review: They called or e-mailed an offer for Safety Compliance Alert. I never agreed to pay for, however they filed a claim with a collection agency for $299. I paid it and asked to be canceled as I didn't want to get a bad credit mark. I have tryed to cancel on the phone using their menu, but feel this has not been canceled as they keep sending the Safety letter.Desired Settlement: I wish for them to stop mailing this, as I don't want to be billed again.

Business

Response:

See Attachment:

Review: This company, supposedly, has my "authorization" to send some sort of newsletter that I have never seen - an authorization that didn't come from my mouth. I am not sure how my information has been obtained. In addition, I have not received, nor do I desire to receive anything from this company. "[redacted]" from "[redacted]" called on their behalf in an attempt to collect an "outstanding balance" of "$299"...this is laughable but it also angers me that American money is spent to support such a shoddy organization with an equally shoddy reputation [redacted]Desired Settlement: Remove this annoyance and "cancel" my imaginary subscription to an imaginary publishing that has never been received.

Business

Response:

August 26, 2013

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 8/26/13 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 8/12/13. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.

Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth and asking for the person's email address or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistake or changes that need to be made.

Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that **. [redacted], H/R Mgr, placed an order on 1/17/13 for our What's Working In Human Resources publication. We were provided with a birth date of 4/8, as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our computers show that the confirmation went through without any problems.

The birthday information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 5-month period of time.

Thus the goods that were ordered by **. [redacted] were sent via U.S. Postal Service. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests. It does not show that we ever received a cancellation on this account or mail returned as "undeliverable". If we had we would have cancelled the account immediately.

With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.

However, if neither paid nor cancelled after 5 months, 2 warning notices plus an additional 30-day wait period the account may be turned over for collection. That is what happened in this instance.

As a courtesy we did contact the collection agency on 8/26/13 and advised the agency to cease collections and cancel the account. They have assured us that will be done. There will be no ramifications due to this account being turned over for collection and there is no money due or owing on the account.

We initiated a request on the same day that the name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30-days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If any company information changes our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, simply call us and we will remove that version, too.

Please know that we do business continually with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.

All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.

Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####. Thank you.

Cordially,

Review: Progressive Business Solutions has continually sent unauthorized invoices for servcies that we did not sign up for. It has happened on numerous occasions always with a different staff person. We cancel the service and do not pay the bill for that particular staff and then we will receive an invoice for a different staff person noting that they signed up for the same service! We are a small agency and notice these invoices; however, I'm sure if a new staff person opened the mail they may just go ahead and pay the invoice (what I think Progressive wants to have happen).Desired Settlement: We would like [redacted] of [redacted] and all of its associates removed from all mailing lists and email lists of Progressive Business Solutions.

Business

Response:

October 7, 2013

DIRECTOR OF SUBSCRIBER SERVICES

[redacted] Revdex.com 1880 J.F.K. Blvd.

Ste 1300 Phila, PA 19103

RE: COMPLAINT LETTER/FILE #[redacted]

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 10/7/13 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 10/3/13. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.

Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth date and asking for the person's email or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours, as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that needs to be made.

Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that **. [redacted], Exec Dir, placed an order on 8/16/13 for our Nonprofit Board Report (packet of 5 newsletters per month) publication. We were provided with birth date information as [redacted], as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our computers show that the confirmation went through without any problems.

The birth date information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 1-month period of time.

Thus the goods that were ordered by **. [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests.

With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.

As a courtesy we cancelled this account on 10/7/13 as requested. There is no money due or owing on the account.

We initiated a request on the same day that the company name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30-days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If any company information changes our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, simply call us and we will remove that version, too.

While researching this complaint we did find that this company has done business with us in the past and is aware of our

cancellation policy. We found many different trial subscriptions had been accepted before and all accounts were cancelled as we instructed without issue.

Please know that we do business continually with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.

All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.

Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####. Thank you.

Consumer

Response:

From: [redacted] <[redacted]>

Date: Fri, Oct 18, 2013 at 11:28 AM

Subject: FW: You have a new message from the Revdex.com of Metro Washington DC & Eastern Pennsylvania in regards to your complaint #[redacted].

To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>

Good Morning and thank you for your follow up, we are not able to view the response to this concern. Further more today in the mail we received another unsolicited packet from this organization.

We need to be removed from their mail listing and they should be investigated for doing this type of business.

Thank you

Director of Operations

[redacted] of [redacted]

###-###-####, ext. [redacted] Fax ###-###-####

From: [redacted]

Sent: Friday, October 18, 2013 9:39 AM

To: [redacted]

Subject: FW: You have a new message from the Revdex.com of Metro Washington DC & Eastern Pennsylvania in regards to your complaint #[redacted].

Review: The company offered a free trial issue, but did not clarify that a written cancellation was required. They continued to send invoices which we did not pay, as we did not order this product in the first place. Then turned over to a collection agency, which behaved in a threatening way.Desired Settlement: Cancel balance due on invoice.

Business

Response:

December 19, 2013

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 12/19/13 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 12/18/13. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.

Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent guality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth and asking for the person's email address or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours, as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that need to be made.

Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted], Exec Asst, placed an order on 5/22/13 for our Administrative Professional Update publication. We were provided with a birth date of [redacted], as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our records show the email went through without any problems.

The birthday information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 5-month period of time.

Thus the goods that were ordered by [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests. It does not show that we ever received a cancellation on this account or mail returned as "undeliverable". If we had we would have cancelled the account immediately.

With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.

However, if neither paid nor cancelled after 5 months, 2 warning notices plus an additional 30-day wait period the account may be turned over for collection. That is what happened in this instance.

As a courtesy we did contact the collection agency on 12/19/13 and advised the agency to cease collections and cancel the account. They have assured us that will be done. There will be no ramifications due to this account being turned over for collection and there is no money due or owing on the account.

While researching this complaint we did find that this company has done business with us in the past and is aware of our cancellation policy. We found many different trial subscriptions had been accepted before; 5-paid in full accounts and other accounts were cancelled as we instructed.

Please know that we do business continually with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.

All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.

Please feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####. Thank you.

Review: We received numerous harassing phone calls from a collections agency purporting that we owed money on a magazine subscription. Allegedly a former employee "verbally ok'd" the subscription from us. They claim that because we never sent back the invoice canceling the subscription we owed them money. We never received an invoice or heard about any magazine subscription until the collections agency called us. After repeatedly being harassed, we paid the invoice. The company can furnish no proof that we ever ordered or received their magazine. Numerous other individuals have brought up the same issue. More details can be found here: [redacted].Desired Settlement: We would like a refund on the charges we were forced to pay to stop harassing phone calls from a collections agency. We would also like this business investigated and possibly shut down for engaging in fraudulent practices. We are also considering taking further legal action against this company.

Business

Response:

March 6, 2013

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 3/4/14 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received 2/18/14. After review, of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.

Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on-line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth and asking for the person's email address or fax so we can send a written confirmation of the order within 24 hours, as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that need to be made.

Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that someone who identified themselves as [redacted], H/R Generalist, placed an order on 5/14/13 for our What's Working in Human Resources publication and we were provided with an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy.

Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 5-month period of time.

Thus the goods that were ordered by [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests. It does not show that we ever received a cancellation on this account or mail returned as "undeliverable". If we had we would have cancelled the account immediately.

With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.

However, if neither paid nor cancelled after 5 months, 2 warning notices plus an additional 30-day wait period the account may be turned over for collection. That is what happened in this instance.

As a courtesy we did contact the collection agency on 3/5/14 and they advised us that they did receive payment ($299) on 1/16/14. The agency has reinstated the account so they will receive that remaining issues of the 1-year subscription. Once the account expires there will be no further issues, invoices or renewal notices sent. We have placed a "do not renew" on the account on 2/18/14. There will be no ramifications due to this account being turned over for collection and there is no money due or owing on the account. Please be advised once the collection agency has been paid there can be no refunds made.

Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.

All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.

Please feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####. Thank you.

Review: My department received a phone call offering a free sample of their product. They noted not charges would be made and publication could be canceled at any time at no cost. The product arrived along with an invoice for $254. Immediately sent a letter in the provided return envelope attempted to make contact to return a full product (not a sample) that we did NOT order. I simply received another bill, this time for $124.95

I sent a full letter demanding an explanation for the misrepresentation of a free sample that turned into an invoice for a product. I requested a return label. I received a third bill, but cannot find a real live person to talk to. I have been through their customer service recording several times and cannot find a real person to talk to. Their voice mail states that the product can be sent back using their online label on their websiteDesired Settlement: I would like them to stop contacting our department with bills, other than to send a return label for their item that was purported to be free, that they are now trying to invoice us for.

Business

Response:

September 4, 2014Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your email of 9/3/14 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 9/2/14. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address and asking for the person’s email or fax number so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours. This serves to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that need to be made.Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted], Police Chief, placed an order on 6/3/14 for our Encyclopedia of Public Employment Law book and its companion newsletter and he provided us with an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our computers show that the confirmation went through without any problems.Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the book, newsletters and invoices over a 3-month period of time.Thus the goods that were ordered by Chief [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests.With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it and the book to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry’s general custom.As a courtesy we cancelled this account on 9/3/14 as requested. There is no money due or owing on the account.We initiated a request on the same day that the name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30-days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If any company information changes our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, simply call us and we will remove that version, too.While researching this complaint we did find that this company has done business with us in the past and is aware of our cancellation policy. We found a few different trial subscriptions had been accepted before and cancelled as we instructed without issue. Further, while searching we found they did cancel the newsletter portion on 7/7/14 but have yet to return the book.Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and our excellent customer service.All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour /7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of Calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at [redacted]. Thank you.Cordially,Sylvia N. Dir. Of Subscriber Services

Review: [redacted], the collection agency for Progressive Business Publications, is threatening to report our company (I'm assuming to [redacted] and/or other credit rating services) for non payment. The product, "The Selling Advantage" newsletter was misrepresented in price. The product was cancelled and a settlement price was agreed to for product received from Nov'13 - April '14, until it was discovered that there are two prices publicized - the invoice price of $295/yr and one in microscopic print at $94.56/yr on the actual newsletter. There was no follow up invoice by the company for the settled upon fee. The fee was not paid. Today the hope was to renegotiate the settlement but the outcome was that our company is to be "reported". There are multiple complaints against this company and the whole situation is sketchy at best. The collection agent is looking for $500 dollars now to clear the debt and to put our company name in good standing.Desired Settlement: $47.43 payment for 6 months of newsletters received is willing to be paid

Harassing phone calls to cease

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted] :Thank you for your email of 9/10/14 regarding the above referenced agency complaint that you received on 9/10/14. After review, we would like to respond to your letter with the following detailed explanation.Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the mailing address, asking for the month and day of the person’s birth date and asking for the person’s email address or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours. This serves to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that need to be made.Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted]i, Mktg Mgr., placed an order on 11/6/13 for our Selling Advantage publication and he provided us with birth date information as [redacted] as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked cancellation policy. Our computers show that the confirmation went through without any problems.The birth date information is obtained, in part, to verify the Conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletter and invoices over a 5-month period of time.Thus goods that were ordered by **. [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. Our computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests. It does not show that we ever received a cancellation on this account or mail returned as "undeliverable”. If we had we would have cancelled the account immediately.With all telephone Orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment . required, as is the publishing industry’s general custom. However, if neither paid nor cancelled after 5 months, 2 warning notices, plus an additional 30-day "wait period” the account may be turned over for collection. That is what happened in this instance.**. [redacted] was receiving 5 copies of The Selling advantage which has a yearly subscription rate of $295.00. So the settlement that was agreed upon with [redacted] of $122.90 was for the (5) copies of ten issues at $12.29 per set of ( 5 ) . The S94 . 56 which [redacted] refers to is the yearly subscription rate for a single copy. Had [redacted] contacted the Customer Service rep who had offered the settlement with questions we would have gladly explained the different in cost.As a courtesy we contacted the collection agency on 9/10/14 and advised the agency to cease collections and cancel the account. They have assured us that will be done. There will be no ramifications due to the account being turned over for collection. There is no money due or owing on this account.Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of companies who regularly place repeat orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.All of our contact information is in our newsletter and contains Our toll free telephone number. We, also have a 24 hour /7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribersPlease contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at [redacted]Cordially yours,Sylvia N. Dir. Of Subscriber Services

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:

Review: I received a phone call in my Church office from a rep stating that she wanted to know if she could send info about "Administrative Professional Update". I told her just send to my email, the one I provided for her with just information and I told her I'll look into it when I have time. I received several pieces of mail, but I just figured they were junk...more advertising. This week I received a invoice from "Progressive Business Publications" that is their overall company's name stating that $253 is owed for the annual subscription price? But wait I never ordered any subscription or made a Username and password for their website which I never logged on. It also said on the invoice that written confirmation was sent to them on September 9th of 2014? Never sent anything like that either. On their invoice they have no phone number to call. If you have questions or concerns, which I find that to be very strange. I also wrote them a letter saying I was not paying for something I never purchased. I checked on websites saying that they were a scam company they say it's free and then they charge you and then the amount that say is owed is sent to collections. The company is a scam and misleads you with their conversation so either way they lead you to think they are just sending you simple info about their product when it turns out they're not. They're lying to you!Desired Settlement: I would like if the matter is true, not to be billed for something I never went through with especially if it turns into collections like people have said.

Business

Response:

October 20, 2014Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your email of 10/17/14 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 10/17/14. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth date and asking for the person’s email or fax number so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours. This serves to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that need to be made.Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted], A/A, placed an order on 9/9/14 for our Administrative Professional Update publication. We were provided with birth date information as [redacted], as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our computers show that the confirmation went through without any problems.The birth date information is obtained, in part, to verify the Conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same Computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 1-month period of time.Thus the good that were ordered by [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests.With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry’s general custom.As a courtesy we cancelled this account on 10/17/14 as she requested the same day she called us. There is no money due Or owning on the account.When she called on 10/17/14 we confirmed all the information that was given to us on 9/9/14 was correct and she verified that it was. Once we went over the telephone call and the confirmation, she was very kind and said she understood what had happened. The call ended on a good note.Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of companies who regularly place repeat orders due to their continued satisfaction and our excellent customer service.All of our contact information is in our newsletter. It contains Our address and telephone number. We also have a 24 hour /7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at [redacted]. Thank you.Cordially yours,Sylvia N. Dir. Of Subscriber Services

Review: the original complaint ID # [redacted] The resolution was to be "no further contact from the company" they have not removed us from their database. I received mailing for [redacted] and returned it "return to sender" and now [redacted]. I have returned it as well but not before I made a copy and sent a fax to them. reminding them of resolution and reminding them that they have to remove us from their database.Desired Settlement: removal of the company and any employees associated with the company name

Business

Response:

See Attachment:

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

The Birh dates for everyone mentioned are totally incorrect - [redacted] speaks to no one and we cannot accept or speak on behalf of any publication subscriptions for employees in the company. Many of the companies they "do business" with have many complaints about receiving newsletter they never asked for. I appreciate it if they Never contact us again via email, phone, fax or postal mail. We do not have the time to be sending mail back to them. Any mail received wiill still be considered junk and thrown out and if it does continue we will turn over the new mail to USPS Postmaster to investigate. On that note :

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

Review: Our company received a phone call from [redacted]. ([redacted]) on 10/14/2013 stating that they are representing Progressive Business Publications on a past due invoice for a publication that a former employee authorized on 15 March 2013. They stated we received 10 issues of this publications. I contacted all office personnel, accounting and office staff and we have never received any of their publication nor have we ever received any of their invoices. [redacted] stated that we have received 10 copies of this publication and the invoices were included with the publication each month. [redacted] stated that our former employee was baited with a free issue at first and if he did not cancel, then they would start billing each month. However, this former employee did not have purchase authority for our company. [redacted] then advised that they had the previous employees birth date and this makes it a legal and binding contract. [redacted] stated she was calling to give us the opportunity to pay this invoice prior to turning it over to the credit reporting agencies. I asked her to fax over a copy of the invoice and she sent over an invoice for $299.00 for one year subscription for a publication called "Safety Compliance Alert" - 12 months, 23 issues. Progressive Business Publications had [redacted] on the invoice and not as our company name states; [redacted]. Our company did not authorize or request this publication. I asked [redacted] for a name and phone number of Progressive Business Publications so I could speak with them and she stated that she is representing their company and she doesn't have any names or phone numbers.Desired Settlement: We are requesting that Progressive Business Publications and [redacted]. adjust this invoice off our account since we did not request or authorize the purchase of this publications. We feel their business practices are not ethical based on the bait for free ite** to employees of a company. They should have been issued a purchase order or contract from our company in order to authorize the purchase of the publications. We have no signed documents with either company authorizing this purchase and were not aware of any invoices until [redacted] called on 10/14/2013. Based on our research on the internet, we have noticed that Progressive Business Publications has a "F" rating with the Revdex.com with over 2,446 complaints filed and [redacted]. also has a "F" rating with the Revdex.com with over 910 complaints filed. These two companies appear to have been doing the same process to numerous other companies for the past years and appears to be their normal operations. It would be nice if these poor business practices could be stopped somehow.

Business

Response:

October 17, 2013

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 10/16/13 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 10/16/13. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.

Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth and asking for the person's email address or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistake or changes that need to be made.

Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that **. [redacted], Safety/Ops Mgr, placed an order on 3/14/13 for our Safety Compliance Alert publication. We were provided with a birth date of [redacted], as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked cancellation policy.

The birthday information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 5-month period of time.

Thus the goods that were ordered by **. [redacted] were sent. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests. It does not show that we ever received a cancellation on this account or mail returned as "undeliverable" or that "**. [redacted]" was no longer there. If we had we would have cancelled the account immediately.

With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.

However, if neither paid nor cancelled after 5 months, 2 warning notices plus an additional 30-day wait period the account may be turned over for collection. That is what happened in this instance.

As a courtesy we did contact the collection agency on 10/16/13 and advised the agency to cease collections and cancel the account. They have assured us that will be done. There will be no ramifications due to this account being turned over for collection and there is no money due or owing on the account.

We initiated a request on the same day that the company name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30-days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If any company information changes our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, simply call us and we will remove that version, too.

Please know that we do business continually with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.

All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.

Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####. Thank you.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me, as long as:

1. No charges are due or owed.

2. No collection actions will continue, and

3. No action was taken against our credit report.

We have double checked [redacted]'s old email account and could not locate any records about this publication as defined in their letter. We have also double checked the office and could not locate any of the publications that they stated they mailed to our office. We did notice that they had our company name incorrect in their invoices.

Regards,

Lone Star Relocation Services

Review: Our organization is receiving continuous invoicing from Progressive Business Publications (PBP). Invoice amount is $299 for an annual subscription that was not legally ordered by our company. The sales presentation via telemarketer was unclear, unfair, and sneaky in regards to an explanation of their subscription costs, full services, "trial offer", cancellation methods, and services offered.

We feel we were "tricked" into having to pay for this weak service. No warning was given to cancel this subscription, only upon receiving the initial bill, we began questioning this service.

After receiving invoices, we ran a search on the internet including Revdex.com website, only to find that PBP has an "F" rating and over 2,400 complaints received by the Revdex.com with similar complaint details of shady and sneaky sales and billing tactics.

We will not pay for these false erroneous services and DO NOT want this to go to their own collection company ([redacted].) which also has a "F" rating and from some sources is owned by the same person or company as PBP. How can this even be allowed to go on? Please sh in this country? PLEASE shut these guys down or make a law that states all details must be disclosed prior to somehow "obligating" yourself to any service.Desired Settlement: Do not bill, invoice, or attempt further collection. DO NOT contact us any further via phone or mail. DO NOT send any newsletters. DO NOT send to collections. STOP your unfair business practices and sales methods.

Business

Response:

April 14, 2014