Rodale, Inc.

Review: Rodale INC. sent me books and told me it was a free gift. Now they are asking me to pay for the books, which I did not order. I have researched this scam and may people are in similar situations. They are demanding that I pay $95.88. They have claimed that they sent my information to a collection agency, [redacted], [redacted], which I have also researched. [redacted], [redacted] is also a scam collection agency and they are unlawfully demanding money. Please help.Desired Settlement: I would like Rodale to stop sending me requests for payment and to abolish any payments on my account that they have unlawfully placed.

Business

Response:

Please 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: I was browsing the internet one day and came across the books "Eat This, Not That (2012)" I did not actually submit any order for the books because I changed my mind. There was no invoice or anything sent to me. A few days later I get a package and opened it up to find the books I didn't actually order. I have been away for the past few months and havent been at home, and when I returned I came to find letters from collection agencies. They want to charge me $54.97 for something I didn't even order. I have no idea how they could even ship something out without placing any orders. I dont want my credit affected by this scam company. I did some research online and found that many other people had the same problem. I still have the books laying on my table and would happily send them back. All I'm worried about is my credit being screwed up by these ss.Desired Settlement: I would love to send these books back to the scammers and never hear from them again. They are sending very threatening letters from collection agencies and I don't want to jeopardize my credit score.

Business

Response:

May 21, 2014Dear [redacted]:In response to your email of May 13, 2014, regarding consumer [redacted], our records show an order for the book Eat This, Not That2012, was received on August , 2012, via the Internet. A copy of the order page and confirmation email is enclosed.Enclosed with this letter is a Rodale Merchandise Return Label. [redacted] can use the label to return the book.[redacted]s account is at a zero balance. If he receives another notice from the collection agency, please disregard it. The account update may take up to a week to process. His credit will not be affected.[redacted]s name and address have been removed from our Book Division promotional list. A few more offers may be received because of items that have already been mailed or processed for mailing. His name and address have also been added to our suppression file which will restrict it from being used for any postal mailings, email offers, telephone offers, or sent to any other company.Please feel free to contact me if you need further assistance.Sincerely,

Review: I started to receive the men health magazine at my old address in MD around 07/2013. I called the 800# and emailed the company that I did not order/or want any magazine.Their response was it will stop delivery asap. I relocated to GA and just received an men health magazine with account # [redacted]and I received an [redacted] magazine with account # [redacted] on 01/21/2014.Desired Settlement: Want who ever is using my information to stop and for my address to be eliminated from their database.The inconviences of my time and invasion of my privacy an gift card/ or check for $50.00.

Business

Response:

January 31, 2014

Dear **. [redacted]:

In response to your letter of January 29, 2014, regarding consumer [redacted], our records show a [redacted] magazine order was entered for **. [redacted] on June 21, 2013. The order came through [redacted]. [redacted] is not a Rodale publication.

According to our records, when **. [redacted] moved, we received address changes from the United States Postal Service in November and December of 2013. This automated process resumed his subscription.

We have cancelled the [redacted] subscription. Any billing inquires need to be addressed through [redacted]. **. [redacted] can contact them at:

[redacted] Telephone: ###-###-####

Rodale prides itself on working with reputable companies such as [redacted]. We have taken all the steps necessary to resolve the issue. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused you.

Please feel free to contact me if you need further assistance.

RE acct #: [redacted]

Sincerely,

Review: I placed an order on May 12, 2014 order# [redacted]. I was charged $67.89 and I never received a shipment confirmation. I usually give a business a week to process information. It has been almost 3 weeks and follow ups May 22nd & May 26th with no response. I made sure my email client does not filter email coming from Rodale, Men's health, or Rodaleinc. My emails are cordial and direct.Desired Settlement: An explanation is good enough in that I have/had trust in the company and have ordered before. I wish to order new products but I am reluctant in the quality of their service now.

Business

Response:

May 29, 2014Dear [redacted]:In response to your email of May 28, 2014, regarding consumer [redacted], our records show an order for [redacted] Fit Bundle - Speed Shred and The [redacted] Workout was received on May 12, 2014, via the Internet. A copy of the confirmation email for the order is enclosed. I am sorry [redacted] did not receive a shipment confirmation.The IP address for the order is [redacted] and the email address used is [redacted].Our records show an email was received from [redacted] on May 22, 2014 questioning when his order would be delivered. A reply was sent by our customer service department the next day. A copy of both emails is enclosed. Our customer service department is waiting to hear from [redacted] as to whether a replacement shipment is still needed.Please feel free to contact me if you need further assistance.Sincerely

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: On February 8, 2013 I sent a [redacted] Money Order in the amount of $18.00 to Prevention and was stolen and was put in there bank. It was cashed on March 6, 2013. I called on several occasions only to be told to the money had not been received. It seemed as if the company did not care and was not doing anything. So after being told proof was needed on the $18.00 I took it up my self to purchase a copy of the cashed [redacted] Money Order which cost me another $25.00 dollars plus another $6.11 to send the proof certified mail. I have all these documents and sent them certified mail and email. My money has still not been found as of May 22, 2013 I FEEL LIKE IF I HAD NOT GOT PROOF (that cost me $25.00) OF THE MONEY ORDER MY MONEY WOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN RETURNED TO ME.

MY MONEY WAS STOLEN BY PREVENTION MAGAZINE/RODALE BOOKS.

I have documents off all of the proof I sent it to the company.Desired Settlement: A refund of my $18.00 stolen money order......a refund of my $25.00 that I had to pay for proof.......$6.11 for the certified letter I sent in on April 26, 2013.

Keep in mind this is not asking for the gas I spent to go back an forth to collect this information and the phone calls I made.

Business

Response:

Please 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: I received notice from Bicycling magazine (on behalf of [redacted]) that I will receive magazines and that in order to cancel this process I must call them. I had a subscription to Bicycling magazine many years ago but cancelled it then.Desired Settlement: I don't want to have call somebody to cancel a subscription I didn't sign up for in the first place.

Business

Response:

October 9, 2014Dear [redacted]:In response to your letter of September 29, 2014 regarding [redacted], our records show a Bicycling magazine voucher for three free issues was sent to [redacted] on behalf of [redacted]. He had the option of ordering a subscription, but because the voucher was not returned no order was entered.There is no money due on his account[redacted]’s name and address have been removed from our Bicycling magazine promotional list. A few more offers may be received because of items that have already been mailed or processed for mailing. His name, address and telephone number have also been added to our suppression file which will restrict it from being used for any postal mailings, email offers, telephone offers or sent to any other company,Please feel free to contact me if you need further assistance.Sincerely,Maggie SCustomer Service Manager

Review: On 6/15/14, I received a package from your company containing a book I did not orderI did not order and do not want the book "Lose The Wheat, Lose The Weight 30-minute (or less) COOKBOOK" by [redacted], MDAccording to the Federal Trade Commission's Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Trade Regulation Rule, any products sent to a consumer without his or her approval should be treated as "a gift." Under the FTC rules, I can consider it a gift and choose not to pay for itAlso, it is against the law for a company to send items without a person's prior approval and to try and collectThe fine can exceed $15,per collection attempt
Also, I am under no obligation to return the items at MY EXPENSE; however I will be sending the book back as well as everything else in the package including the [redacted] southern Recipes pamphlet via USPS Priority Express Mail (Tracking xxxxxxxxxxxx[redacted] ) costing ME $This is to insure there is no confusion or grey area as to your right to bill me for this book, your company sent me without my approval
Further, because I did not order this book and have retuned it, any reference to this on any consumer credit reports is a violation of the FCRA and if such a reference occurs I will seek a full judicial remedy as outlined by law
Finally, this is my official request to be removed from any and all RODALE sales and/or mailing listsMy name and address are not to be used by your company or sold or given to any other companyI request that RODALE update their records by removing me from their system as I am not and do not wish to be a customer
I feel horrible for anyone who orders a magazine from RODALEIt's unbelievable how hard it was to find the small print that says "If you decide to keep the product, simply return it with the invoice within days to the address listed below." I can't imagine how many innocent customers fall victim to this unethical sales practice and get stuck paying $plus shipping and handling on a book they never wanted or ordered! I bet Dr[redacted] would feel humiliated if he knew you were using this sleazy sales tactic to sell his book.Desired Settlement: I want the $it cost me to ship the book back via USPS
Business
Response:
June 25, 2014Dear **[redacted]:In response to your email of June 20, 2014, regarding consumer [redacted], our records show an order card was received by [redacted] for Lose The Wheat, Lose The Weight 30-minute Cookbook on May 24, A copy of the order card is enclosed.The bill for Lose The Wheat, Lose The Weight 30-minute Cookbook will be cancelled when the return is received**[redacted]'s account will then be at a zero balanceAccording to our records, a refund check for $was submitted on June 20, for the amount she paid for return postagePlease allow 2-weeks for arrival.Her name and address have been removed from our Book Division promotional listA few more offers may be received because of items that have already been mailed or processed for mailing**[redacted]'s name and address have also been added to our suppression file which will restrict it from being used for any postal mailings, email offers, telephone offers, or sent to any other company.Please feel free to contact me if you need further assistance

Review: Received two copies of "SET 2014 OG DESK CAL & GROW IT HEAL KIT." I did not order this kit, or any other item from RODALE. My sister ordered 1 kit, which she paid for. RODALE sent us a 2nd kit and billed me for it. They have been informed of this twice by phone (last ~Mar.'14). I am now sending written complaints.

Rodale was contacted twice previously by phone to inform them of their error after they started billing me. I have received approx 3 bills before the most recent, which is a collections notice. 3 different addresses are listed on the notice:

Customer Service

###-###-####

[redacted] CO [redacted]

and

[redacted], NY [redacted]

and this address for payment:

RODALE

PO BOX 6001

EMMAUS, PA 18098-0601

Copy of letter can be sent on request...Desired Settlement: Make a billing adjustment. Remove the account from collections. Notify any credit agencies that have been previously contacted that Rodale made an error, and request that said credit agencies correct their records by removing any reference to this problem. Send me a record of all contacts they have made with regard to this issue, including all requests for correction sent to the collection agency and credit agencies.

Business

Response:

May 12, 2014Dear [redacted]:In response to your email of May , 2014, regarding consumer [redacted], our records show two orders for the set 2014 OG Desk Calendar and Grow It Heal It, were received on December 17, 2013, via the Internet. One was paid for using a credit card and the other was a billed order. A copy of the order page and confirmation email for the billed order is enclosed.The IP Address for the two orders is [redacted] and the email address used is [redacted].Our records show that **. [redacted] contacted customer service on February 18, 2014. A merchandise return label was sent and return instructions were provided. The bill for the set 2014 OG Desk Calendar and Grow It Heal It has been cancelled. There is no money owed on the account. I am sorry his contact with customer service was unsatisfactory.The businesses that sent **. [redacted] billing letters were contacted and any record of his account has been deleted. Copies of those emails are enclosed.**. [redacted]s name and address have been removed from our book division promotional lists. A few more offers may be received because of items that have already been mailed or processed for mailing. His name and address have also been added to our suppression file which will restrict it from being used for any postal mailings, email offers, telephone offers, or sent to any other company.Please feel free to contact me if you need further assistance.Customer Service Manager

Review: On or about June 11, 2013 I order two books from Rodale Company one was the Flat Belly Diet for Men. In the ad from the Men's Health magazine if you ordered the book Rodale would send a second book as part of the purchase. I receive the Flat Belly Diet for Men but no second book. I called the Rodale service number and was told they would send the second book.

I then received an invoice via email for the $41.94 and emailed back that I had not received the second book and would pay the invoice once I received all products as stated in their advertisement.

I receive no response from the email.

A short time later I received a bill in the mail for the $41.94; I called the customer service number and explained the service person that I would be happy to pay the bill once I received all produces that were advertised in the purchase.

The service person told me that he had made note of the book not being sent and would send the second book out.

I received a second bill through the mail and called the service center and explained once again about the incomplete order as advertised and was told to disregard the bill until the second book was received.

On 10/21/13 I received a collection notice from [redacted] on the order which has never been fulfilled by Rodale.Desired Settlement: At this point I do not desire to deal with Rodale as I hank they have used deceptive or fraudulent advertising in the promotion and sale of their book the Flat Belly Diet for Men, having no intension of sending a second book.

I would like for Rodale to send me a RMA for the return of the book covering all of my cost.

I want Rodale to send me a written latter of apology and not to place any information on my credit report.

Business

Response:

October 30, 2013

Dear [redacted]:

In response to your email of October 24, 2013, regarding consumer [redacted]. [redacted], our records show an order for the book Flat Belly Diet for Men was received on June 3, 2013, via the Internet. The second book **. [redacted] was to receive is a free gift, the Restaurant Rescue Guide.

Our records show on October 22, 2013, **. [redacted] contacted Rodale Customer Service requesting the guide. The Customer Service Representative explained that the guide was downloadable and should have been accessible when he received his order confirmation email (copy enclosed).

The Customer Service Representative then informed **. [redacted] that the downloadable PDF file for the guide would be emailed to him within 48 hours and that she removed the two $4.00 late charges from his bill. **. [redacted] agreed to pay the bill for the book he received. The Customer Service Representative also provided her name and phone number for **. [redacted] in case he still had any problems.

**. [redacted]’s name and address have been removed from our Book Division promotional list. A few more offers may be received because of items that have already been mailed or processed for mailing. His name and address have also been added to the suppression file.

Please feel free to contact me if you need further assistance.

Sincerely

Review: I have sent three letters and asked this company to stop sending solicitations to my 91 year old aunt with Alzheimer's. She doesn't know exactly what she is doing. I'm tired of sending their books back. The last book I returned, 07/23/2013 and they still keep billing her. They ignore my letters and keep sending her stuff.Desired Settlement: I want them to take my aunt off their mailing list and stop sending books. I want credit for the book that was returned. They are owed nothing.

Consumer

Response:

My aunt's name is [redacted]. Her address is [redacted].

Business

Response:

September 23,2013

Dear [redacted]:

In response to your email of September 16, 2013, regarding consumer [redacted]. [redacted], our records show a book order for Nature’s Medicine was received for [redacted], **. [redacted]’s aunt, on July 2, 2013 via a telemarketing order.

The book was returned on August 21, 2013, and the bill was cancelled. **. [redacted] should not receive any further bills.

**. [redacted] also has a paid Prevention magazine subscription that will expire with the February 2016 issue.

Her name and address have been removed from our Prevention magazine and Book division promotional lists. A few more offers may be received because of items that have already been mailed or processed for mailing. **. [redacted]’s name and address have also been added to our suppression file. Please allow up to 10 days for all email suppression requests and 3 to 4 weeks for all other suppression requests to be fully implemented. Her book account has also been adjusted to reject billed orders with the address on her record.

Please feel free to contact me if you need further assistance.

Sincerely,

Review: I received a book from Rodale that I did not order. With the book came an invoice for the book and shipping and handling. The book arrived at my work address. In the days prior, I received several spam emails to my work email, along with an order confirmation email and a shipping confirmation email for the subject book. After receiving the book, I called the company to ask how the book was ordered and when. They said that they had removed my work email from their "list" along with my work address. I requested the date, time, IP address and any other available information to determine where the order originated from. The customer service representative on the phone said that the item was ordered on April 18, 2014 via an online order. I requested the IP address and the customer service representative told me that the IP request would have to go through another department. Their customer service department emailed me and told me that due to company policy, they could not provide that information directly. The email listed avenues that could be taken to get the information, including the Revdex.com. That is why I am submitting this complaint.

I am going to return the book. It is called "My Pet Chicken Handbook". I was billed for $23.98.Desired Settlement: I would like a letter printed on Rodale overhead explaining why and how the order was processed. Information should include method of order, date, time, and IP address (if online order), order call-in telephone number (if order called in), and/or copy of mail-in order form. As I said before, I am trying to figure out why I received the book. I would also like to know if the company is randomly sending mail offers, if my email and work address is on a mailing list (if so, where did Rodale get the mailing list from), and confirmation that I will not be receiving any further items from Rodale or it's associated businesses. If the order was placed by an individual, I would like all available information ( including information outlined above) on the order.

Business

Response:

May 28, 2014Dear [redacted]:In response to your email of May 22, 2014, regarding consumer [redacted], our records show an order for the book My Pet Chicken Handbook, was received on April 18, 2014, via the Internet. The order reached our fulfillment system at :30 pm. A copy of the order page, confirmation page and confirmation email is enclosed.The IP Address for the order is [redacted] and the email address used is [redacted].[redacted]Our records show that **. [redacted] contacted customer service on April 30, 2014. A merchandise return label was sent to her at this time. Attached is another return label incase she did not receive that one. The bill for My Pet Chicken Handbook has been cancelled. There is no money owed on the account.**. [redacted]s name and address have been removed from our book division promotional lists. A few more offers may be received because of items that have already been mailed or processed for mailing. Her name and address have also been added to our suppression file which will restrict it from being used for any postal mailings, email offers, telephone offers, or sent to any other company.Please feel free to contact me if you need further assistance.Sincerely,

Review: Company billed to my parent's home for a subscription to me, without my consent or knowledge.

A bill was issued for me to my parent' house for Runner's World magazine. I did not order the magazine or authorize the magazine be ordered on my behalf. I contacted the company via email on two different occasions and stated that I had not ordered the subscription nor did I want the description. Also, should I have actually placed the order, I would not have it sent to an address at which I have not lived for 10 years. After the second e-mail attempt made, I received a response stating that the company would cancel the subscription and the payment previously stated as "Required". Unfortunately, the billing mail continued to be sent to my parent's home; the last containing these phrases: "Despite several requests, you have neither paid nor offered any explanation as to why you have not paid our client Rodale, (this now coming from [redacted]) for the purchase of Runner's World Calendar 2013 (annual). Therefore we must assume this debt is valid and request payment in full. Your delinquent account has been reportedby out client to alliant, a consumer reporting agency, utilized by direct marketing companies. Consider your position in this matter: 1)Your received the item listed above from our client. 2)You were properly billed for this item. 3)Despite numerous requests, youhave not paid this legitimate debt."

This to me is harassment, and verging on fraud. The company is requesting I pay for something I never ordered. It also has taken far too long for this issue to be corrected, and now I am facing negative repercussions on my credit score. This is unacceptable business practice.Desired Settlement: I would like Rodale to contact all of the credit reporting bureaus to rectify the situation that they have created on my behalf. Should there be anything on the credit report that I have an outstanding delinquent payment to them, they need to provide the information to those agencies so that it is removed and does not affect my credit adversely now or ever again. Thank you.

Business

Response:

October 18, 2013

Dear [redacted]:

In response to your email of October 16, 2013, regarding consumer [redacted], our records show a Runner’s World magazine order and Runner’s World 2013 calendar order were received on November 11, 2012, via the Internet. Enclosed is a copy of the order page. A confirmation email was also sent to the email address on the order.

The IP Address used for both orders is [redacted] and the email address used is [redacted].

As requested, the Runner’s World magazine subscription was cancelled on February 4, 2013. The name and address on the account were removed from the Runner’s World promotional list. The name, address, and email address were also added to our suppression file.

The bill **. [redacted] is currently receiving is for the Runner’s World 2013 calendar. The bill and collection account for the calendar have been cancelled and will not affect **. [redacted]’ credit rating in any way. The report was also removed from [redacted].

The name and address on the Calendar account have been removed from our Book Division promotional list. A few more offers may be received because of items that have already been mailed or processed for mailing. **. [redacted]’ name, address, email address and phone number on her complaint have also been added to the suppression file.

Please feel free to contact me if you need further assistance.

Sincerely,

Review: This company states that I ordered a book from them in December of 2013, they sent the book to my old address on 3/28/14... I moved on 3/3/2014. I was notified by the current occupants of the old address that a package had arrived for me. I then returned the package unopened in the mail. This book was ordered as a 30 day trial in which I could return without payment if I did not want it. I didn't want it because it took so long to arrive I forgot I had even ordered it which is why I immediately returned it without opening it. This company, Rodale has continuously harassed me for payment for a book which is in their possession. I have told them 3 times by email that they have the book, I returned it unopened and am not responsible for payment of a product that was never open or used and returned to them but they will not stop. I told them about a month ago that I was filing a complaint if they did not update my account to a zero balance and leave me alone but today I received another notice that I owe them money.Desired Settlement: I want my account changed to a zero balance and notification that it has been done then I want them to stop contacting me. I do not want anything to do with this company.

Business

Response:

June 24, 2014Dear **. [redacted]:In response to your email of June 20, 2014 regarding consumer [redacted], our records show an order for the book Run Your Butt Off! was received on December 28, 2013, via the Internet. An order for the book Runner’s World Complete Book of Women’s Running was received on December 30, 2013, also via the Internet.The IP Address for the first order is [redacted] and [redacted] for the second order. The email address used for both orders is [redacted].A return was received for the first order, but not the second order. As a customer courtesy, we have canceled the bill for Runner’s World Complete Book of Women’s Running. There is no money owed on the account. I am sorry that **. [redacted] was not able to resolve this through our Customer Service department.**. [redacted]’s name and address have been removed from our Book Division promotional list. A few more offers may be received because of items that have already been mailed or processed for mailing. Her name, address and email address have also been added to our suppression file which will restrict it from being used for any postal mailings, email offers or sent to any other company. Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for the suppression requests to be fully implemented.Please feel free to contact me if you need further assistance.Sincerely

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: I ordered two nightgowns from RodalesI never received the itemsI called to report I never received themThe representative told me they would contact me within ten days with a responseHe said it showed delivered in their systemBut it was not delivered and I never received themHe said he would search the problem and report backTen days went by and no phone callI called them back to inquireThey said they were sorry it got stuck in their system and they still have no answer and they won't have any answerThe representative there was nothing in his power he could do other than make a note I had called againI asked for a supervisor and none was availableSo I was told I would get a call back within a couple of days if anyone could read the message he leftI received no call backI would like a full refund or the items I ordered sent priority mail.Desired Settlement: I would like a full refund or to receive the actual items in my orderI will accept either option if they arrive in good condition
Business
Response:
September 17, 2014Dear [redacted]:In response to your notification of September 3, regarding [redacted], we show [redacted] placed an order with us on July 12, for two Lace Trim Chemise Gowns.The package tracking shows they were shipped the following Monday, July 14,and was delivered to the final address on Saturday July 19,2014.When [redacted] contacted our customer service department on August 5th, we explained that the tracking showed the package as delivered and that we are not able to provide a refund for received goods.As a gesture of goodwill, we will contact [redacted] and offer to provide a one-time complementary replacement of the products, via a delivery method that requires a signature upon receipt.Please feel free to contact me if you need further assistance.Sincerely,Maggie SCustomer Service Manager

Review: We answered an ad for 5 complementary (free) issues of Prevention Magazine. Did not see (or pay attention to seeing) information regarding continuing to receive a year subscription (which we never wanted) for $24.00. We did not return a payment when they sent subscription bills to us because we did not want a subscription.Desired Settlement: I called Rodale to cancel this subscription and also sent a $24.00 check to ensure the collection agency removed our name we hope from their files. We want our credit rating un affected by this company practice and our $24.00 refunded if possible.

Business

Response:

April 19, 2014Dear [redacted]:In response to your email of June 16, 2014, regarding consumer [redacted], our records show an order for Prevention magazine was received on January 28, 2014, via a mailed in order card. A copy of the order card is enclosed.**. [redacted]’s Prevention subscription has been cancelled. As a customer courtesy, a refund check has been issued in the amount of $24.00. The refund check may take 2-3 weeks to be received in the mail. **. [redacted]’s credit rating will not be affected.Please feel free to contact me if you need further assistance.

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,